Windows 10: How to change boot to M.2 from HDD?

The original plan was to clone old M.2 to HDD but when I then tried to clone back to the new M.2 the clone software said that it was not able to be done because the size allocation was incompatible or something along those lines. I installed windows 11 on my M.2 from internet but the computer still says the HDD is the "Main drive" file explorer had the windows logo next it. I have tried to do a clean install of Windows 11 on my M.2 from BIOS via USB thumbdrive but it ends up just saying that Windows could not be installed. M.2 does not pop up in my available boot options, just the HDD, but t

:)

 

Changing boot hdd

I downloaded PartitionMagic8.0, but the partition i want to make is not bootable.
So the system boots from the old, loud hdd, and when i unplug the old, it doesnt boot.
Any advice or suggestions how to change boot hdd without reinstalling Winxp?

 

My m.2 ssd is recognized in bios, but not as a boot device

Thank you very much for reaching out! As an Independent Advisor and fellow Microsoft user, I'm more than happy to assist you.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue:

1. Check BIOS Settings

Ensure that your BIOS settings are correctly configured to recognize the M.2 SSD as a boot device:

• Enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module): Sometimes, enabling CSM can help the BIOS recognize the SSD as a boot device. You can find this option under the Boot tab in the BIOS settings.
  
• Set Boot Priority: Make sure the M.2 SSD is set as the first boot device in the boot priority list.
  

2. Update BIOS

Updating your motherboard's BIOS to the latest version can resolve compatibility issues with new hardware:

• Visit the ASUS official website to download the latest BIOS update for your ROG Strix B650 Wi-Fi motherboard.
  

3. Reinstall the SSD

Ensure that the M.2 SSD is properly installed:

• Remove the SSD and reinsert it firmly into the M.2 slot. Make sure it is securely fastened with the screw.
  

4. Initialize the SSD

If the SSD is new, it might need to be initialized:

• Boot into Windows using another drive, open Disk Management, and initialize the SSD as either MBR or GPT.
  

5. Check for Drive Mode Compatibility

Ensure that the M.2 slot you are using supports the type of SSD you have (SATA vs. NVMe):

• Some M.2 slots only support either SATA or NVMe, not both. Refer to your motherboard manual to confirm compatibility.
  

6. Repair Boot Configuration

If the SSD has Windows installed but is not recognized as a boot device, you might need to repair the boot configuration:

• Boot from a Windows installation USB, go to the command prompt, and use the following commands:
  
  
  This can help rebuild the boot configuration data.
  

7. Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above steps work, there might be a hardware issue with the SSD or the motherboard:

• Test the SSD in another system to see if it is recognized as a boot device.
  
• If the SSD works in another system, the issue might be with the motherboard. Consider contacting ASUS support for further assistance.
  

Please feel free to reach out if you require any additional assistance. I'm here to help!

 

cloning hdd to NVMe m.2

if i clone my hdd to a nvme m.2 using something like macrium will windows use the right driver for nvme on boot or would i need to reinstall to get correct drivers