Question If I install drivers in advance will my new hardware be easily recognized?

[Perene]

Currently I have Windows 11 (64 bit) installed in this old hardware:

i7 4770 (no GPU installed)
MB: Bluecase BMBH81-T (or Intel Lynx Point H81)
RAM: 2 sticks, 8 GB each = 16 GB DDR3. CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10, Corsair Vengeance
SSD: WD Blue 1 TB

I am about to receive this one:

i5 11400
MSI Z590-A Pro
RAM: 2 sticks, 8 GB each = 16 GB DDR4. CMK16GX4M2D3000C16, Vengeance

When I replaced my old motherboard (H97M-D3H) Windows 10 recognized, but it took some time and I was really concerned this wouldn't work. This happened because it broke for good, and my GPU was dead as well.

However this time I am replacing all this hardware, so I can plan in advance. I had the idea of formatting this SSD. But if I choose to stay with the SSD not changed, will Windows 11 still work?

I can install ALL drivers from the new computer in advance, though. What I can't say is if doing this will also cause some problems in my current computer. And if this would make any difference when I try to boot in the new PC.

One thing I need to point out is that Windows 10 was using legacy BIOS, and I converted the OS to UEFI, recently. This was done before updating to Windows 11.

When my PC starts it's always relying on the Windows Boot Manager listed as first option, and as a 2nd one the current SSD.

As for the new drivers, I mean these below:

*********

Z590-A PRO

PRO series motherboards, tuned for better performance by Core boost, DDR4 Boost, Extended Heatsink Design, M.2 Shield Frozr, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Lightning Gen4

www.msi.com

First of all, I am not relying on a new GPU, so it's also using the onboard graphics from this new MB.

Then there are the LAN drivers, perhaps on-board SATA, and audio drivers.

In September 2021 this MB said it has updated its BIOS with these changes:

- Windows 11 Supported.
- Improved compatibility for Intel Thunderbolt devices.

I am not sure if mine will use an older version (very likely) or if an update is 100% required.

 

[OlyAR15]

I doubt you will be able to install those drivers. It won't detect the hardware, and will abort the install. Just install the ssd in the new system and let Windows detect the new hardware. I would advise backing up your data, in case you need to do a fresh install of Windows, which is the best option anyways.

 

[mindless1]

I clone the SSD to a 2nd SSD, set up a testbed with the new parts, get that all working before even beginning to disassemble the system being replaced, especially if it's your main use system. If the new build won't boot and complete, you've lost nothing but the few minutes it took to clone the drive. If you make changes to the current OS install and that instead, causes problems, you also have the backup of a cloned drive to revert to. Just don't do both things simultaneously, always have a backup of the current OS partition without having changed anything yet.

Of course this means you must have another SSD and a series of choices over time to make things easier, for example not having a huge OS partition so your prior SSDs are large enough to clone to. Not having a huge OS partition is something I've always preferred, make OS partition backups quicker and smaller to maintain, or fit on a USB flash drive.