Old computer didn't support Win10. I purchased new oner with Win11 and added secondary 4T hd. My question is can I remove C: drive from old computer and temp install as a third temp drive, then copy programs to blank 4T drive and then "pin" programs scr

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Old computer didn't support Win10. I purchased new oner with Win11 and added secondary 4T hd. My question is can I remove C: drive from old computer and temp install as a third temp drive, then copy programs to blank 4T drive and then "pin" programs scr

Fred Duncan 20

I have a large (5T) old drive but only need some programs/pictures/document on it. I would like to add to new secondary drive ( blank 4T drive). Then, I would like to pin the programs to main screen without effecting my main 1T C: drive on new computer as little as possible. All this is necessary due to Windows dropping Win10 so, had to purchase new computer that would support Win11 and to get enough space I'm wanted to remove old drive and place in secondar 3.5 Sata bay temporary long enough to transfer just the programs to the new blank SSD 4T drive, then (IF POSSIBLE) pin the porgrams to the Win11 screen without dumping into my main 1T C: Drive, if this is possible. Would be nice to explain to a Win agent over phone but apparently that service no longer exist. PS: If I can do this I could put the old drive back into old computer and save for "rainly day"! Any thoughts Appreciated

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Hi! Yes, you can remove the old C: drive from your previous computer and connect it temporarily to your new Windows 11 machine as a secondary drive. This will allow you to easily copy over all your personal files such as pictures, documents, and videos to your new blank 4 TB drive without affecting the main 1 TB system drive. However, installed programs cannot simply be copied this way, since they depend on registry entries and system files that tie them to the old Windows installation.

If you want those applications on your new system, they will need to be reinstalled on Windows 11, ideally to the 4 TB drive if you want to save space on your main SSD. Some portable apps may work if copied directly, but most software requires a proper installation. Once installed or copied, you can pin them to the Start Menu or Taskbar for quick access without cluttering your C: drive. Your old drive can then be safely removed and stored for later use.