Windows 11 Install On New SSD Help


Skeet1983

Skeet1983

Well-known member
Member
Local time
8:42 AM
Posts
71
OS
Windows 11 Version 25H2
Hi guys. I have a laptop with Windows 11 installed on it, with the OS installed on an 2TB SSD. My laptop has 2 SSD's currently: The 2TB SSD with OS installed on it, and a 4TB SSD. Today, I ordered another 4TB SSD and plan to install the W11 OS on that, and still keep the other 4TB SSD in laptop as well. My question is, how should I go about installing W11? Should I do a Windows 11 reset, before installing the new 4TB SSD, and then install W11 on that? Thoughts and help on this greatly appreciated :)
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11, Version 22H2 (OS Build 22621.674)

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
The easiest way would be to make a full OS image backup of your Windows installation and save it on the 4TB SSD.
Then replace the 2TB SSD with the new 4TB SSD, and use the backup software's bootable media to "restore" the previously made backup, to the new 4TB SSD.

Another option would be to just do a clean install of Windows11 on the new 4TB SSD.

With the backup/restore method, you will get to keep all your current programs and data.
With the clean install method, you will then need to re-install all your programs.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1

  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
It looks like the laptop has two M.2 NVME slots. The quickest way would be to put the new 4TB drive in the second M.2 slot (temporarily removing the old 4TB drive, if that's an M.2 drive), and doing a direct clone of the 2TB drive onto the new 4TB one. Then swap the new 4TB drive for the 2TB one, and re-install the old 4TB drive in its slot (if it was M.2).
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 26300.9278Amd Threadripper 7970X128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    OS
    Windows 11 26300.9278
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D Rev. 1.0
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Innocn 32" OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    BeQuiet! Straight Power 12 1500W
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    SilverStone Technology XE360-TR5, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Cherry KC 500 MX LP (mechanical)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    2000/250 Mbps (down/up)
    Other Info
    xFinity gateway

  • At a glance

    windows 11 26300.9278Intel I9-13900K64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Operating System
    windows 11 26300.9278
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 27" OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Cherry Streaming (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
Agree with bobkn. Simple way is to use os migration feature in the free version of diskgenius. Or whatever software the manufacturer provides, samsung magician usually does a good job
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
Skeet1983 said:
and plan to install the W11 OS on that, and still keep the other 4TB SSD in laptop as well. My question is, how should I go about installing W11? Should I do a Windows 11 reset, before installing the new 4TB SSD, and then install W11 on that? Thoughts and help on this greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...
Since you make no mention of wanting to transfer the OS from the 2 TB SSD to the new 4 TB SSD, I would just create a Windows 11 USB flash drive using Microsoft's own Media Creation Tool. After that, make a folder on that same USB flash drive called Drivers. Export the drivers from the current Windows 11 to the USB flash drive:
www.elevenforum.com

Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to back up and restore all 3rd party device drivers on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. If you clean install Windows, you will need to install drivers for each device in the system. Some of these device drivers may no longer be available from the manufacturer...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

Replace the 2TB SSD with the 4TB SSD. Boot the computer from the Windows 11 USB flash drive and do the install of Windows 11 to the new SSD. If you need drivers, they will be in the drivers folder on the USB flash drive.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT32GBEVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 EducationIntel i7-8550U32GBNvidia Geforce MX150
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
NavyLCDR said:
Since you make no mention of wanting to transfer the OS from the 2 TB SSD to the new 4 TB SSD, I would just create a Windows 11 USB flash drive using Microsoft's own Media Creation Tool. After that, make a folder on that same USB flash drive called Drivers. Export the drivers from the current Windows 11 to the USB flash drive:
www.elevenforum.com

Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to back up and restore all 3rd party device drivers on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. If you clean install Windows, you will need to install drivers for each device in the system. Some of these device drivers may no longer be available from the manufacturer...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

Replace the 2TB SSD with the 4TB SSD. Boot the computer from the Windows 11 USB flash drive and do the install of Windows 11 to the new SSD. If you need drivers, they will be in the drivers folder on the USB flash drive.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the help and info! When I get the new SSD, I plan on just doing a clean install of Windows 11. You mentioned that I might need Drivers? Do I need them for and during the W11 install process? I plan on getting drivers after install. Further thoughts and help appreciated :)
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
Skeet1983 said:
Thank you for the help and info! When I get the new SSD, I plan on just doing a clean install of Windows 11. You mentioned that I might need Drivers? Do I need them for and during the W11 install process? I plan on getting drivers after install. Further thoughts and help appreciated :)
Click to expand...


It's very easy to "export" your drivers.
That way, IF you need one during the install, or maybe a LAN or wifi driver right after the install, you'll have them already.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1

  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
Skeet1983 said:
Thank you for the help and info! When I get the new SSD, I plan on just doing a clean install of Windows 11. You mentioned that I might need Drivers? Do I need them for and during the W11 install process? I plan on getting drivers after install. Further thoughts and help appreciated :)
Click to expand...
Many times a driver is needed for the network adapter to connect to the internet for the first time, and many computers require an IRST (Intel Rapid Storage Technology) driver to even see the disk during the installation process. To me it is just too simple to export the drivers to the same USB flash drive that the Windows 10/11 installation files are on if I am going to clean install to a computer that I am not sure will need stored drivers or not. Make the folder on the flash drive and it is one single command entered in a command prompt.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT32GBEVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 EducationIntel i7-8550U32GBNvidia Geforce MX150
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
NavyLCDR said:
Many times a driver is needed for the network adapter to connect to the internet for the first time, and many computers require an IRST (Intel Rapid Storage Technology) driver to even see the disk during the installation process. To me it is just too simple to export the drivers to the same USB flash drive that the Windows 10/11 installation files are on if I am going to clean install to a computer that I am not sure will need stored drivers or not. Make the folder on the flash drive and it is one single command entered in a command prompt.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the help and info! When I go to create the Windows 11 Install USB, will it already have Windows 11 22H2 on it?
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
Skeet1983 said:
I ordered another 4TB SSD and plan to install the W11 OS on that, and still keep the other 4TB SSD in laptop as well. My question is, how should I go about installing W11? Should I do a Windows 11 reset, before installing the new 4TB SSD, and then install W11 on that? Thoughts and help on this greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...
Another option, and the simplest, is a clone. Some SSD drives will ship with cloning software. Or if have a backup program, and it supports cloning, use that. You can clone a disk outside the machine, so no need to worry about installing the drive in the machine first. Simply clone the drive, check it, and install in the machine. I can't give specifics on the exact procedures as that depends on the software used. That said, you want to make an exact copy of the drive to include all partitions.

Here's an example of drive cloning using Aomei, but there of other software vendors as well; and as I said, the drive itself might ship with cloning software. Regardless, just follow the on-screen instructions and you should be fine. I've done clones a few times and they work.

Good luck
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4770)Intel Core 9 Ultra 285K64G (4x16) DDR5 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinu...Radeon (XFX Mercury) RX 9070XT OC (with Magne...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4770)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Core 9 Ultra 285K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z890 Xtreme AI Top
    Memory
    64G (4x16) DDR5 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (6400Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon (XFX Mercury) RX 9070XT OC (with Magnetic Fans)
    Sound Card
    Onboard (DTS:X® Ultra Audio: ESS ES9280A DAC)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27-inch Eizo Color Edge - CG2700X
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    4 Samsung NVM 990 Pro drives: 1TB (OS), 2TB, 2 X 4TB.
    PSU
    Seasonic TX-1300 (1300 Watts)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair Link Titan 280 RX RGB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    1TB Download. 512mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4061)Intel Core i9-9900K32gig (4 x 8) Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4...Radeon XFX Merc 7900XT (20gig)
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4061)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme
    Memory
    32gig (4 x 8) Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4 3600Mhz (B-Die)
    Graphics card(s)
    Radeon XFX Merc 7900XT (20gig)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24-Inch NEC PA242W
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 X NVME, 1 X SATA SSD
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 Watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Elite AIO Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1TB Download. 512mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    Backup System
Ghot said:
The easiest way would be to make a full OS image backup of your Windows installation and save it on the 4TB SSD.
Then replace the 2TB SSD with the new 4TB SSD, and use the backup software's bootable media to "restore" the previously made backup, to the new 4TB SSD.

Another option would be to just do a clean install of Windows11 on the new 4TB SSD.

With the backup/restore method, you will get to keep all your current programs and data.
With the clean install method, you will then need to re-install all your programs.
Click to expand...
Hey. I am wanting to go the clean install route when I get the new 4TB SSD, which will be this coming Tuesday. I also want to keep my other 4TB SSD in the laptop, but plan to wipe that also and start everything fresh. How would I go about doing this? The end result I want is for my laptop to have Windows 11 installed on the new 4TB SSD, and have blank/empty other 4TB SSD, for a total of about 8TB. I primarily use laptop for gaming. I created the Windows 11 Install USB, and also backed up/copied the currently installed Drivers to same USB, which NavyLCDR suggested to do. Am I going about this the right way? Further thoughts and help appreciated :)
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
Skeet1983 said:
Hey. I am wanting to go the clean install route when I get the new 4TB SSD, which will be this coming Tuesday. I also want to keep my other 4TB SSD in the laptop, but plan to wipe that also and start everything fresh. How would I go about doing this? The end result I want is for my laptop to have Windows 11 installed on the new 4TB SSD, and have blank/empty other 4TB SSD, for a total of about 8TB. I primarily use laptop for gaming. I created the Windows 11 Install USB, and also backed up/copied the currently installed Drivers to same USB, which NavyLCDR suggested to do. Am I going about this the right way? Further thoughts and help appreciated :)
Click to expand...


Just put the new SSD in the laptop, and do a clean install as mentioned in post #5 in this topic.
Once you have Windows installed and set up... get Minitools Partition Wizard (free). You can use that to do whatever you'd like to the old 4TB. Quite a few of us use Minitools Partition Wizard.


www.elevenforum.com

Clean Install Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1

  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
Ghot said:
Just put the new SSD in the laptop, and do a clean install as mentioned in post #5 in this topic.
Once you have Windows installed and set up... get Minitools Partition Wizard (free). You can use that to do whatever you'd like to the old 4TB. Quite a few of us use Minitools Partition Wizard.


www.elevenforum.com

Clean Install Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for all the help and info! When I got my laptop in 2021, it came pre-installed with Windows 10, but I upgraded to 11. Will I need a License key, or need to purchase a W11 License Key before proceeding with clean install?
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
Skeet1983 said:
Thanks for all the help and info! When I got my laptop in 2021, it came pre-installed with Windows 10, but I upgraded to 11. Will I need a License key, or need to purchase a W11 License Key before proceeding with clean install?
Click to expand...



No.

It will auto activate, when you get Windows installed.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1

  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
Hi again guys. When I go to clean install Windows 11, is it ok to have both of the 4TB SSDs in my laptop? I remember reading somewhere that Windows gets confused where to boot from during/after install? Thoughts and help appreciated :)
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
Skeet1983 said:
Hi again guys. When I go to clean install Windows 11, is it ok to have both of the 4TB SSDs in my laptop? I remember reading somewhere that Windows gets confused where to boot from during/after install? Thoughts and help appreciated :)
Click to expand...
I have never disconnected any drives and have done dozens if not hundreds of installs.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT32GBEVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 EducationIntel i7-8550U32GBNvidia Geforce MX150
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
NavyLCDR said:
I have never disconnected any drives and have done dozens if not hundreds of installs.
Click to expand...
Hey again, I successfully installed my new SSD, and reinstalled Windows 11! Yay! I have a new issue though: When I installed W11, it enabled OneDrive and started synching a bunch of stuff. I want to be able to use my laptop and have access to everything, not onedrive controlling stuff. I disabled syncing, but the path to my Documents directory, under my username, still has onedrive in it: "C:\Users\"Username"\OneDrive\Documents\". Is there a fix for this? I did switch to local account. Any help greatly appreciated :)
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Version 25H2Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Gra...32 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Version 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ADR10
    CPU
    Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    2x 4TB NVME SSD's, both M2 2280 Form Factor
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft/Windows Defender

  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz16 GBNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home 64-Bit (Version 2004)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XoticPC (Xotic PC GP17)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 3.30 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB VRAM
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Jay’s Zero‑Drift Windows 11 Install Method
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
RD Mercer
RD Mercer
Windows 11 installer starts to immediately give error saying the BCD on my computer is missing on every attempt to boot into the installer.
Replies
8
Views
1K
Celery
C
Windows 11 install resulted in 3 boot drives in BIOS
Replies
6
Views
2K
Ghot
Ghot
DIY Windows 11 install on new PC - steps to take
Replies
17
Views
12K
Trying to learn
T
"Microsoft Loosens Windows 11 Install Requirements, TPM 2.0 Not Needed Anymore" TechPowerUp
Replies
10
Views
23K
Steve C
Steve C

Latest Support Threads

Latest Tutorials

Back
Top Bottom