Windows 10: Should I register new Windows 10 before migrating HDD to SSD?

dalchina said:

Should it prove necessary, you can freely download the latest major Windows build and create a bootable disk or DVD. Details in the Tutorial section here.

Make sure you use AHCI mode with your SSD (may need a change in your BIOS). That maximises performance.

Activation after changing a disk should be automatic.

Assuming you will only have the one disk in your laptop (I have two as you can see from my specs), good practice is to create a new partition for your personal data, and keep that separate from your OS as far as reasonably practicable.

Thanks dalchina, this gives me another option to work with as well if needed.

win10today said:

NavyLCDR, would a clone or image of the disk work as well? I'm just trying to avoid all the bloatware that came with my laptop as it was extensive and takes time to get rid of it all.

Yes.

win10today said:

NavyLCDR, would a clone or image of the disk work as well? I'm just trying to avoid all the bloatware that came with my laptop as it was extensive and takes time to get rid of it all.

Years ago I use to use a program called PC Decrapifier. I don't know if it's being updated or if it even works on Windows 10. Just throwing this out there in case you want to check for a easier way to remove the OEM bloatware.

Steve C said:

I've enclosed my guide which was originally written for moving a HDD with two a partitions (system & user) to a new SSD in Windows 8. You will need to install Macrium Reflect Free, image your laptop installation to a USB external drive and also create a Reflect recovery drive. Check you can boot from the recovery drive. Next remove the HDD and install the SSD, boot to the Reflect recovery drive with the USB drive containing the Reflect image connected, browse to the image you made and recover that image to the SSD. Then boot normally and check out the installation. You can see some further tips in my guide.
Attachment 119001

Hi SteveC, it would be great if you could creat a PDF of your guide.
Thanks, Bob

Winuser said:

Years ago I use to use a program called PC Decrapifier. I don't know if it's being updated or if it even works on Windows 10. Just throwing this out there in case you want to check for a easier way to remove the OEM bloatware.

I would try Microsoft's own tool first:
Start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10

Use this tool to install a clean copy of the most recent version of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, and remove apps that you installed or came pre-installed on your PC. You’ll have the option to keep your personal files.

NavyLCDR said:

I would try Microsoft's own tool first:
Start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10

Like I said it's been years since I used it so I can't say it's worth trying or not. Back then I never had a problem running it on my any of my OEM computers.

Edit: If I remember correctly it was a stand alone program. No install necessary. If I had a OEM install with bloatware I would see if it's still available and try it. After a Macrium image was made first though.

Winuser said:

Years ago I use to use a program called PC Decrapifier. I don't know if it's being updated or if it even works on Windows 10.

Still around, and tested for 10, apparently...
The PC Decrapifier