Windows 10: Define New External SSD as Data Drive Instead of Current Internal Dedicated SSD.

I have two internal 1TB SSD drives in my Windows 11 23H2 system. The C: drive is dedicated to Windows system/programs, etc. The D: drive is my "Data" drive. It's dedicated to and is the location/target of all of my data, e.g. all libraries, Outlook data files, scanned documents, downloaded files, etc, all of which I had to redirect from the C: drive when I set up my PC originally.My plan is to used the existing internal D: drive for periodic system clones instead of for my "Data". I want to use an external 1TB SSD to serve as my Data drive as described above. I'm looking for the eas

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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)

 

How to Define an External Drive as a SSD?

Interesting, my SSD in a Sabrent case identifies as SCSI in Device Manager. Also have an HDD as SCSI.




DiskPart:

 

Use Internal SSD (With Windows 10 installed) as a Temporary External Drive?

Hi there,

This is Wil, one of the independent advisor, an expert with Windows 10 and a fellow Windows 10 user like you. I understand your concern about using Internal SSD as an external drive.

There won't be any problem with using your internal SSD as an external drive as long you will not alter or delete the Windows folder or anything inside it. The same goes for the Program Files, Program Files (x86), and the other hidden folder. If you want to use it as a temporary external drive, I would suggest creating a new folder on it that you can use a temporary save location.

I hope the information I provided will help you. If you need further assistance please do reply back and I will respond as quickly as possible. Have a nice day.

Thanks,

Wilfred P.

Independent Advisor