4. Optimize Windows for the SSD

If you’ve blown everything away and started from scratch, you’re all set. Install drivers, updates, and programs, then restore files from your backup.

If you installed Windows 8 with Windows 7 present, you’ll be prompted to boot into Windows 8 or Windows 7. Choose Windows 8, and proceed to configure Windows 8 and install updates and drivers.

Depending on how much data you have, you may want to consider keeping your personal files on the mechanical drive, reserving the SSD for the OS and applications. There are numerous ways to go about this, ranging from simply copying user files to the hard drive to moving the user directory with symbolic links, to registry changes, and more.

Should you wish to continue with the option to boot either Windows 7 or Windows 8, there are no additional steps required. The new graphical boot manager in Windows 8 provides provides easy access to change the default operating system and other settings.

Desktop junkies and power users can do it the old-fashioned way by enter the msconfig.exe utility and click on the “Boot” tab. Here you can disable the GUI boot screen, change defaults, and more.

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About the author

Matt Whitlock

Matt Whitlock is online director and technical editor for ChannelProSMB.com.