Changing boot device to M2. NVMe

[Theoldwizard1]

I want to change my boot device from the internal hard disk to an internal M2.NVMe device.  I also plan on reinsatlling Windows 10 (64 bit) from the Microsoft distribution.  I will of course use the original license key.

I am planning on partioning the NVME device ahead of time (I have a USB3 to M2. NVME adapter).

What are the important partitions to copy ?

Any other advice, especially related to UEFI settings  ?

[Echo_Lake]

@Theoldwizard1

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

Are you trying to boot with both the hard drives connected to the computer? If yes, then I recommend you remove the SATA hard drive and connect only the SSD and check whether the computer boots to Windows.
If you continue facing the issue, I recommend you install a fresh copy of Windows on the SSD and check if it helps. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[Theoldwizard1]

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@Echo_Lake wrote:

... I recommend you remove the SATA hard drive and connect only the SSD and check whether the computer boots to Windows.

If you continue facing the issue, I recommend you install a fresh copy of Windows on the SSD and check if it helps. 

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I don't know how Windows could boot off off of a brand new, bare M.2 NVMe SSD !

I was planning on installing a fresh copy of Windows, but I am concerned about the other partitions that HP installs on the SATA hard drive.  I think one contains UEFI information and I don't know what else !

[Echo_Lake]

@Theoldwizard1

Thank you for posting back. 

I would recommend an easy way to get this installed. Firstly, load the operating system on an SSD. 

Next, install only the SSD keeping the hard drive aside. Once computer recognize the SSD and load the windows then you can install the HDD. 

This should work! Keep me posted.

[Theoldwizard1]

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@Echo_Lake wrote:

I would recommend an easy way to get this installed. Firstly, load the operating system on an SSD. 

I am confused !  How do I do this ?  On a different computer ? 

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@Echo_Lake wrote:

Next, install only the SSD keeping the hard drive aside. Once computer recognize the SSD and load the windows then you can install the HDD.

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This is what I did with Win7 in the past.  I am concerned about the additional partitions that HP places on the original HDD.  Do they include UEFI information, hardware testing software or what ?

Driver software has to be there somewhere !

[Echo_Lake]

@Theoldwizard1
Thank you for posting back. 

The EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) system partition or ESP is a partition on a data storage device (usually a hard disk drive or solid-state drive) that is used by computers adhering to the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).

Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03375417 to know more about "Understanding drives and partitions"

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[Theoldwizard1 · Accepted solution]

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I was planning on installing a fresh copy of Windows, but I am concerned about the other partitions that HP installs on the SATA hard drive.  I think one contains UEFI information and I don't know what else !

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Well, I just "went for it" !  Removed the back (on Pavilion 17z with optical drive there are 2 screws under the optical drive.  Remove it first and they are clearly visible) installed the M.2 drive (there is a hold down screw in place; use it).  Remove the existing hard drive.  I downloaded a copy of windows 10 from Microsoft and place it on a USB "thumb" drive.  The only thing I had to do was make sure the UEFI boot order said to check USB before optical.  IIRC, the thumb drive had to be plugged into the USB port on the right hand side.

[Echo_Lake]

@Theoldwizard1
I am glad to know that you managed to resolve the issue. Please reach out again for any further assistance.

Have a nice day ahead.