Windows 10: Trying to transfer Windows 10 ONLY to a new internal SSD

Hi all!


Here's my issue: I have a laptop with an internal 1TB HDD. This laptop also has an unused slot for an m.2 SATA SSD. I just got a 120 GB WD Green m.2 SATA SSD for this computer.


I would like to do the following:


1. TRANSFER my windows 10 OS ONLY to the SSD. I don't mind too much doing a clean install of Windows 10 on the SSD, but I don't want to have to re-purchase Windows 10 Home. Also, if I do a clean install, I don't know what happens to my old Windows 10 System files on the HDD.


2. I would like to use my HDD for mass storage. Pretty much everything except the OS needs to stay on my HDD: movies, documents, games, programs.


I'd really appreciate a clear and step-based walkthrough! I'd like to do it without third-party software if I can, although as long as I don't have to purchase anything I can do it with an external utility (I just prefer to use Windows' own tools if that's possible).


I do know a thing or two about computers, I can use the BIOS, I more or less understand disk partitioning, etc. BUT I have a terrible time with tutorials unless they're very clear.


Thanks guys!

:)

 

How to add SSD as boot disk on new Dell XPS 8700 with Windows 10?

Goal: Add a Samsung EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD and make it the boot disk for a new Dell 8700 running pre-installed Windows 10.

Questions:

• 
  Do I have to change the BIOS from IRST to AHCI?
  
• 
  Can I transfer the OS from the original C: drive to the SSD via
  
  EasyUS Todo Backup?
  
• 
  Do I need the Windows installation disks?
  

Background:

Using a StarTEC USB 3.0 to 2.5 SATA III Hard Drive adapter cable, I connected the new SSD to the new Dell 8700 via USB. The Dell transfer tools, and Dell Navigator, did not recognize the SSD. I later read a post that said that these Dell tools did
not yet work with Windows 10. As suggested in another post, I did get the transfer to work using EasyUS Todo. I copied Windows 10 to the SSD. I then installed it internally in one of the empty drive bays. Windows 10 file manager recognized the drive and I
was able to see that Windows was indeed copied on it.

But, before I change the Boot Sequence to start with the SSD, I would like to know if the OS transfer will indeed work and\or whether the BIOs needs to be changed from IRST to AHCI (if yes, how).

Finally, Windows disks, usually orderable from PC manufacturers, are not yet available from Dell. Alternatively, the “create USB recovery disk” goes in an endless loop even though I am trying to create one using a new 32GB San Disk USB drive.

Any other things I need to do in order to make this SSD boot configuration to work?

Thanks!

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Transfer SSD to new laptop

My laptop is on its last legs and needs replacing. But it has a good SSD with Windows 10 and lots of data on it which I want to keep. Can I buy a new laptop with no HDD or OS and transfer my existing SSD complete with OS straight into it? Am I allowed to
transfer my existing Windows 10 licence ro a new computer bought without an OS?