Can you install windows on multiple SSDs and swap?

[maniacalpha1-1]

Can you install windows on one SSD, then replace it with another SSD in the same pc with the same hardware except for the system ssd, and install windows on it, then later if something happens to the install on that one (virus, junk, drive fails, whatever), replace it with the first one and it will work immediately? Less updates of course? Aren't windows keys programmed directly to the motherboard now anyway?

 

[Ketchup]

Not with 10 they aren't (tied only to the motherboard). But yes, if all hardware stays the same, you shouldn't have a problem with multiple drives running the same license at different times. Although I would think keeping a good backup setup would be much simpler than manually keeping all user data, docs, etc. current on multiple separate drives, which could be a real pain.

 

[RLGL]

If you do not activate the second copy until it is needed, it should work.

 

[JackMDS]

You can Clone a second SSD from the current one, and put it aside.

Then if needed it can be used instead of the regular SSD on the same computer.

Example cloning program - https://www.amazon.com/Acronis-True-Image-Backup-Software/dp/B074WL2PLP

 

[VirtualLarry]

C'mon, Jack. Yeah, Acronis is well-known, and generally works, but so does Macrium Reflect Free, and that version is free for personal use.

I hate to recommend paid software, when there's freeware (well, sort of) to do the job.

There are some Linuix-based cloning tools too, that are free.

 

[JackMDS]

Example cloning program - https://www.amazon.com/Acronis-True-Image-Backup-Software/dp/B074WL2PLP

I know that life is a complicated issue.

But, I did not know that the word Example is so complicated.