How can I reinstall Windows without having to reinstall my games?
Hey, I got a 2TB SSD because my HDD is incredibly slow. I've tried cloning the HDD and everything, but it just doesn't work. Now I've decided to buy a Windows key and simply reinstall Windows on my SSD. But how do I get the data, especially my games, onto the SSD without cloning it?
Hello,
the cloning process with size matching with a partition manager is an elementary process that should not pose any problems. It’s ideal in your case. There are plenty of free clone pograms, look what you want.
Hasleo Disk Clone Free – Download – COMPUTER BILD
Clon hard drive: Freeware for easy backup – WinTotal.de
If that’s not enough, there’s more:
free clones with size adjustment – Google Search
Good luck then
On Steam, you can move games to different drives
https://de.minitool.com/datatraegerverwaltung/steam-spiele-vershift.html
Under Windows:
https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tipps-Windows-Programme-vershift-und-Platz-schaffen-in-Windows-10-31468135.html#:~:text=%20click%20sie%20w%20das,m%C3%B6chten%2C%20with%20one%20Linksklick%20
Steam Library Backup:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/how-to-backup-restore-your-steam-library/
You cannot reinstall an operating system and do NOT overwrite your existing games. This is not technically possible within an installation.
Only exception -> you install the new version of Windows on your own partition or hard drive/SSD parallel to the existing one. Then your installed programs are still available, but only in the first installation.
Also reinstall.
It’s hard, and some games don’t. Alternative: With a tool like e.g. HDClone (for free for private use) clon the HDD 1:1 to the SSD, then plug HDD and connect SSD where the HDD was before. Ging with me without problems.