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Transfer OS to new hard drive

Anonymous
2019-02-06T18:12:15+00:00

Hello, I just ordered a new Seagate Barracuda 2tb HDD for my desktop and i was wondering how i could go about transferring my Windows 10 OS over along with some other software i have downloaded. I plan on combing my two hard drives into the new one, and trashing the older/smaller ones.

What would be the steps i follow to ensure i do this successfully?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. DaveM121 871.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-02-06T19:07:40+00:00

    Hi Caydog17, to have a responsive and reliable system, your best option is to backup your data, clean install Windows and your applications . . .

    You can reinstall Windows 10 at any time and it will not cost you anything !

    Since you previously had Windows 10 installed and activated on that PC during the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC', and activation will not be an issue, your PC will have a digital entitlement stored on the Microsoft Activation Servers

    Make sure you install the same Edition of Windows 10 (Home, Pro . . . etc.) you previously had installed to avoid Activation issues

    Click this link:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

    to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can download the latest Windows 10 ISO (Select Create Installation Media for Another PC), you can create a bootable USB flash drive (min 8GB) using that tool

    Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 10

    If you have problems booting from a boot disc, you may have UEFI BIOS:

    Insert the Bootable Installation Media, then go into your BIOS and make the following changes:

    1. Disable Secure Boot
    2. Enable Legacy Boot
    3. If Available enable CSM
    4. If Required enable USB Boot
    5. Move the device with the bootable disc to the top of the boot order
    6. Save BIOS changes, restart your System and it should boot from the Installation Media

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-06T18:18:05+00:00

    Hello Caydog17

    My name is Patricia and I am an Independent Advisor. I am here to help you today.

    It's rather easy.

    You need to perform a clean install on your new HDD.

    To avoid any mess, disconnect your old HDD during install.

    Then connect with your Microsoft account and W10 will be activated.

    After clean install, you can move data to new HDD and reinstall your programs;

    Please let me know if it helps.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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