Windows 10: Can I move Windows 10 to M.2 but leave everything else?

Discus and support Can I move Windows 10 to M.2 but leave everything else? in Windows 10 Ask Insider to solve the problem; I got an M.2 SSD and I am wanting to put Windows10 on it and have my PC use the M.2 when it boots up. I don't really need my other files transferred... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Ask Insider' started by /u/ignite_aim, Feb 14, 2020.

  1. Can I move Windows 10 to M.2 but leave everything else?


    I got an M.2 SSD and I am wanting to put Windows10 on it and have my PC use the M.2 when it boots up. I don't really need my other files transferred because they are on a 2.5" SSD and it is fast enough. I just want Windows on the new drive. Is there a way for me to do this or will I have to either start over or clone my existing drive?

    It was a big pain getting all the drives and everything else on my SSD so I am trying to only move Windows if that's possible.

    submitted by /u/ignite_aim
    [link] [comments]

    :)
     
    /u/ignite_aim, Feb 14, 2020
    #1
  2. topgundcp Win User

    No Boot, Drives Not detected, Can't Load Win10 Pleses Help!

    Until the BIOS sees your M.2, there's nothing you can do. It does not matter if the M.2 is unformatted/unallocated, the BIOS should see it.
    1. Suggest that you take the M.2 out, clean all the contacts and re-seat it and hope this is the case.
    2. If step one fails. Connect your 250GB SSD back in using one of the SATA port to see if the BIOS recognize it. If it doen't, then it might be something wrong with the MB, if it does then boot up the Windows Installation USB, run diskpart, shrink it at least 40GB then create a partition, Leave it unallocated then install Windows there.

    Also try to re-seat all other components such as Memory, Video card etc...
     
    topgundcp, Feb 14, 2020
    #2
  3. Ahhzz Win User
    Windows 10 Tweaks

    Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

    Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

    • Open a new Explorer window.
    • Click View in the ribbon.
    • Click Options.
    • Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
    • Click OK


    credit to Lifehacker.
     
    Ahhzz, Feb 14, 2020
    #3
  4. Lagged Win User

    Can I move Windows 10 to M.2 but leave everything else?

    M.2 SSD not being able to boot from it, windows doesn't recognise.


    Ok, this is what happened after all the comments and suggestions, @Dude: Thanx for the video, my mb had non e of those settings, it had the raid/option memory gene or achi. Can only choose one or the other. @Saltgrass, my settings did point out auto and enabled the pcie x4, gen 3. I did an bios flash as suggested, because my bios was not the latest version, after a reformat the m.2 was picked up, still cant install OS onto it as it states legacy not found, removed my dvd rom from the sata port to another, and the drive was found and installed. Only issue now is that it's still not my OS drive but it at least now works and is installed, but on the Intel rst drive the obtain memory gene option to enable is greyed out, and shows as disabled. However the program lists the M.2 and it is working 100%,. I installed overwhatch onto it, it performs perfectly. But will update the intel driver tonight and see if that makes any difference. Seems the bios flash enabled the settings listed by @Dude that was not present pre-flash.

    So the m.2 drive works. I can game off it and install omnto it. Can not install windows on it, gene memmory is enabled, pcie x4 is on and on auto detect, Motherbaord lists all the drives connected, motherboard ahs been updated to latest bios. After flash new settings became available, m.2 is now on memmory gene enabled not achi, windows os is enabled and fast boost is enabled, intel rst is installed and lists all the ssds and the m.2, however the m.2 on memmory gene is dissabled and the option to enable is greyed out. Will update the driver as Essenbe suggested of the m.2 and see if anything changes. Thank you all for the help, I can now atleast use my m.2
     
    Lagged, Feb 14, 2020
    #4
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Can I move Windows 10 to M.2 but leave everything else?

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