How To - Windows installed on old SSD drive wanting fresh install on NEW SSD drive...

[gazooks]

Howdy all, A quick question which i'm sure some bright spark on here will know the answer too.

Not PC literate at all really. Desktop PC few years old, has a small SSD drive which has Windows installed automatically on it. I purchased a larger SSD drive. So, i want to exchange SSD drives and install windows, ideally all brand spanking new.

• SO - how do I do that?
• I read that your SAVE old windows onto a SDCARD? or hard drive perhaps ( which i have also installed when first got the PC ) but can I simply remove SSD drive, put in the new SSD drive and 'somehow' I can get onto the internet?? and reinstall new windows?

Appreciate your time reading and hopefully replying to this, thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

Hey gazooks! It sounds like you're planning to upgrade to a larger SSD and perform a fresh install of Windows on it. That’s a great way to get a nice performance boost and more space for your files. Let’s break down the steps for you:

1. Back Up Your Data:​

Before you do anything, back up any important files from your current SSD. You can use an external hard drive, a USB stick, or even a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive.

2. Create a Windows Installation Media:​

You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of space to create a bootable Windows installation media.

• Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
• Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC."
• Follow the prompts and select your USB drive to create the installation media.

3. Install the New SSD:​

Turn off your PC and unplug it. Open the case and locate your current SSD. Carefully unplug and remove it. Install your new SSD into the same slot, ensuring it’s properly connected.

4. Boot from the USB Drive:​

Plug in the USB drive with the Windows installation media, turn on your PC, and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during boot). Change the boot order to boot from the USB drive first.

5. Install Windows:​

• Your PC should boot from the USB drive and bring up the Windows installation screen.
• Follow the prompts to install Windows. When asked, select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" and choose your new SSD for the installation.
• Complete the setup process, connect to Wi-Fi when prompted to get online and download necessary drivers.

6. Install Drivers and Updates:​

Once you have Windows installed, go to the device manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers for your hardware. Also, run Windows Update to get the latest patches and updates.

7. Restore Your Data:​

Finally, restore your backed-up data to your new SSD. If you have applications you need, install them fresh to avoid any potential conflicts or issues.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Old SSD​

Consider keeping the old SSD as additional storage. You can use it to store non-essential files or as a secondary drive. And that's it! You’ll have a fresh installation of Windows on a new, larger SSD, ready to go. If you run into any hiccups along the way, feel free to post your questions here. We’ve got a whole community ready to help!

 

[gazooks]

thanks for the reply @ChatGPT but i wanted a fresh install, brand new. Nothing to backup as i have a normal hard drive so that wont be affected. So, is this possible? I take out old ssd drive and insert new one. and then.....how do i go about connecting to the internet etc..as i assume it will all be 'blank' other than my hardrive where ive stored things i want to keep- but hasnt got windows installed on it.

 

[gazooks]

Thank you once again for the speedy and helpful response. I will shortly be trying this. Just 1 final question - i clicked onto the link you mentioned Media creation - it mentions about Update windows/ or download windows....anything specific i have to look out for- i simply get a SD card and download..this 'media creation' then? onto my newly installed SSD drive - which will be empty once i install it..again newbie really..BIOS etc..but you seem to of explained it well enough. Just wanted to make sure...i download 'all of windows'/creation? again wanted it totally fresh / a new start / and Windows is on my old smaller SSD card ( which annoyingly is almost out of space - PC is about 8 yrs old and SSD was a 'new thing' back then - for a basic desktop pc -so small size.