Windows 10: New HDD with new windows installation won't work without old HDD with windows installation

Hello, I got a pre-built PC with windows 10 like 4 yers ago and have changed multiple parts on it except the HDD. This HDD had was old an making noses and had to get a new HDD because my my PC wouldn't boot on the old one. So I was able to get the USB windows installer and installed windows on my new drive. I then tried to boot to that new installation without the old HDD connected and it wouldn't boot to windows. I then connected the old HDD with windows still on it and it booted. Does anyone know why this is?

:)

 

Fresh Windows 10 install on new HDD

Hello,

Please refer this step-by-step guide to make clean install:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...ndows-10/1c426bdf-79b1-4d42-be93-17378d93e587

Let me know if this helps!

 

Installing a new HDD to replace a HDD of the same size that failed.

I have a Windows 10 OS installed on my C: drive. I had data stored on an HDD designated as D: drive. That second drive failed and was replaced by a new HDD. Both are the same size and type of drives, except different manufactures. The new HDD is not
listed in File Explorer. It is listed in Computer Management under Device Manager as a Disk drive. Disk Management under Storage does not list the new HDD.

I have tested the new HDD with software downloaded from the manufacture and it has passed all tests. At least that software was able to access the new drive and perform low level tests to see if it is operational.

Looking at the events log for this HDD, I find an event warning that says "Device ... was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match." Opening up the properties indicates drivers have been installed. Reading the volume information results in: "Volume
information for this disk cannot be found"

I suspect that the problem with the volume information is associated with the warning in the event log. I removed the HDD, restarted the PC then shut it down to start the installation process over again. No change in the event log or status of the new
HDD. Can anyone suggest how I can get past that warning?

 

Can i install windows 10 to a new hdd and reactivate it in that new hdd.

I am replacing my internal hdd where the windows 10 is installed. So is it possible to replace the old hdd with a new hdd and still retain the activation?