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Windows 10 installation and drive formatting on new PC build

Anonymous
2021-10-12T19:16:01+00:00

Doing first PC build installing windows 10 by USB onto an nvme m2 if I boot from the USB how do I format and install on the m2 and do I format my other drive from within windows, Only changed components on old PC's with an OS already installed so never done from scratch appreciate any help.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-10-12T19:55:57+00:00

    Hi Stuart,

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Before you start disconnect any other drive that may be connected to your PC, you should only have the M.2. drive and the USB drive connected, this will stop a known bug in the installation process.

    There is no need to format the M.2. drive, the installation process will automatically create the required partitions on the drive.

    Boot from the USB and start the process

    If asked for a product key, skip that step.

    There will be a window with 2parge buttons, select the bottom button (Custom: Install Windows Only)

    On the next screen you should see that M.2. drive and it should be unallocated space, select that and click Next to begin the installation process.

    When the installation process completes, you can then connect the old drive

    If you are going to use that as a data drive, to remove Windows from the old drive, here are the steps.

    Move any data you need form that old drive temporarily to another drive, because this process will wipe that drive.

    Open Disk Management (accessible by right clicking your Start Button)

    Foe each partition on the old drive, right click and choose 'Delete volume'

    When the whole drive is marked as unallocated space, right click that and choose 'New - Simple Volume' and accept the defaults

    You will then have a totally blank drive to sue as a data drive.

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  2. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-10-13T11:47:51+00:00

    Hi Stuart, glad to help!

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2021-10-13T11:31:24+00:00

    Appreciate your help thanks.

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  4. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-10-13T10:51:57+00:00

    Hi Stuart

    Yes, new drives will be unallocated space, you should install Windows 10 in UEFI Mode, do not use Legacy BIOS, the installation media expects your BIOS to be UEFI and if you intend to upgrade to Windows 11, then it will only install in UEFI.

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-10-13T10:46:55+00:00

    All drives will be new out the box a second 500GB M.2 and a 2TB SSD so they would be unallocated already I assume? And does legacy or UEFI matter for the boot OS M.2 250GB?

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