

When you throw an existing Windows installation at a new PC, it'll perform its first-time setup as if it were a new computer, grab drivers for your new hardware, and hopefully drop you onto the desktop without much trouble. It's technically possible, though it comes with some caveats. Since Windows 10, the OS is much better about handling these conflicts. You were almost always better off doing a clean install. Microsoft's sysprep (Opens in a new window) tool could sometimes help, but it wasn't really meant for this purpose, and it had its own issues. Windows 7 introduced driver conflicts that resulted in a blue screen as soon as the computer booted. Wouldn't it be easier if you could just pop your old hard drive into the new PC and pick up where you left off? How to Set Up Two-Factor Authenticationīuying a new computer can be fun, until you have to slog through migrating all your old apps, preferences, and files.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.

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