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Changing os location

Anonymous
2024-01-03T16:48:20+00:00

Hello.

My PC has one SATA hdd and two NVMe ssd's, My os (win 11) is currently downloaded and running on the hdd, but i would like to change it to one of the ssd's for faster boot etc. (I still have the usb stick i downloaded windows with for the first time, but that was win 10 and i would like to keep win 11) Now completely resetting my pc is not a problem since i dont have anything important stored on any of the storage devices, and everything is saved either in the cloud or on the internet. How is the safest and easiest way to change my boot drive and to change the download location for windows?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. David-M 110.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-03T19:09:35+00:00

    The information I provided is already in a simple and detailed format.

    Let me know at which stage you have questions, and I'll try to provide more details.

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  2. David-M 110.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-03T17:27:59+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    I suggest you perform a clean install of Windows 11 on the SSD where you want it to be installed. This way, you will have a faster boot instead of transferring the currently installed OS through cloning software.

    You will need to use an installation media.

    If you don't have an installation media, create one using the Media Creation Tool.

    https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2156295

    Run the tool on a working computer and follow the on-screen instructions.

    You can create the installation media on an empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB.

    I suggest removing the drives where Windows will not be installed to make it easier to identify the drive where you want to install Windows.

    With the installation media, perform a clean install as instructed under "Use the installation media to perform a clean install" in the article below.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/rei...

    In your case, start the computer using the installation media and proceed from step 4.

    After finishing the clean install, put the old drives back in and make sure the SSD where Windows is now installed is at the top of the boot priority in the computer's BIOS.

    Then, see the article below for instructions for formatting the HDD if you want.

    https://support.microsoft.com/windows/create-an...

    See the procedure in "To format an existing partition (volume)".

    Feel free to ask back any questions.

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  3. David-M 110.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-03T20:05:48+00:00

    Yes. Instructions are under "Use the installation media to perform a clean install" in this article.

    But in your case, start the computer using the installation media and proceed from step 4.

    For more details on how to start your computer using the installation media, I suggest consulting your computer/motherboard manual. The procedure has some differences on each computer/motherboard.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-03T19:38:34+00:00
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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-03T18:28:38+00:00

    Would it be possible to explain a little simpler and more of a step by step guide, and with a little explenation. I just want to make sure i do everything correct and don't mess anything up, and if there is any information about what i have like hardware etc. just feel free to ask for it:) Thank you!

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