Windows 10: OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive

Discus and support OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; I want to use a new SSD to run my OS on my PC. I have a lot of data on my HDD and dont want it on the SSD but do want to keep it. I have read that... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by Ammaarqv, Jul 3, 2020.

  1. Ammaarqv Win User

    OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive


    I want to use a new SSD to run my OS on my PC. I have a lot of data on my HDD and dont want it on the SSD but do want to keep it.


    I have read that you shouldn't use an external drive that has Windows installed so how would i go about doing what I need?


    I.e. get Windows onto the SSD, replace HDD with SSD, use HDD as external drive, and keep data from HDD on HDD.


    Thanks!


    P.s. any guides or instructions to any steps would be great but if not then no issue

    :)
     
    Ammaarqv, Jul 3, 2020
    #1

  2. Is there can a external ssd drive be used as the main OS drive?

    Hi Robert,

    We don't recommend using an external SSD as the main OS drive. You can use an external SSD as the main OS drive, but you need to configure the BIOS of your computer for it to boot the OS from the external SSD. We suggest contacting your computer manufacturer
    for assistance on configuring the BIOS of your computer.

    Let us know if you need anything else. We're here to help.
     
    Martin Bar, Jul 3, 2020
    #2
  3. SEWsam Win User
    Moving OS to new SSD but keep Programs on HDD

    Hello,

    Is there any way to move/clone the OS to a new SSD while keeping the programs on the HDD (and being able to still keep the previous location association with shortcuts) (example: Shortcut on desktop: Location: (HDD) C:\Users\Sam\Desktop

    Name: Steam

    Target: C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\Steam.exe

    --> Moved to SSD: Location (SSD, as boot drive): D:\Users\Sam\Desktop

    Name: Steam

    Target: C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\Steam.exe <--- Target stays the same)

    Is this possible?
     
    SEWsam, Jul 3, 2020
    #3
  4. OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive

    Move OS to SSD leave data in HDD

    To do so, follow the steps below:

    Step 1.
    Clone OS to SSD
    .

    Step 2. Enter into BIOS and set the SSD as the first boot disk.

    Step 3. Change the old drive to D:\ (you'd better do a disk backup of the old drive in adavance).

    Hope my answer will give you a hand.
     
    Paper Plane-4567, Jul 3, 2020
    #4
Thema:

OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive

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