Windows 10: Changing from HDD to SSD and keeping Windows 10

I have problems with my 4-year-old HDD and it's causing my pc to crash and I want to change to SSD. How do I achieve this? I have backed up important files and can reload my purchased software but have no Windows 10 product keys on my Lenovo pc as far as I can see as in the past a book or cd was provided with this info. What is the best way to do this conversion to SSD without losing Windows?

:)

 

How to change a HDD being listed as SSD

Hi Peter,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

I will definitely assist you, as per your query.

Based on the description, please be informed that manually we cannot change the SSD to HDD. However, let’s try running hardware troubleshooter and check if it helps. Follow the below steps:

• 
  Press Windows + X keys on the keyboard and select Control Panel.
  
• 
  Type Troubleshooting in the search bar on the Control Panel.
  
• 
  Click on Small icon on the left navigation pane.
  
• 
  Click on Troubleshooting and click on
  Hardware and Device.
  
• 
  Click on Advanced on the Hardware troubleshooter dialog box and click on Run as administrator (Enter the credentials if required).
  
• 
  Click on Next and follow onscreen instruction complete the Hardware troubleshooter.
  

If the issue remain the same after hardware troubleshooting, I suggest you to go to BIOS and check what is HDD is listed on BIOS and let us know.

Hope the above information helps. If you need further assistance with Windows, let us know and will be glad to help.

 

Moving an activated key from hdd to ssd

Changing what Windows 10 is installed on doesn't change the licence so HDD > HDD or HDD > SSD will still be activated so long as the rest of the hardware is the same. A Windows 10 licence is registered against the device (motherboard) as long as the same
edition is installed, Home or Pro.

You will need to clean install to the SSD though, use the Media Creation Tool to create USB install media to install windows to the SSD Download Windows 10 select
to create media for another PC and select your USB flash drive. (8GB min)

I would suggest disconnecting the HDDs and install with just the SSD connected. All your programs and apps will need to be re-installed once you can boot from the SSD.

You will need to delete windows from the HDD manually deleting folders if you have other software that you want to keep.

 

advises ssd or keep hdd??

with SSD you get faster windows startup, faster gaming levels loading...

I suggest go with SSD !!

SSD are not so reliable for storage but for OS they are perfect.