Using a thumb drive as a local disk for another computer

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dittadean

Reputable
Nov 24, 2015
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4,510
I am upgrading my computers motherboard but I'm running into issues as windows (10) is tied to the motherboard. Apparently this is supposed to be an easy fix as windows asks for revalidation but in my case it's not even giving me the opportunity.

I'm wondering if I can make a thumb drive into a local disk to install a new operating system for this computer as a "new build" and then replace it with my old SSD since the board will have authorization.

thank you!
 
Solution
N
What is your exact Windows 10 version & build number?
Originally, Windows 10 activation system was different, it changed about maybe 4-5 months ago.
If you are running an older build/version, please note it handles activation differently.
What kind of license do you use?
With newer Windows 10 versions, there is a way to tie the activation with your Microsoft account.

Do you use a Microsoft account to login to/work with Windows 10 right now?

If you just want to move the disk data & installed Windows 10 OS over to a NEW disk, you can do this, yes.
As long as the USB flash or USB HDD has enough free space, you can clone the current system - save a system image - to the USB flash or hard drive. Then on another PC (??) you can restore it...
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dittadean

Reputable
Nov 24, 2015
7
0
4,510
Windows to go seems like a temporary solution. I'm looking to basically get windows running like a brand new system and then hoping to swap in my SSD with all my data.

I don't have an extra hard drive or solid state lying around for this so I wanted to try and get a thumbdrive to serve this purpose.

Getting windows isn't an issue for me
 
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NakiBest

Honorable
May 24, 2013
5
0
10,520
What is your exact Windows 10 version & build number?
Originally, Windows 10 activation system was different, it changed about maybe 4-5 months ago.
If you are running an older build/version, please note it handles activation differently.
What kind of license do you use?
With newer Windows 10 versions, there is a way to tie the activation with your Microsoft account.

Do you use a Microsoft account to login to/work with Windows 10 right now?

If you just want to move the disk data & installed Windows 10 OS over to a NEW disk, you can do this, yes.
As long as the USB flash or USB HDD has enough free space, you can clone the current system - save a system image - to the USB flash or hard drive. Then on another PC (??) you can restore it.

I use EASEUS ToDo Backup Free for this, but there are many other tools too, such as Acronis, Paragon, AOMEI and many others.
Please note Microsoft also have a system to Backup/Restore system images, but it is lacking compared to the above tools.
 
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