Windows 10: New Computer with boot from SSD & old computer's boot HDD as secondary

Greetings. I just built a new computer with an SSD boot drive and the boot HDD from the old computer as a second drive. Both drives have Win10-1803 on them, and each is bootable in the new PC. In the interest of conserving space on the SSD, I want to install programs on both of them, keeping less frequently used stuff on the second drive. Since the HDD is bootable, I figure I may as well leave Windows installed on it. I'm also using it for the data folders recognized by the windows install on the SSD.

I have taken ownership of the program folders on the second drive, and plan to reinstall the less frequently used stuff in those directories. Since that will take some time, I want to make sure I'm not making a mistake.

Am I correct in assuming that, for the installs I make on the (HDD) second drive, program installers will interact only with the windows install on my (SSD) boot drive and not the one on the second drive? For example, is it assured that they will register with the registry on the SSD, and will use the Appdata folder on the SSD as well?

I guess I'm asking whether program installers always know from which drive the OS was loaded? In general, is it a mistake to leave Windows on the HDD?

Thank you for any advice.

:)

 

boot from cloned ssd installed on cd drive

"Currently, my objective is to keep the HHD as-is for backup and storage uses" - you will be able to do so. You just need to keep it on one side but out of the computer so that you can see the SSD in action on its own first. You have to put the
SSD in the original HDD's bay for the system to be able to boot from it.

There is no method for switching "between SSD & HHD just by changing the BIOS boot order or something like that". BIOS writers did not anticipate the use to which you want to put the CD/DVD bay. You have to put the SSD in the original HDD's bay
for the system to be able to boot from it.

When you are happy that the SSD boots correctly you can first try to put the old HDD into the caddy you have been using in the CD/DVD bay. Then try booting again. If the SSD cannot boot now [but could boot on its own] then it will be because of a clash
of disk "signatures". If there is a clash then you should put the old HDD into a USB enclosure so you can access it as & when required [but you might still have to remove it during booting up] but might eventually need to reformat it in order to use it in
that CD/DVD bay caddy so that you can leave it in the computer all the time.

I have done this job on two different computers.

• The SSD from which the system boots is in the original HDD's bay.
• The original HDD is in the CD/DVD bay [using the caddy that the SSD was in during cloning].

 

Changing Boot Drive from HDD to SSD

Trying to understand here.

Do you have Win-10 installed on a HDD and on a SSD?

If so are you asking how to get your system to boot from the SSD opposed the HDD?

If you don't get an option of seeing a boot option at the beginning of the BIOS process {mine is to press ESC to see boot menu] check with the manufacturer. There HAS to be a key which does that.

Another possibility is: If both drives are SATA just switch the cables and reboot.

Check your Configuration file and see if 2 OSs are listed.

As you can see here, I have mine set to dual-boot. Win-10 on a HDD and Win-7 on a SSD.