If I buy a new laptop and just take the HDD installed with windows out and install a new SSD in, and install it with Debian, will that workout? And will I be able to use that HHD with windows on say a desktop build?

Hi,
If that new Laptop is 'UEFI' capable then you will need to use a Gnu/Linux that is able to install with 'UEFI' or disable secure boot to do a 'MBR' install. Of course you would need a full Windows 8/8.1 ISO. Be sure to get the product key for your current install. Most OEM no longer use a Product key sticker but imbed the key in BIOS. You can use; http://www.isunshare.com/product-key...-8-or-8.1.html

Yes, you can replace the HDD with a 'SSD'. As for moving that HDD from the Laptop and using it on another system then you will need to configure that install for the system to be placed in. Secure boot will not allow that HDD Windows install to just boot up in another system. Your product key is aligned/registered to the Laptop. Plus the init & driver files are configured to the Laptops needs.

If you have the Windows ISO then you could do a full install but you would need to register that copy to the new machine if the new machine supports 'UEFI'. If you read the MS EULA for the Windows install for the Laptop you will see the restrictions and allowances for that product key.

For a 'SSD install of Windows 8.1 for a Samsung Laptop. Be sure to look at the extended comment section; http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/w...1-aa214907b8f0
The guy in the above linked site was having a fit with support. Since when did Microsoft have a Microsoft Linux? News to me.

To use Win 8/8.1 then you can get; http://dellwindowsreinstallationguid...l-and-oem-iso/ to hopefully do a install. But get the product key before you remove the HDD.

Plus you can use: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...-refresh-media

You can find the same for other major Laptop manufactures by using a good search engine since we do not know which Laptop you will be purchasing. I like: https://duckduckgo.com/

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

Thank you. That was very helpful info. Let me re explain though. Ok so I am getting a brand new laptop and windows 8 is installed on the hdd. I want to take that hdd out of the Laptop and replace it with a ssd and install a linux OS on that. And if possible use the hdd that was in the laptop for a desktop build or wipe it and use it as a external hard drive. Is this doable.

Hi,

Yes, it is doable. The HDD you take out will have the Win 8.1 and will not be useable on the system you move it too. If you wipe it then you can install OS. As I stated before to get a Win 8.1 install you will need to get the Product key off the BIOS via the technique I linked to you before removal of the HDD.

You will need to download the Win 8.1 media that I linked to create a ISO for install to the new SSD. You will need the product key to activate the new install on the SSD. Follow the information within the links that I provided and you should not have a problem.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

Why wipe Windows? Instead buy a laptop with no or a free OS installed. It would be cheaper.

I think it's a toss up where you can buy a computer with no OS, you may have to look and may or may not find a better deal. I think it's also in the perspective of the owner/buyer. One person looks more at memory, another is more concerned with CPU type and speed, and so forth.

@marshen, as far as what you're asking. I think that using that hard drive as a spare external is your best bet.