I'm not the best with computers, so I hope this question isn't too basic. I have a motherboard with only one M.2 slot, and currently, it has an SSD that contains my operating system (Windows). I bought a larger SSD to replace it, but since I can't have both SSDs connected at the same time, I want to reinstall Windows on the new SSD using a boot flash drive. However, I want to wipe the old SSD clean so that I can keep it for future use when I build my next PC. Is it possible to wipe or format the old SSD, or is that not an option since it has my OS on it?
3 Answers
You can format your current drive using the USB Windows installer. Just create the USB, boot from it, and when you reach the drive selection screen during the install process, you can format your old SSD right then and there. After that, swap it out for the new SSD!
Absolutely, you can wipe it! If you don't need any data from the old SSD, just go ahead and format it to clear everything before transferring your OS to the new SSD. However, if you want to keep your old OS, you might consider cloning it over to the new drive instead.
Another option is to get an M.2 to USB adapter or enclosure. They’re pretty affordable and super handy. It lets you install Windows on the new SSD while keeping the old SSD accessible as an external drive, where you can wipe it later. Plus, it gives you the option to clone your old OS onto your new SSD if that’s something you want to do!
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload