Windows 10 transfer to SSD

[Hosharvey]

I am making a new PC and I'm using the HDD from my laptop for it as I will no longer use my laptop. It contains windows and files. If I buy an SSD, how do I transfer windows over to it for quicker boot speeds without transfering any other files as there will not be enough space on the SSD for all my files.

 

Thanks a lot!

[MrImnotMLG]

I'd say install windows on the SSD and then get a USB 3.0 to SATA adapter and transfer the file you want over to the desktop.

[Jade]

Your best bet in that case would be to just reinstall Windows. Assuming its running Windows 10, you can reinstall without a key (just click "I don't know my product key") and it will reactivate itself when it connects to the internet -- as long as you install the same version (Home, Pro, etc) as you had before.

[knightslugger]

I agree. better to start out with a fresh installation than a transfer.

[Daniel644]

step one, DON'T TRY to use the Windows 10 from your laptop for your desktop, windows licenses are linked to the motherboard bios and you are only setting yourself up for issues there, plus it's ALWAYS better to do a clean install on an SSD over a transfer, i've done it both ways to the same computer and clean install machines are FASTER then cloned machines.

[Hosharvey]

If I don't buy a new SSD, can I just move the HDD from my laptop into my new PC to boot from?

[Daniel644]

4 minutes ago, Hosharvey said:

If I don't buy a new SSD, can I just move the HDD from my laptop into my new PC to boot from?

yes and no, but not with the Windows 10 install for the laptop, Windows 10 (and 8) licenses that are OEM (preloaded by the manufacture) are LOCKED to the motherboard, the hard drive can be moved to different machine but the license won't work and Windows may not even boot. you can't have 2 machines using the same license.