How to make SSD bootable


  1. Posts : 95
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    How to make SSD bootable


    I have an emachine desktop. I bought a Toshiba 1GB SSD that operates through a USB cord. My intention is to clone my emachine hard drive to the SSD portable drive and then plug it into a desktop computer and boot from the portable SSD so I have access to all my programs with the laptop as I do with the desktop.

    My emachine desktop came as a Windows 7, but has been upgraded to Windows 10 via internet download. I have no Windows 10 installation disks.

    My question: How can I make my Solid State Drive bootable? Will just cloning from my emachine transfer Windows 10 and make SSD bootable?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #2

    If you use a proper cloning application, like Macrium Reflect Free, then the new SSD should be bootable when it is completed.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    Just to clarify, are you wanting to keep the SSD on a USB connection and be able to boot two computers from it? That requires that you create a Windows to Go disk:
    [Tutorial]Windows 8 to Go without Enterprise Edition - Microsoft (Windows) Support - Neowin Forums

    Method should be the same, just use a Windows 10 ISO downloaded from Microsoft Tech Bench:
    Tech Bench

    DeaconFrost said:
    If you use a proper cloning application, like Macrium Reflect Free, then the new SSD should be bootable when it is completed.
    Will that also work if he keeps the SSD on the USB adapter and wants to boot multiple computers with it?
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  4. Posts : 95
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    NavyLCDR said:
    Just to clarify, are you wanting to keep the SSD on a USB connection and be able to boot two computers from it? That requires that you create a Windows to Go disk:
    No, I will refresh my SSD via the USB on my desktop from time to time, but I want the bootable clone on my SSD so I can plug it into my laptop when the need should arise.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    dahermit said:
    No, I will refresh my SSD via the USB on my desktop from time to time, but I want the bootable clone on my SSD so I can plug it into my laptop when the need should arise.
    Well, DeaconFrost's post #2 should be true, so long as both computers have a digital entitlement activation for the same version of Windows 10. Otherwise when you move the SSD from the desktop to the laptop Windows 10 will not stay activated.
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  6. Posts : 1,366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #6

    I was going on the assumption you were just replacing your SSD with a new one. I misread your original post.

    There are a lot of variables at work here, but you would need two license for any licensed software. What you are trying to do is overcomplicating a simply situation. I'd put the new SSD in the tower, and set each computer up to do whatever it is they need to do. If you need an application on both, such as MS Word, you'll need two license for it.
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