Swap drives and move Windows 11 to other drive with digital license

Question

Hi,

my laptop came with a digital license for Windows 11 Pro.

This license is now linked with https://account.microsoft.com/devices, where my device is also now listed.

The laptop is configured with two M.2 SSDs, a small drive currently connected to a PCIe 4.0 port on first position, and a bigger drive (2 TB) connected to a PCIe 3.0 port on second position.

Windows is currently installed on the first (smaller) drive.

After some speed measurements I now want to swap the 2 drives, so that the bigger drive is then connected to the fast PCIe 4.0 port on first position.

After performing the swap of the 2 drives, i plan to move or reinstall Windows to an appropriate partition on the bigger drive, then on first position.

For me it does not matter whether Windows is moved or reinstalled, as there is no essential data stored on this laptop at this moment.

Data on the smaller drive, then on second position, would be erased, including the current Windows installation. I plan to install a parallel Linux on this smaller drive.

My primary concern is:

(1) Does swapping drives and moving/reinstalling Windows in this way invalidate the digital license ?

Two other questions come to my mind:

(2) Would you recommend moving or reinstalling Windows ? Which is easier ?

(3) Any tips or ideas about other Windows-related potential risks i should consider beforehand ?

Thanks for help

Answer 1

Hi,

1. Moving drives around won't invalidate your license. It would require you to do things like replace your motherboard, and CPU before your license is invalidated, so you should be fine swapping them, adding more, or even completely replacing them.
2. Personally, I always recommend a fresh reinstall, when moving Windows to a new drive, or partition. Reason? Cloning a windows install partition/drive, then booting from the cloned drive can (more often than not) be problematic, and too much of a pain. Reinstalling is always easier in my opinion.
3. Risks? You will lose any data that hasn't been backed up, and you will have to reinstall any apps that you previously installed. Also, if you're not using the original install media that came with your computer (restore partition/CDs, depending on your computer), you will likely lose any apps that were preinstalled by your computer manufacturer.

Tip: If you're not using the original install media that came with your computer, you may need to manually go to your computer manufacturer's website to get the latest drivers, and software for Windows on your PC.

Tip2: Install Windows, before you install Linux. This saves you from having to manually specify Linux as your boot loader in the UEFI/BIOS. Linux boot loaders will automatically add an option to boot into Windows, where Windows will not add Linux to it's boot options, forcing you to boot directly into Windows, and doesn't make it easy to add new boot options. I run a dual boot with Windows, and Linux, and this is how I always do it.

Sources: I've been providing technical, and hardware support for Windows PCs (mainly for friends), since the early 2000's. I've also been using Linux regularly for the last 3-4 years as well.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Hi Peerza,

Good day! This is Jhakesong and I will be happy to assist you with this.

(1) Does swapping drives and moving/reinstalling Windows in this way invalidate the digital license ?

Answer: Since your license is already digital, swapping out SSDs won't have any effect on the validity of your license. Once you reinstall it on the other drive, it will automatically activate using your digital license.

(2) Would you recommend moving or reinstalling Windows ? Which is easier ?

Answer: It is easier to do a clean install and it will save you from issues that might arise since you are starting out clean. Saves you time also from doing a clone of your hard drive and restoring it on the other one.

(3) Any tips or ideas about other Windows-related potential risks i should consider beforehand?

Answer: A major one is after installing windows, make sure you install all the updates to avoid issues from happening. These updates usually contain drivers that your hardware need to function properly.

Let me know how it goes. Have a great day!