can i reinstall windows using a external hdd with factory reset?

[Boom__]

i switched from a hdd to a ssd on a laptop and windows 10 is giving me some problems and im considering to go back to windows 8/8.1 but the factory reset is on the other hdd. if i hooked it up via usb would i be able to factory restore to the ssd?

 

[Laptop_Nerd]

Hi,

That will not be possible since it only made for that HDD alone. The only way you can bring it back to Windows 8 is to reinstall it using a Windows 8 disc itself.

Here's a guide on how to install Windows 8 in your laptop SSD.
http/windows.microsoft.com/en-PH/windows-8/clean-install

 

[hang-the-9]

Plug in the original drive, do the restore on that, then you can clone the setup over to the SSD providing there is enough space on the SSD to hold the contents.