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How can I install Windows 11 on my SSD that's connected externally?

Anonymous
2023-12-30T00:47:45+00:00

I've been using Windows 11 for a while, and when the time arrived to switch to a new PC, all was good until I messed up the NVMe slot on my motherboard in the middle of building said new PC. Thus forcing me to run my PC through an external SSD. I had to install Windows on it using my old laptop and the disc I bought, but Windows was very adamant about not supporting installation on external drives. So I had to download a third party program to install it onto the SSD, but it only allowed me to install Home Edition and not Pro which is what I bought because the program wanted me to subscribe to their services to install Pro, which I thought was complete BS as I already paid for the Windows 11 Pro disc and the program wasn't letting me use the "whole" disc, so to speak. Now I'm stuck with the Activate Windows text in the bottom right and I can't customize things at all. So if there's anyway I can actually fully install the OS onto this SSD, that'd be nice.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

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  1. DaveM121 888K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-01T10:54:30+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Very Important - disconnect totally from the Internet

    Open the Settings App (Gear icon on your Starr Menu)

    Go to Update and Security - Activation

    Click Change Product key

    Enter this generic product key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

    When prompted, click 'Activate Product'

    If the above does not work first time, restart your PC and try again.

    Note the generic key will cause the Home edition to upgrade to the Pro edition, then your own legal licence will activate after you restart (not shut down) your PC

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  2. DaveM121 888K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-01T15:43:20+00:00

    Glad to help!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-01T15:42:21+00:00

    Yes! That did the trick. Thank you so much.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-30T08:24:16+00:00

    Please read the reason why this is an issue in the first place again. The slot for my NVMe drive is messed up. Therefore I cannot put it in there. It's broken. If it worked, I wouldn't be here right now. What even are the dangers/risks? I'm running it off the SSD right now, just not the version I have my prodcut key for. As I've explained, the program I used wanted me to subscribe to their services to install Pro. My question is if there's any way I CAN install it. I'm getting tired of the Activate Windows text and the inability to change some stuff due to being on an unactivated copy of Windows.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-30T04:27:29+00:00

    Hello,

    Thanks for reaching out! I'm Microsoft user like you.

    To successfully install Windows 11 on SSD , You need to attach it to Motherboard slot so that it recognized in BIOS and during Windows installation, There an be risk if you try to Install Windows 11 on External disk and not supported method by Microsoft.

    Hope this helps.

    In case of additional questions, reach out back to me, and I will be happy to help and try our best to resolve your issue.

    Best Regards,

    Prakash

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