New PC Build - Just move existing Windows 10 Install/SSD over to it?

NeilF · 7 Feb 2024 at 13:49

Not having built a new machine for a loooong time and my biggest issue being the amount of software and config I have, I'm wondering if I can simply build a new PC (stick with Intel & stick with NVidia), clone my existing SSD to a new one (even an NVME?), and simply put that in the new PC build? ie: So I boot up that new machine and voila it's configured and setup just as per my old machine? (albeit with drivers and some programs I can then remove afterwards)

Worse case, if that fails, I guess I could resort to a fresh install on the new PC/drive and buying a new Windows 10 install?

NeilF · 7 Feb 2024 at 15:17

OK... After a lot of looking, seems the general rule of thumb for moving to a new MB and CPU on a existing install is it will probably work, but there are many risks. So people seem to suggest a fresh install is just the safest...

NeilF · 7 Feb 2024 at 15:45

OK... Shame cos that also means a whole new Windows (11) license too. Strange how they seem to vary from about £6 to £150!?!?

NeilF · 7 Feb 2024 at 16:10

This is a PC I setup 9yrs ago, and then upgraded to Windows 10 Pro when it was offer as a free upgrade. I suspect it was originally Windows 8.1 in 2014 when it was built? So maybe it IS time to do a fresh install

The account on the machine in question is NOT linked to a Microsoft account I believe.

NeilF · 7 Feb 2024 at 17:49

If I look at my account details, there is an option there "Sign in with a Microsoft Account instead".

Anyhoo... I guess if I'm going down the fresh install, that'll be a purchased Windows 11 and a whole new account etc?

NeilF · 13 Feb 2024 at 14:16

sg0 said:
Trouble shooting in the future would be a nightmare if you use a cloned install but I suppose you could just wait till then to do a fresh install. Just be aware that some redundant code still sticks to the OS plus you got e and p cores which you didn't have 9 years ago.

Sorry, just to add. Are you using 13/14 gen intel cpu?

This would be on a brand new Intel build.

I think it's pretty clear a fresh Windows 11 install is wise