Seeking help with moving Windows when new SSD arrives...

NavyLCDR said:

@AshleyQuick,

If the computer comes from the factory with Windows 8.1 installed, then it should have a product key for Windows stored in BIOS/UEFI. You should be able to boot the computer from a Windows 10 installation USB flash drive that you can create for free:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

The Windows 10 installer will read the product key in BIOS/UEFI and should not even ask you which version you want to install or for a product key. Install it directly to the blank SSD, it will activate on it's own and you will be good to go with a clean install of Windows 10 with none of the factory bloatware. You don't have to do anything at all with the Windows 8.1 installation that will be on the HDD.

When I get a new computer, I like to save an image of the original factory software using Macrium Reflect Free, then wipe it and start with a clean install.
Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

If I got the new computer, I would remove the HDD, leave it removed, install the SSD and install Windows 10 directly to the SSD. Once you get that going and see that it is activated, then reinstall the HDD for a secondary storage drive.

If for some reason the install directly to the SSD does not work, then you still have the HDD untouched to fall back on.

Great suggestions, thank you!!

Please report back how it goes!

Certainly will!

I would make a image of the HDD With Windows 8.1 to a external drive first. That way if you have to return the computer for any reason you can remove the SSD and restore Windows 8.1 back to the HDD.