How to Transfer Data from NVMe to NVMe: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to transfer data from one NVMe SSD to another? Learn our step-by-step guide for a seamless OS, app, and data transfer by cloning your NVMe SSD to a new one without reinstalling Windows.

NVMe SSD refers to a solid-state drive with the Non-Volatile Memory Express interface. An NVMe SSD can significantly enhance a PC's performance, reducing the delay and improving the IOPS capability of the SSD, etc. You may need to make an NVMe migration for different reasons. This article will tell how to transfer data from NVMe to NVMe without losing data or reinstalling Windows.

• Cloning creates a sector-by-sector copy of your existing drive, including the operating system and programs, so you can boot from the new drive. Clone NVMe to NVMe Without Reinstalling Windows
• Manual copy-pasting is a simple method, but it is not suitable for transferring system files or applications. Manually Copy & Paste Files from NVMe to NVMe

Method 1. Using Cloning Software (For Boot Drives)

To transfer data between NVMe drives, use cloning software to create an exact copy of your current drive to the new NVMe drive. Cloning can help you quickly transfer everything from one SSD to another, including Windows and data, and provides advanced cloning options, such as sector-level cloning, SSD alignment, etc.

Step 1. Connect the New SSD

For Direct Connection:

• If your computer has an empty M.2 slot, power off the PC, unplug it, and install the new NVMe drive directly into the slot.

For External Connection:

• If your computer has only one M.2 slot, you will need an NVMe to USB enclosure.
• Insert the new NVMe SSD drive into that enclosure.
• Connect the USB-to-NVMe enclosure to your computer via a USB port.

Step 2. Download and Install Cloning Software

Cloning is the most effective and easiest way to transfer data from one NVMe SSD to a new one without losing anything or reinstalling Windows. Still, you need to find a reliable disk cloning tool to help you. If you want completely free disk cloning software, try Clonezilla, a cloning tool that requires a high learning curve due to its command-line-based design.

If you want an easy-to-use disk cloning program, try EaseUS Disk Copy, a reliable and efficient disk clone software with a simple UI design. It lets you clone HDD to SSD or SSD to SSD from different manufacturers and clone an NVMe SSD with only one slot. Additionally, it features sector-by-sector clone technology, allowing you to copy a hard drive or clone a partition bit by bit.

Free download the best NVMe SSD cloning software to clone NVMe SSD to another!

Step 3. Clone NVMe to NVMe Windows 11/10/8/7

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to clone NVMe SSD using EaseUS Disk Copy:

#1. Launch the cloning software. Open the EaseUS SSD cloning tool and choose the "Disk Mode" option.

#2. Select source and destination SSDs. Select the old NVMe SSD as the source drive and the new NVMe SSD as the target drive.

#3. Adjust the target SSD's layout. (Optional) If your new NVMe drive is larger, you can select "Auto-fit the disk" to resize the disk partitions and utilize the extra space automatically.

#4. Start the cloning process. Confirm the cloning settings and begin the cloning process.

Step 4. Swap SSDs

Once the cloning is complete, shut down your computer, remove the old NVMe SSD, and install the new one in its place.

Step 5. Boot Computer from the New SSD

If the new drive was in an enclosure, you can now install it into the empty M.2 slot on your motherboard and boot from it. If the new drive was already in the motherboard, you can now boot from it. (You may need to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to set the new SSD as your first boot drive.)

This video demonstrates how to clone NVMe SSD using EaseUS Disk Copy:

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Method 2. Manual Copy-Pasting (For Specific Files Only)

If you just want to transfer files from one NVMe SSD to another, you can do it manually. This is the most basic and direct way to move data from one NVMe SSD to another. The copying and pasting method can transfer basic personal files to another drive, but not system or boot files. If you have many files to be transferred, it will take a long time, and data loss may occur.

• Connect the new NVMe SSD to the PC. If you have another M.2 slot, you can install the new drive directly; otherwise, use an external enclosure.
• Open File Explorer: Open File Explorer in Windows to view the contents of both SSDs.
• Copy and Paste: Navigate to the folders and files you want to transfer on the old SSD, right-click, select "Copy," then go to the new SSD, right-click on an empty space, and select "Paste".
• Repeat for All Files: Repeat this process for all the files and folders you need to move. The time it takes depends on the files' size and the SSDs' speed.
• Eject and Use the New NVMe SSD: After copying the data, eject the SSD and connect it to your PC. Now, all the data has been transferred to the new NVMe SSD.

To Wrap Things Up

This article explains how to transfer data from one NVMe SSD to another on your computer if you are looking for a way to do so. You can try the manual procedure to copy personal files from one SSD to another, but it will take a long time if you have many files to transfer, and most importantly, your boot files will not function on the target drive, and data loss may occur during the transfer process.

Try the cloning method if you want to transfer data from one NVMe to another without losing data or reinstalling Windows OS. EaseUS Disk Copy, the best software to clone NVMe SSD, can help move all your data, including the installed Windows and saved data, from the source to the destination disk. It can also help you make a WinPE bootable disk to boot your new computer. Just download and try it to explore its functions on your PC!

FAQs on How to Transfer Data Between NVMe SSDs

Below are some frequently asked questions about how to transfer data/files from one NVMe SSD to another or how to copy NVMe to NVMe:

1. Can I clone an NVMe SSD without a second M.2 slot?

Yes, absolutely. You don't need a second M.2 slot on your motherboard. The most common solutions are:

• Use a USB NVMe Enclosure: Connect your new NVMe SSD to your computer via a USB-C port. This is the easiest and most popular method.
• Use a PCIe Adapter Card: Install a PCIe to M.2 adapter card into an available PCIe x4 or x16 slot on the motherboard to add another M.2 port internally.

2. What's the fastest way to clone NVMe to NVMe?

The fastest method is to have both NVMe drives installed directly on the motherboard in two M.2 slots, as this uses the full PCIe bandwidth. If that's not possible, the next fastest method is using a PCIe adapter card in a free slot. Using a USB-C enclosure is convenient, but it will be limited by USB speeds, though with USB 3.2 Gen 2, it is still very fast for cloning.

3. How do I ensure my motherboard supports the new NVMe SSD?

• M.2 Slot Compatibility: Ensure your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports the correct key (M-key for most NVMe SSDs) and length (e.g., 2280).
• PCIe Generation: Confirm which PCIe generation (e.g., PCIe 3.0 or 4.0) your M.2 slot supports. A PCIe 4.0 SSD will work in a 3.0 slot, but it will run at 3.0 speeds.
• BIOS/UEFI: Update your motherboard's BIOS to the latest version to ensure the best hardware compatibility and stability.

4. Can I clone NVMe to SATA SSD?

Yes, you can clone NVMe to a SATA SSD. Buy a USB enclosure for your SATA SSD drive and run SSD cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy, Clonezilla, and Acronis True Image.