How to migrate Windows 8.1 to SSD from HDD?

DJL99 · 24 Jul 2015 at 15:57

Hi, I want to move my Windows installation which is on my HDD currently, to my SSD. As my SSD is smaller in size than my HDD, is there any way I can migrate Windows only, and not my files? Also, how can I remove Windows from my HDD? As I won't be using the installation on there. I need to know how to make my SSD the default boot drive as well.
Thanks
DJL99

Lemin · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:00

Id use Macrium Reflect FREE Edition
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html

tnx · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:07

I would use this as a good time to do a fresh install of Windows.

Saving all the important files first though.

Lemin · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:39

New install on ssd, only have ssd connected !. Later connect hdd and format

Killer7xx · 24 Jul 2015 at 22:01

In your case I'd also recommend doing a fresh install and then later deleting your old OS files from your HDD. If both hard drives have a bootable OS, you'll be presented with a menu on bootup where you can select an OS to use.

Steveocee · 24 Jul 2015 at 22:05

As everyone had already advised, a fresh install was led be preferential. Plus then Windows will see its on and SSD and make relevant changes.

dacads · 24 Jul 2015 at 22:24

Cloning software like the one Lemin suggested.

Or fresh install if you don't mind installing software again, Steam games can easily transferred over.

DJL99 · 25 Jul 2015 at 10:13

I'm going to back my HDD up on to an external HDD, then format it. Do I need to format my SSD too?

fobose · 25 Jul 2015 at 10:50

I didn't bother formatting a new Intel 530 SSD in a system I installed widnows on yesterday and everything went smoothly

P.S make sure you disconnect your old HDD before installing windows. You don't want any OS files finding their way on to the old HDD.

DJL99 · 5 Aug 2015 at 13:17

I have backed up everything to my external HDD. I have backed up my entire SteamApps folder. Will I be able to move it back into the Steam folder? Will that work, because I don't want to reinstall everything?

ED209 · 5 Aug 2015 at 14:11

DJL99 said:
I have backed up everything to my external HDD. I have backed up my entire SteamApps folder. Will I be able to move it back into the Steam folder? Will that work, because I don't want to reinstall everything?

you can have your steamapps folder anywhere and just add it back in to steam via adding another library

that's what I did, OS on 1 SSD and games all stored on another with steam installed on C so once steam is installed just link it back to the steam games location on my second SSD