Is it possible to put a SSD with Win10 on a laptop with Linux and boot Windows?

Introduction

It is possible to put a SSD with Windows 10 on a laptop with Linux and boot Windows. However, there are some potential issues that may arise, particularly with the bootloader. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition and address any problems that may arise.

Preparing the SSD and Laptop

Before transferring the SSD to the new laptop, you need to ensure that it is compatible with the new system. Check the specifications of both laptops to ensure that the SSD is compatible with the new laptop.

You also need to prepare the new laptop for the transition. Back up all your data, as the process of transferring the SSD can result in data loss. You should also create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation media.

Transferring the SSD

Once you have prepared both laptops, you can proceed with transferring the SSD. Begin by turning off both laptops and removing the SSD from the old laptop. Then, insert the SSD into the new laptop and turn it on.

If the laptop boots into Linux and does not give you the option to boot into Windows, you may need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order. Ensure that the SSD with Windows 10 is set as the primary boot device.

Fixing Bootloader Issues

If you encounter problems with the bootloader after transferring the SSD, there are several steps you can take to fix them. One common issue is that the bootloader may not recognize the Windows partition on the SSD.

To fix this, you can use a tool like Boot Repair to repair the bootloader. Boot Repair is a graphical tool that can repair the bootloader and fix common issues with booting into Windows.

Updating Drivers and Software

After successfully booting into Windows, you need to update the drivers and software to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Begin by updating the drivers for your hardware, including the graphics card, network card, and sound card.

You should also update any software that you plan to use on the laptop, including the web browser, office suite, and media player. This will ensure that you have the latest features and security updates.

Conclusion

Transferring a SSD with Windows 10 to a laptop with Linux can be a challenging process, but it is possible with the right preparation and tools. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential issues with the bootloader or drivers. With a little patience and effort, you can enjoy the benefits of both operating systems on a single laptop.

It is possible to put an SSD with Windows 10 installed on a laptop with a Linux operating system and boot into Windows. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. Make sure the new laptop’s hardware is compatible with the version of Windows 10 that is installed on the old laptop’s SSD. If the hardware is not compatible, the Windows operating system may not boot or may not work correctly.
2. If the new laptop uses a systemd-boot bootloader, you may need to update the bootloader configuration to include an entry for Windows. This can usually be done by running the bootctl command and adding a new entry to the bootloader configuration file.
3. If the Windows installation on the old laptop’s SSD was activated, it should be activated on the new laptop as well. If the activation is not transferred, you may need to contact Microsoft to reactivate the Windows installation.
4. If the new laptop uses a different boot mode (e.g. BIOS vs UEFI), you may need to change the boot mode in the BIOS/UEFI settings to match the boot mode used by the Windows installation on the old laptop’s SSD.

It’s also a good idea to create a backup of the Windows installation on the old laptop’s SSD before installing it on the new laptop, just in case something goes wrong.

When I booted into Win10, everything worked smoothly, including my login. I didn’t encounter any errors related to an invalid license due to different hardware. Prior to booting, I executed the command sudo update-grub with both disks installed. Interestingly, Win10 displayed the message Windows is activated with a digital license despite the fact that all of the hardware was different. I didn’t face any performance issues.

Based on my experience, I would recommend that you reinstall Win10 to ensure proper functionality. In my case, I had to install specific drivers for my laptop (System76 Lemur Pro) to run Win10 smoothly.