HP Pavilion Laptop 15-cw1xxx

[deckhanddave]

I started receiving a message warning at start up my hard drive was failing just after an update by Windows. About 5 updates later, it went away. Another Windows update and it's back. I upgraded my OS to WIn11 Pro and now I am looking to replace my HD. The original is 500GB and I would like to upgrade it to 1 or 2 TB if possible. Also, doing this, will I have to do a clean update or could I clone the HD already in, onto the new one. If I do a clean update do I need the keys for the original OS and each upgrade installed or can I go straight to my Win11 Pro? Any advice would be gratefully received as I aren't to proud to accept it. Thanks to you all, a grateful deckhanddave.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

You really do not want to clone a failing hard drive as the clone will duplicate any errors in the files, including system files. Your CPU meets minimums for Windows 11 and I assume the rest of the hardware does, too so you should be able to install Windows 11 clean and not have to upgrade from Windows 10.  The original Windows license is embedded in the BIOS and will activate Windows 11 on installation. You can safely transfer individual files from the old hard drive as it will not affect the operating system function as cloning might do

[deckhanddave]

Thanks for that insight. I've always had to go hunting for the darned License keys before whenever I've done anything like this. Have you any thoughts on the increase in HD from 500GB to 1/2TB? 

[nysolutions]

That's it. 

[deckhanddave]

Hi Nysolutions

"That's it" you said. May I ask, what's it?

[nysolutions]

I just said that i have found the solution of my problem.

[deckhanddave]

Ah, I didn't know as there's no mention of your problem that I can see.

Thanks for clarifying it.