How to convert OS HD to Storage and maintain all files

Hello @ToLongPong,
Welcome to TenForums.

We will need a more detailed explanation of exactly what it is that you are trying to achieve.

Do you mean by creating a System Image, as a Dual-Boot, or something else?

The old HDD will have a disk signature that cannot be changed and that might confuse booting.

I think you will have to backup your data to an external drive, reformat the old HDD then restore your data to it.

These sources will explain the situation much better than I can. In checking them after posting the links, I find that they contradict me so your task will be much easier than I thought.
Need to fix disk signature collision to format a drive for return - TenForums
Fixing Disk Signature Collisions - MSDocs
uniqueid - Microsoft Docs


Denis

The currently-installed Windows might hinder your attempts to clear delete the old OS files on the old HDD so you might well have to boot into, say, a Windows installation disk to do the job using its own command prompt [because that will not be at all hindered].

There is some guidance in
Use InstallUSB Notepad as a rudimentary File explorer to backup files [post #33] - TenForums

Denis

PS Do note that this is a public forum. The opinions of posters can differ. Paul asked for further info. I think you have already provided enough for a recommendation to be made.

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ToLongPong said:

I have a Win 10 install OS on USB, that was made online a few months back.

That's what you can boot from to be able to delete the old OS files from the old HDD.

The fact that it was made 'a few months back' will not affect its suitability for this job.

Denis

It's not in install features. It's before that or any other part of installation is started. See the link I posted as that starts with the boot itself and tells you which things to choose - Use InstallUSB Notepad as a rudimentary File explorer to backup files [post #33] - TenForums

Denis