Windows 10: Windows from SSD to External HDD

I am attempting to move Windows from a pre-installed m.2 SSD to a new external HDDSeagate in my brother's HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop. The reason for this swap is because he has purchased a new SSD that has more storage than the current one. The PC did not have an internal HDD pre-installed which I found odd since I have never encountered this before. I have found various solutions but they are for moving Windows from HDD to SDD. Currently using Windows 11 and the method used via AOMEI Backupper. The original drive was cloned successfully, but I am receiving the blue screen and "Inaccessible

:)

 

External SSD recognized as HDD in Windows 10

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand your query related to External SSD showing as HDD when connected to the PC using USB 3.0 port. For further clarity on the issue, please respond to the questions below.

1. Have you tried connecting the SSD to any other PC?
   
2. Are you using any converter to connect the SSD through USB 3.0 port?
   
3. Are you using a RAID configuration?
   

I have researched on your query and found that the SSD that you are using is an internal SSD drive, in this case I would suggest you to try updating the Intel Rapid Storage drivers from the

intel website and see if that helps.



In addition, this issue can occur if the SSD is connected to a SATA controller that is identified as RAID (SCSI). I would suggest you to try connecting the SSD to a SATA port that uses AHCI controller such as Intel SATA controller/chipset.



Please get back to us with the detailed information to assist you further.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

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.

 

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

I want to use a new SSD to run my OS on my PC. I have a lot of data on my HDD and dont want it on the SSD but do want to keep it.

I have read that you shouldn't use an external drive that has Windows installed so how would i go about doing what I need?

I.e. get Windows onto the SSD, replace HDD with SSD, use HDD as external drive, and keep data from HDD on HDD.

Thanks!

(P.s. any guides or instructions to any steps would be great but if not then no issue)