Why you can’t move a hard drive from one computer to another
In the old days you could sometimes move a hard drive from one computer to another and have it work. Even then there were many things to change in the drive. If you moved a hard drive for, say a Dell to another Dell it would sometimes boot up and work. The same could be done with an HP or any other maker as long as they were the same and running the same operating system.
The main problem with moving hard drives between computers are the drivers. Drivers make everything work with the hardware and programs. Different drivers can stop a hard drive from booting, as well as not working correctly after boot up. A skilled technician could probably make things work, but there are going to be problems down the line with windows updates.
Today moving one hard drive between computers to another is only feasible if the computers are the exact same model. Even then some things may need to be changed. The best way to install an operating system is using a “clean install”. Windows then can download the correct drivers and your computer will have fewer problems down the road.
Let me end by saying that anything is possible. With the right knowledge, a lot of time and a little luck moving hard drives can be done, but will there be problems down the road? Yes there will be constant problems as windows updates are installed.
Larry McCann- Computer Doctor Boise 5/9/2025