If I use my current (and only) hdd as a slave to a new one with only basic windows installed will I still be able to use programs

Rephrase that, please. You are not making clear if you attempt to use windows from your current or new hd.
If it is (and, I think, is) windows on the new, then you will most probabbly not be able to boot, because windows are allready installed (NOT on your machine). You will have to install the windows AFTER you set up your machine that way. There is also posibility (not very practical one) of copying the windows from your current drive to the new one, but that is more complicated than just installing it.

If you mean by "programs" allready installed ones then the answer is 80% no.
The way to go is to reinstall them.

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