Transferring Windows 10 to new Windows 11 system via clone/upgrade

KC Doe 0 Reputation points
2024-01-25T18:41:25.11+00:00

I have an old system that began as Windows 7 and was upgraded to Windows 10. I just purchased a new Windows 11 loaded machine since the old system did not have Windows 11 requirements. I want to copy my old OS to a new GPT NVMe and put that in the new system to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 (preserving all my settings/preferences/etc.)

I just used RUFUS to format the GPT as a Windows 10 boot install but haven't worked with GPT drives before.

  1. Is this drive ready to copy my old 10 partition onto and boot up the new PC? Or do I need to run a full 10 install via the new machine before copying the partition so the boot partition is configured to boot the 10 OS?
  2. Once this is done, can I use a 11 ISO file to upgrade rather than Windows Update doing it over the network? I think I saw this is an option somewhere online but would like confirmation that both methods are options and both result in the exact same results.
  3. As noted, I have a Windows 11 license for the new PC. When do I change the license key so I can continue to use my old 10 machine, as needed, and not cause confusion/lockouts from the Microsoft side of things?
Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2024-01-25T18:41:25.1166667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more
    1. It is recommended to perform a clean install of Windows 10 on the new GPT NVMe drive before copying the partition from the old system. This will ensure that the boot partition is configured to boot the Windows 10 OS on the new system. Once the clean install is complete, you can then copy the partition from the old system onto the new GPT NVMe drive.
    2. Yes, you can use a Windows 11 ISO file to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 instead of using Windows Update. Both methods should result in the same outcome.
    3. You should change the license key on the new Windows 11 system after the upgrade is complete. This will ensure that the new system is properly licensed and that your old Windows 10 machine is not affected.

    References:


  2. Hania Lian 21,196 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-01-29T07:34:46.2666667+00:00

    Hello, As far as I know, Microsoft doesn't support clone technology. Perform a clean install would a better choice. Check the new system’s BIOS mode is set to UEFI, as GPT disks require it. You can use a Windows 11 ISO file to upgrade your system. It always means an offline upgrade. So it is often faster and more reliable as it doesn’t depend on your internet connection. As for the license key, once you upgrade your Windows 10 to Windows 11 on the new PC, you should enter the new Windows 11 license key. Your old Windows 10 machine can continue to use its original license. Generally, as long as you’re not using the same license key on multiple machines at the same time, you shouldn’t have issues. Best Regards, Hania Lian

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