I'm swapping out my motherboard, and I have two m.2 drives: one with Windows installed and the other containing most of my games. I'm a bit confused about the installation process. Should I just plug in the m.2 drive without Windows to do a clean install? If I use the m.2 that already has Windows on it, will my PC just boot into Windows?
5 Answers
Your PC will likely boot from the m.2 that has Windows, but since it's a new configuration, be prepared for driver reinstalls. If you want a fresh start, back up your files, install the new system, and create a Windows install USB. Wipe everything clean and start fresh. Just keep in mind, if you use your other m.2 for this, you'll lose all your game files.
Technically, yes, your PC should boot into Windows if you use the m.2 with the existing installation. However, different motherboards have varying drivers, which means using the same drive can lead to issues with things like USB ports or sound. It's usually better to do a fresh install to avoid these weird complications.
If you're set on a clean install, make sure to disconnect everything else you want to keep intact, then proceed with the installation. Even experienced users can accidentally wipe things, so a backup is always a good idea!
When I changed my motherboard, I reused the same m.2 with Windows, and it worked fine. But yeah, many folks recommend a fresh install for peace of mind. If you choose to do a fresh install, just remember to back everything up first.
No need for a clean install unless you're dealing with an old version of Windows. I recently built a new system, switched from Intel to AMD, and my Windows installed without any issues from my existing SSD. It's been running flawlessly! You can install your original m.2 in the top SSD slot and your game drive in the other slot after that.
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