[tranquility]

Originally Posted by dangerus_car

a good SSD SATA to buy, 1 TB for $70, 2TB for $135

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078211KBB/

external SATA case. after all your data is migrated, then you can use the old HDD as your data storage, you can do that by formatting it to empty it

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Tool-.../dp/B00OJ3UJ2S

for win 11 iso install, you need at least 8GB of USB. win 8 can get free upgrade to 11, and since your laptop is a newer laptop, you don't need windows CD key, it's all built in, so you will get upgraded with no problem.

the most efficient way to move your hdd data is by using an external HDD case, you can buy external 2.5" SATA case.

the best way to move your data is prior of you installing your new SSD, move every data you have to a new folder in that old HDD (for example, you can name the folder backup december 2022). remember where you put it (best to put it in C: root)

then after you install new SSD, by using the external SATA case, you explore the root HDD, D: or E:, depending on how the win 11 assign the drive letter

then you will find your backup folder (backup december 2022), then copy everything in that folder to your SSD.

that's the simplest way to move your data

This is amazing stuff, thank you very much! I now definitely need to do some research w your advice in hand. It'll be awesome if I can actually do this because my philosophy is to use everything until it is no longer practical as I don't believe in throwing out perfectly good stuff just to get the latest gadget, so your input is very much appreciated!

Part of me wants to postpone this because my computer is still chugging along, but I assume your advice is to have this done asap lest my HDD craps out on me and I'm left stranded?

Silly question, but re the Window upgrade, MS automatically knows I'm qualified for a free upgrade just by me owning my laptop running Win8.1 and even w a new drive they will detect this and I can readily install Win11 w/o doing any technical stuff?

Since you know what you're talking about, should I just use their Windows Defender once Win11 is set up or install a 3rd party anti-virus (I'm only looking for free ones)? Thanks again.