Windows 10: Clone existing Windows 11 installation to external SSD and boot into it on a virtual...

I have 2 Windows 11 PCs, and would like to consolidate them into a single system running one in a VM on the other. I can clone the existing PC onto an SSD that is bootable, and then plug that into the other PC and boot into the Windows installed on the external SSD in a virtual machine. Is there any list of steps that I must take to perform this?

:)

 

Moving to SSD. Clone or not to clone?

I kinda agree with you, but on a wholr, do not. While I have done things a bit differently than this specific situation, by installing Windows directly to the SSD, and cloning after, my testing shows that there are no issues doing this, very little that can go wrong, provided your system is stable.

There are certain features that must be disabled in this situation, like auto defrag and such, but even with a fresh install to the SSD, you need to take steps to ensure that you SSD performs properly, regardless of how the data got there.

Arming yourself with a bit of knowledge can go a long way.

Installing the latest chipset driver, and the RST Tools, will ensure optimal performance of the SSD. but rather than taking my advice, I suggest the OP takes a look here:

http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/sand...7-and-ssds-to-clone-windows-or-reinstall.aspx

Install A Solid State Drive In Your Notebook

Keep in mind, also, Digibucc, that many retail drives include software and such that very specifically is to be used to ttranser the OS from an existing mechanical drive to an SSD, and if there really was alot fo issues stemming from the cloning process, they would not have packages like that, simply to eliminate tech support costs. While not the optimal option, cloning is NOT a bad thing, as long as you take the nessecary steps.

 

Need Help Booting from Cloned Windows 11 HDD and File Transfer Query

I'm currently facing an issue that has me stumped and in need of some guidance regarding a Windows OS cloning and booting problem.

Here's the situation: I used Macrium Reflect to clone my Windows 11 operating system from my internal SSD onto an external HDD. My intention was to downgrade back to Windows 10. However, upon attempting to boot from the cloned drive, I encounter the dreaded "inaccessible boot device" error. As a result, the system automatically boots back into my original SSD, which currently runs Windows 10 (after the attempted downgrade).

I've tried several troubleshooting steps, including adjusting BIOS settings, checking for driver compatibility, and attempting different boot options without success. I'm seeking advice on how to resolve this boot issue and successfully boot from the cloned drive containing Windows 11.

Furthermore, if booting directly from the cloned drive proves unsuccessful, I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to transfer files and applications (if possible, I understand some apps may not function properly due to the OS difference) from the Windows 11 cloned drive to my internal SSD running Windows 10. Doing this without manually copying each file and searching for its respective location would be immensely helpful.

Any insights, suggestions, or step-by-step guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Moving to SSD. Clone or not to clone?

Part of how I keep my SSD fast is to clone it to a platter drive, then clone back. You just want to make sure that you are only cloning teh used space, and not the empty space.


So, again, I isntall Windows to the ssd. Clone to platter drive, then clone back.

I am not sure why, but if I do not do the clone step, the drive's speed, and windows booting, decreases substantially within a week or so.

I am using a Corsair F60 SSD and a Western Digital 500AAKS as drives, and using the free version of Acronis that WD provides, if any of that matters. I am not sure, at this point.