Windows 10: Booting Windows 11 from NVMe SSD re-connected via USB

My Laptop Lenovo came with an OEM Windows 11 Pro with a product key tied to the motherboard. I switched out the internal SSD for a larger one on which I installed Linux, and I got an adapter to connect the old SSD with Windows on it via USB.My expectation was that I would simply choose the external SSD to boot from in the UEFI boot menu and could boot Windows from the external device, since both the EFI partition and Windows system partition are on that. This, however, is not working and I get a blue screen with stop code INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. I can get into the recovery console and al

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Booting off of new NVME SSD.

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

It seems like your system's boot manager was located on the hard drive, which is why you're experiencing issues booting from the new NVMe SSD. Here's how you can try to fix it:

1. Set your NVMe SSD as the boot drive in BIOS: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup, but it may vary depending on your system). Once in the BIOS, find the boot order settings and set your new NVMe SSD as the first boot option. Save changes and exit the BIOS.
   
   Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.
   
   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
   
2. Repair the boot manager on your NVMe SSD: If setting the NVMe SSD as the boot drive doesn't solve your problem, you'll need to repair the boot manager. You'll need a Windows installation media for this (like a DVD or USB). Here's how to do it:
   
   • Insert the installation media and restart your computer.
     
   • Press the appropriate key to boot from the installation media.
     
   • On the Windows Setup screen, select your language preferences and click "Next".
     
   • Click "Repair your computer" (instead of "Install now").
     
   • In the next screen, choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
     
   • In the Command Prompt, type the following commands, hitting Enter after each one:
     
     bootrec /fixmbr
     
     bootrec /fixboot
     
     bootrec /scanos
     
     bootrec /rebuildbcd
     
   • Once the commands have finished running, type exit and hit Enter to close the Command Prompt.
     
   • Restart your computer.
     

If you're still having trouble, I recommend reaching out to a professional for further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Migrating Win10 to NVMe SSD

I am going to try what you suggested. I just tried using Linux Mint boot cd to hopefully erase the SSD. Unfortunately there seems to be some sort of encryption on the SATA SSD that prevents Linux from managing the SSD. Funny thing is I never used bitlocker on the SATA SSD.

 

Windows 11 installation from USB to bigger NVME SSD drive

Hello - I recently got a Crucial T500 NVME SSD and I'm trying to install Windows 11. I have Windows 11 installed on my current SSD (this is purely a space upgrade), so I know I don't have any hardware incompatibility, and the installed drive is visible on the install screen. But, after copying all the files, installing, and restarting, it does not boot to Windows 11 but back to the bootable USB. The BIOS do not even recognize the SSD as a bootable drive, and the installation media doesn't see any drive that needs repairing, so it's like nothing is happening. But, when I reinstall my original hard drive, I can access the new drive and I can see the Windows file structure added to the new drive (users, windows folder, program files, etc.) Any suggestions?