The operating system win7/10/11 is tied to the laptop using a hardware code. If you install an ssd into your laptop, you dont need a software code to activate the new operating system.
1. Manaul way - FRESH install of Operating system-what id do
Backup all your data, install new ssd, format usb drive for win10/11 and install new OS. THEN manually Reinstall backup data - photos ect.
A really good paid backup program use AOMEI BACKUPPER. backup programs to me are more complicated than backing up manually unless you know exactly what you are doing.
2.Autmatic way -RETAIN the operating system and profile data to keep all your OS and profile data intact without needing a fresh install
Use backup program, if you dont have one AOMEI is a good one to macke a entire partition backup of all the partitions on the existing "bad" hdd
get a usb to sata data cable off amazon
install the new ssd.
now theres 2 ways you can transfer data. but if you get this far you have to PM me the details.
basically transfer the partitions from old hdd to new ssd. install new ssd. Now ALL your data is the same but now you are running the laptop off of a ssd.