Install ssd directly into open SATA slot on desktop for cloning

That isn't a problem.

sportflyer said:

I was just wondering whether having 2 bootable disks in the computer is a good idea even though I point the Bios to boot from the SSD.

@sportflyer,

This is how I have upgraded from HDD to SSD using SATA ports:

1. Connect the SSD to the free SATA port (and power, of course). Boot the computer into the normal installed Windows.
2. Clone the HDD to the SSD. I use Macrium Refelct Free.
3. Hold down the shift key when clicking on Shutdown. (Bypasses fast startup if enabled).
4. Remove the data cable from the old HDD.
5. Adjust the BIOS/UEFI boot order to boot from the SSD first, boot the computer with the HDD disconnected.
6. Once I am sure the computer is capable from booting from the SSD, shutdown again holding down the shift key.
7. Reconnect the old HDD data cable.
8. Double check the BIOS/UEFI boot order to make sure the SSD is still first.
9. Boot the computer.
10. Erase the old HDD and reformat it to use for data storage.
11. If you don't want to reformat the old HDD at least remove it's booting capability:
a) Delete the System Reserved Partition OR
b) Delete the EFI System Partition OR
c) If the boot files are in the same partition as the OS, then remove the active flag from the partition.

NOTE: I also have a touch of OCD. When I connect the SSD that is going to be the boot drive, I make sure it is on the lowest numbered SATA port (either 0 or 1 depending on motherboard). The HDD that will become data storage gets moved to the next higher SATA port.

NavyLCDR said:

@sportflyer,

This is how I have upgraded from HDD to SSD using SATA ports:

1. Connect the SSD to the free SATA port (and power, of course). Boot the computer into the normal installed Windows.
2. Clone the HDD to the SSD. I use Macrium Refelct Free.
3. Hold down the shift key when clicking on Shutdown. (Bypasses fast startup if enabled).
4. Remove the data cable from the old HDD.
5. Adjust the BIOS/UEFI boot order to boot from the SSD first, boot the computer with the HDD disconnected.
6. Once I am sure the computer is capable from booting from the SSD, shutdown again holding down the shift key.
7. Reconnect the old HDD data cable.
8. Double check the BIOS/UEFI boot order to make sure the SSD is still first.
9. Boot the computer.
10. Erase the old HDD and reformat it to use for data storage.
11. If you don't want to reformat the old HDD at least remove it's booting capability:
a) Delete the System Reserved Partition OR
b) Delete the EFI System Partition OR
c) If the boot files are in the same partition as the OS, then remove the active flag from the partition.

NOTE: I also have a touch of OCD. When I connect the SSD that is going to be the boot drive, I make sure it is on the lowest numbered SATA port (either 0 or 1 depending on motherboard). The HDD that will become data storage gets moved to the next higher SATA port.

Thanks so much. You have been most helpful.

SIW2 said:

That isn't a problem.

Thanks .