Best way to uninstall Windows 8.1 from HDD and re-install (or clone) to SSD?

pharmerty

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Aug 10, 2014
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I just built a computer and haven't done a whole lot to it, save updating the drivers and installing software for my Blu-Ray reader. Originally, I only purchased a HDD, to which I installed Windows 8.1.

I found a local deal with a 32GB SSD that I couldn't pass up. Now I want to use this SSD as a boot drive.

My big issue with downloading cloning software is that I have a very limited download capacity (both bandwidth and data allowance). I'm unsure of how big the actual downloads will be.

Is there a way to delete Windows 8.1 from the HDD so that I can go through the install process again for the SSD? Is there an easier way to do this? I'm open for any suggestions.
 
Solution
You can use a program to do this. I used Paragon's Migrate OS to SSD 4.0 (http://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/). I too think that 32GB's is too small. There are other stuff that goes on the drive, such as the boot partition, and if using Secure boot and uEFI other partitions.

I've got a 128GB SSD and it has 81GB's used. Yes, there are files I can put elsewhere, such as the page and hybernate files (size is based on memory size you have) but for best speed I'd leave it on SSD. Also, again for speed, I have installed some heavily used programs to C: as well. Note some program DO NOT offer you a location choice either. I have Oracle's VM image loaded on the C: too and that consumes a large part of my...

pharmerty

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Aug 10, 2014
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All indications are that the OS only needs 20GB of drive space. Even after the install, the OS only takes up 19GB from what I can tell.

I'm not sure if you misunderstood my plan, but I want to use the SSD solely as a boot drive while keeping the 1TB HDD in place for everything else.
 

IrvSp

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Aug 17, 2013
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You can use a program to do this. I used Paragon's Migrate OS to SSD 4.0 (http://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/). I too think that 32GB's is too small. There are other stuff that goes on the drive, such as the boot partition, and if using Secure boot and uEFI other partitions.

I've got a 128GB SSD and it has 81GB's used. Yes, there are files I can put elsewhere, such as the page and hybernate files (size is based on memory size you have) but for best speed I'd leave it on SSD. Also, again for speed, I have installed some heavily used programs to C: as well. Note some program DO NOT offer you a location choice either. I have Oracle's VM image loaded on the C: too and that consumes a large part of my space (VDI file is 20GB's). I'm sure in time you'd run out of space.
 
Solution