Easily clone your Windows boot drive to an M.2 SSD (SATA or NVMe) without reinstalling the OS. This step-by-step guide covers preparation, cloning with EaseUS Disk Copy, BIOS setup, and troubleshooting. Ideal for faster boot times and seamless upgrades. Perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.
How to properly clone the old SSD to new SSD M.2, and make the new SSD the boot drive
byu/jeryc inPcBuildHelp
Looking to upgrade to a faster M.2 SSD but don't want to reinstall Windows? Worried the migration process might be too complicated or that the cloned drive won't boot? Are you running Windows 10 or 11 and hoping to keep all your files, apps, and settings intact? Facing low disk space or slow system performance?
If you're a tech-savvy user searching for a simple, reliable way to clone boot drive to an M.2 SSD, this guide is for you. From preparation and cloning steps to BIOS settings, we'll guide you through every step to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade.
Cloning your boot drive to an M.2 SSD, whether it's SATA or NVMe, offers significant benefits across a variety of real-world user scenarios. Here's why users commonly choose to perform this upgrade:
Regardless of the reason, all the above targets can be achieved by cloning the boot drive to the new SSD. Our guide will provide you with the correct tools and solutions to resolve your issue successfully. Keep reading and learn how.
First of all, to ensure a successful and smooth boot drive cloning, you need to prepare enough. Here we list all items, check and see if you're ready.
Depending on your motherboard and performance needs, you'll need either a SATA-based M.2 SSD or a faster NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD. Before purchasing, confirm that your device supports the specific type of storage (SATA or NVMe). Select a drive with a capacity equal to or greater than your current boot drive to ensure a seamless clone without space limitations. Reliable brands include Samsung, Western Digital, Crucial, and Kingston.
If your PC or laptop has only one M.2 slot, a USB-to-M.2 adapter or external enclosure is essential for the cloning process. When choosing a USB-to-M.2 adapter or enclosure, first check if your SSD is SATA or NVMe, each requires a different type. For most modern systems, NVMe is preferred. Look for enclosures with USB 3.1 or higher for faster speeds, and ensure it supports your SSD's size (e.g., 2280).
A reliable boot drive cloning tool is crucial to ensure a smooth and bootable transfer of your system to the new M.2 SSD. Software like EaseUS Disk Copy allows you to clone OS to new hard drive, including hidden and system partitions, without data loss. It supports 1:1 cloning, SSD optimization, and automatic partition resizing while cloning. It ensures that your Windows installation and boot configuration remain intact, and supports sector-by-sector cloning, UEFI/GPT systems, and SSD alignment for optimal performance after migration.
Share the blog on social media to help other Windows users clone a boot drive SSD to an M.2 SSD easily.
To do this, power off your computer and unplug it, open the case or laptop bottom cover, insert the M.2 SSD into the correct slot (check if it's SATA or NVMe), and secure it with a screw.
If using a laptop with a single M. 2 slot, connect the new M.2 SSD via the USB enclosure/adapter, then boot into Windows and confirm that the SSD is recognized in Disk Management.
Step 1. To clone OS from one hard drive to another, choose the target disk in "System Mode" and click "Next".
Step 2. Adjust the disk layout of the target disks. You can manage the disk layout of the destination disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source" or "Edit disk layout". Then, click Proceed.
Tick the "Check the option if the target is SSD" option to put your SSD in its best performance.
Step 3. A message now appears, warning you that data on the target disk will be lost. Please confirm this message by clicking "Continue".
Step 4. Wait for the cloning process to complete.
When the cloning process completes, you can replace the old SSD with the new cloned M.2 SSD, and boot your system form it. Here are the steps:
You should now boot directly into Windows from your M.2 SSD.
Share the blog on social media to help other Windows users clone a boot drive SSD to an M.2 SSD easily.
Migrating your OS to a faster M.2 SSD is one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make. With the help of reliable software like EaseUS Disk Copy, the process is straightforward, safe, and efficient.
If you're ready to experience faster boot times and better performance, download EaseUS Disk Copy today and start cloning with confidence.
Can you clone an SSD to an NVMe?
Yes, you can clone an SSD to an NVMe drive using disk cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy. The process copies your entire system, including Windows, programs, and files, to the NVMe drive. Just ensure your motherboard supports NVMe and update the BIOS boot order after cloning.
Can I clone my boot drive to a larger SSD?
Absolutely. Cloning your boot drive to a larger SSD not only preserves your existing system and files, but also improves performance and provides room for future growth. It's an efficient way to upgrade without reinstalling Windows, especially useful if your current drive is running low on space or slowing down.
What is the best software to clone NVMe SSD?
The best software to clone an NVMe SSD depends on your specific needs. Tools like EaseUS Disk Copy are ideal for beginners, offering one-click cloning, while Clonezilla provides advanced options for power users. Acronis and rescuezilla are also popular—each with different features, interfaces, and system support.
How long does SSD to M.2 cloning take?
Cloning an SSD to an M.2 drive typically takes 10 to 45 minutes, depending on factors like data size, disk speed (SATA vs NVMe), and the cloning method used. Faster interfaces and lightweight systems will complete the process more quickly, while larger or fragmented drives may take longer.
Will the cloned M.2 SSD be bootable?
A cloned M.2 SSD can be bootable if all system and boot partitions are correctly copied and the BIOS is set to boot from the new drive. Using reliable cloning software ensures proper transfer. After cloning, you may need to adjust the boot order or enable UEFI settings.
Related Articles
How to Replace HP Laptop Hard Drive [New & Efficient Guide]
Paragon Migrate OS to SSD Stuck (Causes & Fixes)
How to Copy Operating System to New Hard Drive
Rescuezilla vs Clonezilla: Which Is Better for Disk Cloning?