I have two SSDs in my laptop: one is new and faster, and I want to install Windows on that one. However, despite selecting the new drive during installation, Windows remains on the old SSD. Is there a way to fix this without having to physically disconnect the old SSD?
5 Answers
During the installation, you usually have the option to choose the drive. Make sure to format the old drive before reinstalling Windows. It'll help prevent boot issues with two bootable disks. If you still have problems, check your BIOS settings after the installation to set the correct boot drive.
Sounds like you might have ended up installing Windows twice. Backup your important files, format both drives during the installation, and install Windows again on the new SSD. Don't forget to set the right boot drive in BIOS afterwards!
If you're planning to use the new SSD primarily for games and files, consider keeping the OS on the old drive at first to save hassle. You can always clone it later if needed!
Check where your system files are after booting up. If they’re on the new SSD, that's a good sign. If you're only seeing Windows-related files on the old drive, you might just be reusing the EFI partition, but that won't speed anything up.
A simpler method is to just unplug the old drive while you install Windows on the new one. Once Windows is up and running, plug the old drive back in. Easy peasy!

Yeah, formatting is key! It avoids confusion with the boot sector.