Initializing an ssd in a Z840 with Window 10

[drlejones]

I have installed an SSD (512GB) in my Z840.  The existing HDD is a 1TB.  I want to use the SSD as the boot drive.  My questions:

Under disk management I get the message I need to initialize the drive and it gives me the following options:

• MBR (Master Boot Record)
• GPT (GUID Partition Table)

Keep in mind I want to use the drive as the boot drive but have not yet installed the OS on it.  Which of those two should I choose to initialize?

Second question: how to move the OS to that drive?

[Grzwacz]

Greetings,

Welcome back to the forum.

I am not a HP employee.

I would clone the existing operating system from the 1 TB HDD to the new SSD using Macrium free (Link).

You would not have to initialize the drive in Disk Management. I would suspect your current setup is using GPT.

You should be able to boot to the SSD after a successful clone operation and you disconnect the HDD to test the clone.

Regards

[drlejones]

Thanks.  My I understanding is that I will not be able to access the SSD until I have initialize it.  Is that correct?

[Grzwacz · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You're very welcome.

Yes, that is correct. You can initialize the disk using GPT if you want access before you clone the OS to this disk.

Cloning the OS from the other disk to the new disk precludes the need to initialize the disk.

Your PC has a UEFI BIOS.

The current disk should be using GPT. Verify this in Disk Management.

Regards