Upgrading to SSD drive

californiabill · 07 Aug 2017

I plan to upgrade my laptops HD to an SSD. I was going to buy a Samsung drive because it has the cloning software but to give my new installation the best chance, I was planning to do the following:

back up all my files onto an external HD;
reset windows on my pc to its default state (i.e. no programs);
clone this to the ssd drive;
install the ssd into the laptop.

Will this avoid any problems with windows detecting a hardware change?

My laptop originally had Windows 7 on it and I got the free upgrade to Windows 10.

I'd be grateful for any opinions or advice.

Thanks.

dalchina · 07 Aug 2017

Hi, it depends what you want to achieve.

a. If you have few programs installed and are happy to clean install, then you can do that. Windows should be activated automatically- the change of disk is not significant.
b. If your previous installation was MBR, then, assuming your BIOS supports it, you should use GPT/UEFI for your new installation. That is best/most readily achieved with a clean install.
c. A clean install is generally considered better than an upgraded one (cleaner registry e.g.)

Clean Install Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

You will want to use AHCI for preference - faster/better performance with your SSD.
AHCI vs IDE - Difference and Comparison | Diffen
(Ignore refs. to RAID in the opening para).

And finally, you could, of course clone everything.

For interest as this has been discussed numerous times: E.g.
Migrating Windows 10 Home from HDD to SSD Solved - Windows 10 Forums
Clone HDD to SSD (switch from RAID to AHCI) - Windows 10 Forums

(More if you search the forum for HDD to SSD e.g.)

Note: you might want to check if your BIOS is the latest version.

californiabill · 07 Aug 2017

Thank you so much for that. I understood it all except this point.
b. If your previous installation was MBR, then, assuming your BIOS supports it, you should use GPT/UEFI for your new installation. That is best/most readily achieved with a clean install.

How can I check if my bios supports GPT/UEFI?

Thanks

AddRAM · 07 Aug 2017

You will see the option to choose Legacy or UEFI in the Bios, that is how you can tell.

californiabill · 07 Aug 2017

You mean when I'm installing the ssd drive?
Thanks.
Having looked at all the articles, I think I'll back up files to an external hd, swap out the computer hard drive for an SSD and then boot from a USB to do a clean install of Win 10. I'll then return my files and reinstall the programs I need from scratch.
Does that sound right?

dalchina · 07 Aug 2017

You also need to set your BIOS appropriately for MBR (old) or UEFI (new, better).
Check any BIOS update as some people find that is needed with later builds.
And make sure AHCI is enabled.

Look at your manufacturer's site/ask in their forums if unsure about your BIOS.

bobkn · 07 Aug 2017

I've cloned an HD to an SSD a few times.

I every case, there were no hardware recognition or activation issues. If you're taking the opportunity to clean up your Windows installation, that's good, but it isn't at all necessary.

dalchina · 07 Aug 2017

What happens as regards AHCI when you clone an installation?

AddRAM · 07 Aug 2017

californiabill said:

You mean when I'm installing the ssd drive?
Thanks.
Having looked at all the articles, I think I'll back up files to an external hd, swap out the computer hard drive for an SSD and then boot from a USB to do a clean install of Win 10. I'll then return my files and reinstall the programs I need from scratch.
Does that sound right?

Sounds perfect. :)

NavyLCDR · 07 Aug 2017

dalchina said:

What happens as regards AHCI when you clone an installation?

Nothing does. AHCI is a BIOS/UEFI firmware setting. However, you cannot switch from IDE mode to AHCI mode in firmware without first deleting the existing drive controller driver in device manager or Windows will fail to boot.