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.

Get a cheap Windows Eleven Pro key from Stack Social

Also, check if the discount code still works UPGRADE

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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Windows is activated by a digital licence held on the MS activation servers and linked to the hardware ID of the the PC . Optionally it can also be linked to your MS account. This digital licence is valid for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

To transfer the digital licence from the old W10 PC to the new one first make sure you have signed in on the old PC with your MS account.

Clean install W11, signing in with your MS account. If you are lucky it may activate. If not then run the Activation Troubleshooter. When it has completed, tell it that you have recently changed hardware. It will ask you to sign into your MS account and let you point to the old hardware, then transfer the activation.

I would make a system image and then make the hardware changes. When done, install the image to the NVMe drive. If it works you're good to go. If it doesn't work then do the clean install.

It's all about major component drivers unsuitable for new hardware. Macrium Reflect has an option to restore image to mew hardware(System) and bypasses old an unsuitable drivers installation.

you can use these methods to find and note down your Windows product key.

if your system doesn't auto activate or requires the Windows product key while installing you can try this key before needing to purchase another key.
best of luck, Steve ..