Using one operating system on a PC is normal, but having two is phenomenal.
Over the past decade, the usage of multiple hard drives has increased drastically. It allows you to install multiple operating systems and use or test different features.
The process can be complicated, but there’s nothing to worry about. Here, I’ll provide step-by-step procedures to install Windows 10 on your second hard drive and make it easy.
So, let’s begin.
How to Install Windows 10 on a Second SSD or Hard Drive
Users need to open the bootable Windows 10 installation media or installation disk from BIOS and select the desired partition to install Windows 10 on their second hard drive. You can install Windows 10 on the second SSD/HDD to keep a backup or create a dual-boot PC.
This article will assist you if you’ve upgraded your PC to Windows 11 or are using other versions and want to try or keep Windows 10.
Read the following methods carefully to install Windows 10 on your second SSD/HDD with a USB drive or Windows installation disk.
Here are the steps to install Windows 10 on a second SSD or hard drive:
1. Create a Bootable Windows 10 USB
If you want to install Windows 10 using the USB drive or your PC is missing the CD ROM drive, you need to create a bootable Windows media with the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Follow the instructions carefully to create a bootable Windows 10 USB:
- Visit the Microsoft website and download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
- Open the program and press Accept.
- Choose to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and press Next.
- Check the box beside Use the recommended options for this PC and click Next.
- Select the radio button beside the USB flash drive and press Next.
- Click on your removable device and then Next.
- Press on Finish after completing the download and installation process.
Windows don’t require much space in the SSD/ HDD drive. You can create a partition to your drive and install Windows 10.
After that, you must enter the BIOS settings and select the USB or CD ROM drive as your boot device to begin the Windows 10 installation.
2. Select Boot Device from BIOS
Once the bootable USB drive is ready, you’ve to select it from the BIOS to start the installation.
If you want to install without USB and using a CD ROM drive, insert the Windows 10 installation disk and start following the process below.
Read the procedure below to select the boot device from BIOS:
- Insert the bootable USB drive or CD ROM.
- Restart your PC.
- Press the Boot Menu key.
- Navigate to the Boot tab.
- Choose your USB Storage Device or CD ROM Drive from the boot devices.
- Save & Exit from BIOS.
Depending on the motherboard manufacturer, the Boot menu key varies. In most motherboards, the boot menu opens with the F2, F10, F12, or Del buttons.
If you have any problem accessing the BIOS, fix the inability to boot into the BIOS issue on your PC.
Users need to navigate with a keyboard in the BIOS settings. If you’re unable to navigate, fix the keyboard not working issue in BIOS before installing the Windows.
3. Install Windows 10 on the Second SSD/HDD
After booting to your USB or CD ROM drive, follow the procedures below to install Windows 10 on your second SSD or hard drive.
Here are the steps to install Windows 10 on the second hard drive:
- Select your Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard method.
- Press on Next.
- Click on Install Now.
- Provide your product key or Skip.
- Accept the terms & conditions and click Next.
- Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- Choose your partition or second hard drive and press Next.
- Complete the installation process.
Installing Windows will take some time, depending on your drive type.
After installing, finish setting up Windows with your personal information and enjoy Windows 10 on the second hard drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have two Windows on my PC?
Yes, you can install two Windows on your PC. When booting the computer, it will ask to select your preferred Windows for the session.
How do I install Windows 10 on my second hard drive?
To install Windows 10 on your second hard drive, create a bootable Windows 10 media > select the bootable device from BIOS > install Windows 10 on the second hard drive.
Is it safe to dual boot on a computer?
Yes, it’s completely safe to use a dual-boot computer. It will only ask to choose the Windows during the booting.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 on your second drive can serve several purposes. It can work as a backup or test other operating systems.
In this article, I’ve provided the effortless procedures to install Windows on the second drive and help you to accomplish your objective.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment box below, and I’ll catch you at the next one. Goodbye.
