Swap SSD between PCs

lafargeotte · Jan 17, 2022

I have two laptops of exactly the same make, model and spec.

One has been upgraded to Windows 11.

If the SSD from the Windows 11 machine is inserted into the Windows 10 machine, will it boot and run normally?

TIA.

The-Hive · Jan 17, 2022

I think UEFI would notice that

BunnyJ · Jan 17, 2022

lafargeotte said:
I have two laptops of exactly the same make, model and spec.

One has been upgraded to Windows 11.

If the SSD from the Windows 11 machine is inserted into the Windows 10 machine, will it boot and run normally?

TIA.

You can just try it out and see what happens.. just make sure you have a good backup of the contents.

lafargeotte · Jan 17, 2022

How would I do it, if I want to keep everything on the 'old' disk and move it into the other machine?
Update it to Windows 11 first and then swop the disk?

The-Hive · Jan 17, 2022

If you want to move the data from one to another use Aomei Backupper to create a file backup of all the files and folders you want and then install Aomei on the other machine and restore the files you want. It's a free program and easy to use. It may be best to update to 11 first and make sure all is well

Dch48 · Jan 17, 2022

I would think the drive would boot in the second machine but Windows might not be activated. It should be easy to fix that though.

If the computers are exactly the same with the same drivers and things, I would think the drive would be swappable.

jvickers · Jan 17, 2022

I'm curious as to why you would want to do this. Are both machines functioning? If so, I don't see a reason for the swap.

The-Hive · Jan 17, 2022

jvickers said:
I'm curious as to why you would want to do this. Are both machines functioning? If so, I don't see a reason for the swap.

I think the OP wants to move the data from the SSD from one machine to another by the look of her second post. hopefully she will let us know

BunnyJ · Jan 17, 2022

The-Hive said:
I think the OP wants to move the data from the SSD from one machine to another by the look of her second post. hopefully she will let us know

Using a data transfer cable would do that and much easier than swapping drives

jvickers · Jan 17, 2022

BunnyJ said:
Using a data transfer cable would do that and much easier than swapping drives

That's what I was thinking. Also, if she's looking to transfer data between the two drives, I can't see wondering if the system would boot. Is she asking if it would boot off Windows 10 or 11? I think we need a lot more detail.

lafargeotte · Jan 17, 2022

The PC on Win 11 is needing some work on it to repair the screen and some of the body. So I want to use the other machine in the meantime.

So maybe best to do the upgrade first, let Windows 11 avtivate, then swop the SSD?

PS - I am male :ROFLMAO:

The-Hive · Jan 17, 2022

Beg your pardon @lafargeotte. as @BunnyJ suggested cable transfer or I thought about using Aomei the choice is yours. The advantage of Aomei backupper is you will always have a back up of it.

lafargeotte · Jan 17, 2022

Everything will be backed up before any transfer.

I should have added that the Win 10 machine has a HDD, that is why I was wondering about just swopping the SSD.

jvickers · Jan 17, 2022

lafargeotte said:
PS - I am male

Sorry about that! That's what I get for making assumptions.

I don't think you'd be able to swap the SSD to the other machine without reactivating it. This is because hardware, especially the motherboard have their own digital signature so to speak (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Otherwise, people with identical builds would be able to clone a drive and use them on multiple systems without paying for Windows.

The-Hive · Jan 17, 2022

I agree with @jvickers as Windows will see it as new hardware. That is why I like Aomei for copying/backing up. Hopefully some expert will come on with a better answer

BunnyJ · Jan 17, 2022

lafargeotte said:
Everything will be backed up before any transfer.

I should have added that the Win 10 machine has a HDD, that is why I was wondering about just swopping the SSD.

I would just use a transfer cable.. it might take some time but it's safer to use in the long run. Or you can get a flash drive and move the data with that.

BunnyJ · Jan 17, 2022

The-Hive said:
I agree with @jvickers as Windows will see it as new hardware. That is why I like Aomei for copying/backing up. Hopefully some expert will come on with a better answer

Flash drive.. copy paste.. simple and done.

Dch48 · Jan 17, 2022

jvickers said:
Sorry about that! That's what I get for making assumptions.

I don't think you'd be able to swap the SSD to the other machine without reactivating it. This is because hardware, especially the motherboard have their own digital signature so to speak (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Otherwise, people with identical builds would be able to clone a drive and use them on multiple systems without paying for Windows.

Exactly, but reactivating by using the changed hardware option should work.

Dch48 · Jan 17, 2022

lafargeotte said:
Everything will be backed up before any transfer.

I should have added that the Win 10 machine has a HDD, that is why I was wondering about just swopping the SSD.

Ahh so they're not completely identical. Still it should work and then you will probably have to activate Windows by using the hardware change option.