How to Set Up Your Boot Drive in Windows 10

Do you need to replace Windows 10 boot drive with SSD

Are you experiencing slow boot times, excessive heating during gaming sessions, loud noise when running resource-intensive programs, or, worst of all, a painfully sluggish system response in your newly upgraded Windows 11 operating system? If so, you may need to consider replacing your Windows 11 boot drive with an SSD from the traditional HDD.

A boot drive: what is it? To put it simply, an operating system is stored on a drive that is referred to as a boot drive or system disc. We refer to the HDD as the boot drive if your system uses it to store the operating system. Similarly, the same identifier is applicable if it's an SSD. These days, SSDs are superior to HDDs in a number of ways, including lower latency and faster data access. Because of this, more people are switching to this cutting-edge storage technology, particularly when it comes to configuring their Windows 10 boot drive as an SSD to get the most out of the newest version of the operating system.

How to change boot drive Windows 10

In this part, we will offer clear guidance on how to change Windows 10 boot drive as an SSD. 

Step 1. For laptop users, you need to remove the back cover with a screwdriver. And then insert the SSD into the slot, and ensure it is tight enough for connecting to the motherboard interface.

Step 2. Tighten the screws and reattach the back cover of the laptop.

For desktop users, please follow the steps below:Step 1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord. Then open the case and find and insert the SSD into the slot.

Step 2. Tighten the screw into the mounting hole and put the desktop back. Then start the computer.

Section 2. Create Windows 11 installation mediaStep 1. Please go to the Microsoft official web to download the Media Creation Tool.

Step 2. Click on the installation files and choose “Accept” to move on to next step.

Step 3. Select “Create installation media for another PC” with hitting the “Next” button to enter the next interface. Here you can choose language according to your needs and the edition of Windows 10.

Step 4. There are two choices for you. We select “USB flash drive” and click “Next”.

Wait for the process to finish until the Windows 10installation USB is created successfully. Then you can continue to install the system with that.

Section 3. Clean install Windows 10 with the installation media

Step 1. Power on your computer and hit the specific key to enter BIOS to change the boot drive.

Step 2. Turn to the “Windows Setup” and configure the settings in light of your needs with selecting “Next”.

Step 3. Click the “Install now” button.

Step 4. After selecting “I don’t have a product key”, you can choose the OS version and click “Next”.

Step 5. Accept the License Terms and choose “Next” and select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”.

Step 6. Click the hard drive to install Windows 11 and choose “Next”.

Step 7. Wait for the process and then reboot your computer.

The computer may reboot several times if you successfully installed Windows 11. Afterward, you need to configure the SSD as Windows 10 boot drive in BIOS.

Create a boot drive Windows 10

Here, we share a tip on creating a portable Windows 11 boot drive that allows you to bypass the Windows 11 updates requirements or helps you to enjoy Windows 10 wherever you go. What’s more, with the ISO files or the current system, you can also create a Windows OS bootable USB on Mac computers. First, download AOMEI Partition Assistant. This professional disk manager will help you create a boot drive for Windows 10.

We should pay attention to something important before creation:

The USB should be larger than 13GB.

Please back up the important data of your USB beforehand. The data will be wiped in the process of creation.

Step 1. Plug the USB into the computer and wait for it to be detected by your device. If it fails, you can refer to the solutions.

Step 2. Perform the installed software. Select “Tools” > “Windows To Go Creator” at the top interface.

Step 3. Select “Create Windows To Go for personal computer” and “Next”.

Note: Mac computer users can choose the option “Create Windows To Go for Mac computer”.

Step 4. Click the “Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO” option.

Step 5. Choose the USB drive as the target and select the “Proceed” option to move on.

Step 6. A notice will inform that all the data on the USB will be erased. Click “Yes”. Then unplug the USB and boot it on another computer.

Conclusion

Replacing your Windows 10 boot drive with an SSD can significantly improve your computer's performance. By following the steps to install an SSD and create installation media, you can enjoy faster boot times and a more responsive system. Additionally, creating a portable Windows 10 boot drive can provide flexibility for using Windows on different computers.

FAQs

1. Why should I replace my HDD with an SSD?

   • SSDs offer faster data access, lower latency, and improved overall performance compared to HDDs.

2. Can I install Windows 10 on an SSD without losing data on my HDD?

   • Yes, you can install Windows 10 on an SSD and use your HDD for additional storage.

3. Do I need a special tool to install an SSD in my laptop?

   • Generally, you only need a screwdriver, but some laptops may require additional tools or steps.

4. How much storage capacity do I need for an SSD?

   • For Windows 10, a minimum of 128GB is recommended, but 256GB or more is preferable for better performance and storage space.

5. Can I use an external SSD as my boot drive?

   • Yes, you can use an external SSD as a boot drive by configuring it in BIOS and using tools like Windows To Go.