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January 13th, 2025 06:19
Resore image for multiple computers?
Inspiron 3030 Small Desktop
I have 2 identical Inspiron Small Desktop 3030S computers that I am using Laplink to move contents & programs from the old Win 10 computers I'm replacing. I've had to prepare these to get ready for the transfer & have already had to start over, restoring the Dell image & then getting it prepped for the move, as something went wrong the first time.
My question is can I create a restore image from this computer when I get it where I want it to be & then use that image on the other 3030S?
I'm not trying to pirate anything, as they both came with Win 11, I'm just trying to save myself some time!
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RoHe
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January 13th, 2025 20:11
Is Laplink going to be able to install apps running on Win 10 PCs into Win 11 on new PCs? Just copying an app's files onto new PC doesn't install it into Win 11.
Once you get new PC #1 set up with all the apps installed in Win 11, you could image that drive and copy that image onto PC #2.
There are a number of imaging programs you can install on PC #1 to create an image, which you can save on an external USB drive. You'll also need the bootable USB stick created by that imaging app to boot PC #2 so you can copy the image from external drive onto the internal drive. Macrium Reflect (free for 30 days) is popular around here.
BUT... the (digital) Windows Product Key on PC #1 won't match the Windows Product Key on PC #2. So you'll have to take extra steps to get Win 11 activated on PC #2 after copying the image over.
Assuming the two PCs use different Microsoft accounts, log into the account you use for PC #2 and that should activate Windows on this PC.
(edited)