Switching CPU and OS and SSD - in what order?

I want to switch from Windows 10 to 11. But I’m also changing my motherboard and switching my CPU from Intel to AMD. I also want to move my OS to a new NVME drive from a SATA SSD.

What is the correct order I should work in? Clone first? Update to 11 first then clone? Should I do a full reset to wipe the files at any point, to prevent CPU driver issues? Before or after updating?

Also, is it still recommended to disconnect other drives when installing Windows? I’ve had boot loader issues in the past due to not doing that. Do I need to do that if I’m just resetting/reinstalling?

I recommend you clean install Windows 11 as you're making hardware changes cloning or imaging Windows on different hardware can cause troubles.

FreeBooter said:

I recommend you clean install Windows 11 as you're making hardware changes cloning or imaging Windows on different hardware can cause troubles.

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Can I clean install Windows 11 directly on the new NVME (Windows is tied to my Microsoft account) or do I need to reactivate my Windows 10 on the old SSD first, then upgrade, then clean install on the new NVME?

kujen said:

Can I clean install Windows 11 directly on the new NVME (Windows is tied to my Microsoft account) or do I need to reactivate my Windows 10 on the old SSD first, then upgrade, then clean install on the new NVME?

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Yes you can directly install Win 11 on the NVMe.
As it is a new hardware, you may need to buy a new key but you can try to transfer using activation troubleshooter.
It may be possible to clone the SATA SSD into the NVMe and windows will find the drivers for the new hardware BUT the best way is a Clean Install.

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