Almost everyone in this entire world is aware of the Windows operating system. If not, then here is the quick introduction about this conquering Operating System (OS).
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows, generally known as Windows or Win, is a group of closed source graphical operating systems designed and produced by the one and only Microsoft Corporation.
This is a user-friendly OS that offers an innovative graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory facilities, multitasking functionalities, and supports numerous devices. Comprising of both client and server versions, Windows is still the most prominent operating system on PCs, tablets, and other embedded devices.
The most recent client version of Windows for PCs in Windows 10, released in 2015. Windows has some well-known client versions like Windows XP, 98, ME, Vista, and 7. As for the case of the server version, Windows Server version 1909 is the contemporary one. The Xbox One System Software also referred to as Xbox OS, or Xbox Dashboard is a specialized version of Windows created solely for the Xbox One video game console.
Purpose of Microsoft Windows
With around 90% desktop and laptop computers running some versions of Microsoft Windows, this operating system serves as the foundation for these devices. Even at its simplest form, Windows offers a platform with additional user interfaces and features for other programs to operate.
Just like any other operating system, Windows controls the system’s hardware so that the internal components and peripherals function across all programs. Windows is the path to open programs, organize documents, and transfer data because of its multifunctional features such as launchers and file managers. Each system had its own software, so don’t try to run a program designed for one system in another.
Transfer Windows To A New Hard Drive Without Reinstalling
Windows is more than 30 years old and has many releases all these years. Windows 7 and 8 were the most significant Windows releases. However, Windows 10 has surpassed Windows 7 to evolve as the most popular Windows version in recent years.
Your computer becomes slower and slower with time. This makes you want to buy a new computer in a flash. However, you might be so used to the old system and applications that you don’t wish to get rid of them. What if I tell you that you can transfer Windows to a new hard drive to keep the old data? Isn’t it a good idea? Plus, this will save your time for launching systems and applications on your new laptop or computer.
Transferring OS is not an easy task to do. Installing the hard drive with existing Windows into another computer can be a big safety warning since any mistake that occurs on your system disk may crash your system or result in Windows boot failure.
Don’t be scared. Luckily, you can transfer Windows to the new hard drive with the assistance of professional Windows migration software. First of all, you need to do some preparations.
Prepare Everything
Download A Reliable Windows Migration Tool
Before transferring Windows to a new hard drive, you have to download a reliable Windows migration tool to move OS without losing any data. By using such a migration tool you can also manage disks for the users of all levels. But which one is the best? AOMEI, EaseUS Todo PCTrans Pro, and EaseUS Partition Master are some of the easy-to-use migration software. Also, there will be no boot issues after using any of these tools.
Prepare New Hard Drive
- Of course, you need to have a new HDD (Hard Disk Drive) cable handy to start transferring Windows.
- The unaffected space on the new hard drive should be comparatively larger than the system C drive which was a used space on the source disk.
- Use a USB cable to connect the new HDD to the Windows PC. Select the STAT cable option.
- Go to Open Disk Management under the STAT cable option.
- Right-click on the new HDD and select Initialize Disk option. Remember to keep the disk as GPT or MBR.
- Back up your partition and data to another device if the destination disk has some.
Tutorial To Transfer Windows
After downloading the migration tool and configuring the new hard drive with the above steps, here’s the next step to start moving your Windows.
- Open the migration tool that you’ve just downloaded and press the Migrate OS option.
- Select the new HDD as the destination disk and click Next. Make sure to back up important data beforehand because the data and partitions will get deleted.
- Select the Migrate option.
- Preview and customize the layout of your destination disk as per your choice.
- Select the Proceed tab to transfer your OS to the new disk.
- Insert the new disk to your computer or laptop after transferring the Windows OS.
Set Up Windows To Boot
- Restart your computer or laptop. Press F2/F12/Del to enter BIOS.
- Now, set your PC to boot from the new hard drive in the Boot section.
- Save changes and exit BIOS.
- Restart your computer or laptop.
This is a complete guide to transfer or migrate to a new hard drive without sacrificing your personal files and also without reinstalling.
Reinstall Windows Without Losing Files
When it comes to having a PC, there are many benefits along with a few drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is having to reinstall Windows when you have too many corrupted files and viruses on your PC. You might be concerned about losing your beloved files, pictures, videos, or music. Here’s the trick:
- Save your files onto a CD, USB, external hard drive, or whatever ways you can think of. Just back up all your computer files anyhow.
- Enter your Windows CD into the CD-ROM. Make sure to install all the important updates for your version of Windows before you start the installation. Press on Get important updates for installation to successfully install and protect your installation.
- Select the Type your product key for the activation page found on the disk sleeve inside your Windows package.
- Read the terms on Please read the license terms page. Select on I accept the license terms if you agree with the terms and conditions listed by the authorities.
- After following all the instructions on every page, click on Custom. Windows will create an old file of all your data. You can have open the old file once the reinstallation process is completed.
- On the Where do you want to install Windows, think and enter where in your hard drive you want the program to be installed. Your Windows will be stored accordingly.
- Click on Next and follow the instructions to begin the installation. Somewhere, the program may ask you to overwrite existing files. Press No to leave your files as they are or you can change it by pressing Yes.
- Once you’ve completed reinstalling approximately after an hour, run the installed Windows to know that your prior data Windows.old is there.
HDD Being Replaced By SSD
Are you looking for a way to boost your old PC’s performance? Then, Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most cost-effective changes you can make. Hard drives work a bit old fashioned way and use a fair amount of power. Even if they are meant to last for a long time, they wear down and become noisy. This might make you replace HDD by SSD.
SSDs contain non-volatile computer memory that puts the information on memory chips after it has been written. This is a bonus reason for HDD being replaced by SSD. Unlike HDD, they are shock-resistant and have zero effect by the magnetic fields. Also, they operate more quietly and take less time to load stuff on your PC. However, SSDs are quite expensive than hard drives. Decide whether you really need SSD over HDD beforehand because HDD can store a large amount of data and is available at a cheaper price.
Replace Your HDD By SSD
If you have an old computer and you want to upgrade your SATA (Serial ATA) hard disk drive with a faster SSD model, hand it over to the computer repair and service specialists. You can also DIY by watching YouTube videos that show how to replace your HDD by SDD by yourself.
In case you’re wondering how to transfer Windows to SDD without losing any of your files, then the aforementioned steps to transfer Windows to a new hard drive without reinstalling is suitable for it.