Windows Windows 11 Fresh Install

Few things that I forgot the last time I took backup -
Browser Data (Bookmarks mainly)
Screenshots folder (Since you have backed up User Folder, it should be already there)
Game save files (Mostly in User\Documents) / might be in weird location for some games

I suggest you don't format the old 1TB SSD since you have already got a new SSD. I suggest you to setup Windows on your new SSD, use it for a few weeks and when you're sure that you wont need anything else from the old SSD, then only format / repurpose the old SSD.

I have been downloading ISO files from MS Official site and then using Rufus to make a bootable pen drive. Earlier, I needed to open MS Windows 10 Download page on a non-windows sytem for it to show ISO download. Now you can directly download Windows 11 ISO on a Windows system.

You can also use MS Media Creation tool but you won't get any extra options which Rufus gives.

DigitalDude said:

- the best way to take an full image backup of the current windows drive?

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I recommed this. It was the last free version of Macrium Reflect.

john1911 said:

I suggest you to setup Windows on your new SSD, use it for a few weeks and when you're sure that you wont need anything else from the old SSD, then only format / repurpose the old SSD.

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Make sure to disable the old drive in BIOS so that a new bootloader will be installed on the new NVMe when installing Windows, else your system will be unbootable if you ever remove/format the old drive.

This way you can take your own time setting up the new install without losing the old one.

DigitalDude said:

- the best way to take an full image backup of the current windows drive?

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I use CloneZilla. Text UI, but it's open source and can do lots of advanced stuff.

Hi You can use maricum reflect, works beautiful like john1911 suggested, in the past month i have cloned atleast 8 disks. You can use Rufus to override windows online etc, see this link https://www.makeuseof.com/rufus-bypass-tpm-secure-boot-requirements-windows-11/

You can see this links for debloating

I have always used clonezilla for OS backups.

BTW after installing OS, I tune all widows related settings to my liking, I take a backup image. This way I can restore a "fresh install" with my custom settings very easily instead of reinstalling + tuning all over again.

After restoring, Windows Update will do its job in the background automatically.

DigitalDude said:

is this website legit? there is so much advise to download windows ISOs from this website in youtube and blogs (looks like it generates appropriate script to download as per options selected)

UUP dump

UUP dump lets you download Unified Update Platform files, like Windows Insider updates, directly from Windows Update.

uupdump.net

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Yes, this is legit. The links are from MS servers only IIRC.

Any reason as to why you want to download from third party website when MS is providing the ISO free of cost on the official website.

DigitalDude said:

I want to explore other options like downloading an ISO without the 24H2 update etc. those are not possible in Microsoft website. Similar for Windows 10 versions.

(that is, apart from downloading via torrents)

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rufus also lets you download without the latest updates i believe

There are other projects which host official Microsoft isos sorted by versions. I have found this one to be legit
Scroll down to find windows 11 here - https://files.rg-adguard.net/version/f0bd8307-d897-ef77-dbd6-216fefbe94c5

ALWAYS remove the older drive PHYSICALLY. This will eliminate most of the common problems during installation.
Do not clone Windows installation. Always install fresh. Yes, it is cumbersome to reinstall all applications, but it is worth the hassle as you will quickly realize there are MANY apps that you haven't used or don't need. Keep Windows 11 installation light and do not bloat it with unnecessary software.
Browsers allow selective export of Bookmarks and Passwords. Create a local backup and restore the same. This also avoid Cloud Backup.
Look at Ventoy. It allows multiple ISOs to be dumped on the drive that will be used to install an OS. You may face trouble with SecureBoot. If you do, stick with Rufus.

I like to tweak windows 11 after install using this tool.

Run in powershell with admin priviledges
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex

Turn off things like telemetry.