Windows 10: Performance of software installed on SSD vs HDD

I have 230 GB Nvme ssd on my laptop as well as 1TB hdd. I have kept my SSD strictly for windows 10 and software installation. All my downloads, desktop files go straight to HDD. I was having a discussion with my friend who stated that performance of windows installed on SSD significantly speeds up the performance. But whether the software is installed on HDD or SSD, it doesn't make a difference. This did not seem right to me. I feel that software installed on SSD will perform better in comparison to a scenario in which it's installed on HDD. What is the truth?

:)

 

OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive

Hi,

use steps you suggested, there should be no problem.

Just replace HDD with SSD first then run installation. Do not forget to remove Windows files from HDD after the end of a process.

 

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.

 

SSD installed successfully-what to do with HDD

After a week spent (reluctantly) performing BIOS updates, downloading and installing 1803 for Win 10 Pro and tweaking USB functions I was able to clone a Samsung 860 EVO 1tb 2.5 inch drive from a 1tb Toshiba HDD that came with Dell desktop.

The easiest and simplest method to connect the replacement SSD to the motherboard was to re-use the power and data cables and physically remove the HDD. Now I am informed removing the HDD was an error...the drive was working and could easily have been left in place and re-used or re-purposed for other functions. Admittedly, it now does seem to be a waste of working hardware to place the HDD in a plastic bag and leave same in a storage locker.

A few additional/extra SATA cables are available but I have no idea of the steps necessary to re-install and re-use the HDD. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome and appreciated.