Reinstalling Windows 10 on a different hard drive or SSD involves preparing your computer and using Windows installation media to boot and guide you through the setup process. This is often done when upgrading to a faster drive like an SSD or replacing a failing drive.
Here's a step-by-step guide based on standard Windows installation procedures, incorporating the necessary initial steps you mentioned:
Preparing for Reinstallation
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary components and have completed initial setup:
- A Windows 10 installation USB drive or DVD: You can create this using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool if you don't already have one.
- Your new or target drive: This is the drive you will install Windows 10 onto.
- Back up important data: Installing Windows on a drive will erase its contents. Ensure you have copied any crucial files from the old drive or other partitions before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Reinstallation Process
Follow these steps to install Windows 10 on your desired drive:
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Install Your New Hard Drive (or SSD)
Based on the reference, the first step is to install your new hard drive (or SSD) in your computer. If the drive is already installed but is just the "another" drive you want to use (and not your current boot drive), you can skip the physical installation step but ensure it's properly connected.
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Plug in Your Windows 10 Installation USB Drive or Insert the Windows 10 Disk
As mentioned in the reference, connect your prepared Windows 10 installation media to your computer.
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Change the Boot Order in the BIOS to Boot From Your Install Media
You need to tell your computer to start from the installation media instead of its current boot drive. Access your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, F12, or Delete during startup) and adjust the boot order.
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Boot to Your Windows 10 Installation USB Drive or DVD
Following the adjusted boot order and the reference, boot to your Windows 10 installation USB drive or DVD. Your computer will now load the Windows 10 Setup environment.
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Begin Windows Setup
The Windows Setup screen will appear.
- Choose your Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method.
- Click Next.
- Click Install now.
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Enter Product Key (Optional)
If prompted, enter your Windows 10 product key. If you are reinstalling on the same computer that already had an activated digital license, you can usually click "I don't have a product key" and Windows will activate automatically after installation once connected to the internet.
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Accept License Terms
Read the license terms, check the box to accept them, and click Next.
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Choose Installation Type
This is a critical step for installing on a specific drive.
- Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This option allows you to choose the drive and partition where you want to install Windows.
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Select and Prepare the Target Drive
You will see a list of drives and partitions on your computer.
- Identify the drive where you want to install Windows 10. Be extremely careful to select the correct drive, as the next step will erase data on it. Drives are typically labeled Disk 0, Disk 1, etc., and show their total size.
- To perform a clean install, delete existing partitions on the target drive. Select each partition on the target drive and click the Delete button. Confirm when prompted. This will leave "Unallocated Space" on the drive.
- Select the Unallocated Space representing your target drive.
- Click Next. Windows will create the necessary partitions and begin the installation.
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Windows Installation Commences
Windows will now copy files and install features and updates. This process will take some time, and your computer may restart several times.
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Complete Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
After the installation finishes, your computer will restart and guide you through the initial setup process, also known as the Out-of-Box Experience.
- Choose your region and keyboard layout.
- Connect to a network (optional initially).
- Set up an account (Microsoft account or local account).
- Configure privacy settings, Cortana, and other options.
Once the setup is complete, you will arrive at the Windows 10 desktop on your newly installed drive.
