How to add an ssd and boot?

[chosen]

So Ive had my computer for over a month now but I need to add a 480GB SSD for boot and applications. I know how to plug it in and all of that but how can I boot off of it while keeping all of my stuff on my main 1tb hard drive? Ive been trying to figure this out and any information would help!

[Adorable Cat]

Yeah, just install windows onto the SSD like you'd normally install windows, then just have the PC boot from the SSD and you can still access stuff from the hard drive.

[brob]

If the hdd has less than the ssd capacity used, clone the hdd to the ssd, set the ssd as the boot drive, boot and erase the stuff on the ssd that you want to keep on the hdd.

 

Otherwise the best approach is to unplug the hdd and install windows on the ssd. One can then reconnect the hdd, making sure the ssd is set as the boot drive. In this case it will be necessary to reinstall all software.

[chosen]

3 hours ago, brob said:

If the hdd has less than the ssd capacity used, clone the hdd to the ssd, set the ssd as the boot drive, boot and erase the stuff on the ssd that you want to keep on the hdd.

 

Otherwise the best approach is to unplug the hdd and install windows on the ssd. One can then reconnect the hdd, making sure the ssd is set as the boot drive. In this case it will be necessary to reinstall all software.

If Im using my 1tb as a main storage will my stuff on the hdd save or do I have to redownload every single file and picture that I have?

 

[brob]

Anything on the 1TB will stay on the drive until you remove it.

[chosen]

Okay sweet! thanks for the help!

 

[brob]

It is always a good idea to have a backup of important stuff before doing this sort of thing.