How to Transfer Data from One SSD to Another (3 Ways)

Learn 3 ways to transfer data from one SSD to another: SSD cloning, manual copying, and backup & restore, including transferring files, OS, and programs.

Upgrading to a larger and faster SSD is a common way to improve your PC's performance, especially when your computer runs out of storage space and gets slower and slower. However, many users worry about losing data and are uncertain about how to transfer data from one SSD to another. As a Reddit user asked:

Transfer files/data from one SSD to another SSD help!

So I have never upgraded a hard drive before, and am curious about how to do it. Is it as simple as plugging the new SSD in and transferring the files over? Or is it more complicated?

This post covers 3 ways to transfer data from one SSD to another. Whether you're upgrading to a new SSD, replacing a failing drive, or simply transferring files, this article covers what you need.

• Method 1. Manually Copy Files (for Personal Data Only)
• Method 2. Clone SSD (for OS and Full SSD Data Transfer)
• Method 3. Backup & Restore (for Disaster System and Data Recovery)

Method 1. Manually Copy Files (for Personal Data Only)

If you only need to transfer personal files, such as documents, photos, videos, but not system files or installed programs, manually copying files is a simple and effective method. With this method, no additional software is needed, and you can have more flexibility to copy files and folders you need. You can simply copy and paste them (or Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V) from one SSD to another SSD.

However, you can't copy installed programs or system files, transfer speed may be limited by factors such as interface (e.g., USB 2.0), cable quality, or target system performance, and interruptions due to power loss, system crash, poor connection, or user error during transfer can corrupt files or cause incomplete transfers, which are hard to recover from or verify.

The following are the detailed steps to transfer files from one SSD to another:

Step 1. Connect the new SSD

• Use a USB-to-SATA adapter if your PC has only one slot, or install it internally if your PC has more than one slot.

Step 2. Copy files from SSD to SSD

• Open File Explorer and go to the source SSD.
• Select the files and folders you want to transfer.
• Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) them to the new SSD. (You can also use your mouse to select the files, right-click, and copy. Then, paste them to the target SSD.)

Repeat the process again and again until you have moved all the files from the old SSD to the new SSD. Copying files is a simpler method for transferring specific data but is not suitable for system files. If you just want to move specific files with small scale, it really helps.

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Method 2. Clone SSD (for OS and Full SSD Data Transfer)

Cloning is the easiest way to move all data from one SSD to another. Cloning creates an exact copy of your old SSD on the new one, including the operating system and all files. EaseUS Disk Copy is one of the best SSD cloning tools that can help you clone an SSD to another easily and quickly.

Compatible with SSDs from all manufacturers, EaseUS cloning software can clone your entire disk, partition, and clone OS to a new drive. It lets you transfer Windows, apps, and all data without reinstalling anything and automatically aligns partitions for better SSD performance.

Get the best SSD cloning software to transfer everything from one SSD to another.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Move Everything from One SSD to Another Using Disk Copy:

Step 1. Prepare SSD for cloning

• Check the new SSD's capacity. Ensure the new SSD has enough space for your data.
• Ensure SSD compatibility. Confirm source and target SSDs share the same disk interface (SATA, PCIe, NVMe, M.2) and share the same form factor, such as 2.5-inch, M.2, etc.
• Connect the new SSD. Use a connector, such as a SATA-USB cable or SSD enclosure, to connect the new SSD to your computer or install it internally if your PC has more than one slot.

Step 2. Select the source and destination disks

• Launch EaseUS Disk Copy, and choose the old SSD as the source and the new SSD as the destination within the cloning software.

Step 3. Start the cloning process

• Click Proceed to start the cloning process. This will copy everything from the source SSD to the new SSD.

Step 4. Replace the old SSD

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

• Shut down your PC, open the back case with a screwdriver, find and remove the old SSD, and install the new one.
• Enter BIOS by pressing the BIOS key (F1, F2, Esc, Del) during startup and set the new SSD as the primary boot device.

This video explains 3 methods for transferring data from one SSD to another, including using EaseUS Disk Copy for cloning.

Get this software to transfer all your data from one SSD to another!

Method 3. Backup & Restore (for Disaster System and Data Recovery)

You can also find a way out if you prefer a Windows tool to transfer your data and system from one SSD to another. This tool is Backup and Restore (Windows 7), a built-in Windows tool that helps you create a system image or backup files. You can use it to create a system image and restore it to another SSD via the System Image Recovery Tool.

Also, no additional software is needed and this method is best for restoring the system to a previous good state, including the OS, settings, programs, and files. Here is how:

Part 1. Create a System Image on an External Disk

• Connect the external disk via a USB-to-SATA adapter to your PC.
• Type Control Panel in the Windows search box, and click Open.
• Select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
• Click Create a system image and select the external disk to save the system image.
• Choose the drives you want to back up. (By default, the system partition is selected.)
• Confirm backup settings, and press Start backup.

You will have your current system and data on the external disk when the backup process is complete.

Part 2. Restore the System and Data to the New SSD

Step 1. Connect your external disk (the one containing the system image) and your new SSD to your PC.

Step 2. Restart PC to enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) when your PC reboots.

• For Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery and press Restart now under Advanced startup.
• For Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and press Restart now.

Step 3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery > Select a system image > Use the latest available system image > Select Format and repartition disks (for restoring to a new SSD, enable this option) > Click Finish.

Then, follow the wizard to restore the system image and data to the new SSD. If your PC does not boot, boot it with a system repair disc. You will also be taken to the Choose an option window. Follow the same steps to restore Windows and data.

Step 4. Replace the Old SSD

• Turn off your PC, remove the old SSD and install the new SSD there.

If you want to transfer SSD data to another computer, this method may not work as your expect because it cannot tarnsfer system and data to another PC with dissimilar hardware. If you don't want to use the target SSD as the boot drive, directly back up data from the old SSD to the new SSD.

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To Sum Up

Transferring data from one SSD to another can be easy with the right method. This article offers 3 ways to help you transfer data from one SSD drive to another.

• Manual copying and pasting is recommended for transferring individual files or folders, but not your operating system or installed programs.
• Cloning is recommended for is recommended for transferring your entire system, programs, and files, without needing to reinstall.
• Backup and Restore is recommended for restoring a PC to a previous state for disaster recovery when a PC is experiencing boot issues or critical errors.

EaseUS Disk Copy is a practical disk cloning tool for all computer users, whether you are a professional or a beginner. It allows you to move data from one SSD to another or transfer storage from one SSD to another, whether you want to clone a drive to a smaller or larger SSD. Just download and try it!

FAQs on How to Transfer Data from SSD to SSD

1. How to transfer data from one SSD to another with only one slot?

If your PC has only one slot, you can use a USB to SATA cable or external USB enclosure to connect the new SSD to your PC. Then, you can choose to clone SSD to SSD or manually copy files from one SSD to another. You can follow the guide above.

2. How to deal with an old SSD after cloning?

After cloning, the old SSD can be repurposed, erased, or used for additional storage. If you want to use it for storage, simply format the old SSD in Disk Management. If you want to repurpose it, consider using it as a backup drive or for storing non-essential files. If you no longer need the data, completely erase the old hard drive using a secure erase function or diskpart to prevent data recovery.

3. How do I transfer the operating system from one SSD to another?

To transfer operating system from one SSD to another, the simplest way is to clone your OS to another SSD instead of performing a clean installation. Cloning can help you effortlessly transfer everything, including the OS and data, from one hard drive to another.

4. How do I transfer data from one external SSD to a new one on a Mac?

Make a backup of your external SSD using Time Machine, then restore it to a new SSD. Alternatively, use Disk Utility to build an exact duplicate of your external SSD on the new SSD. Drag-and-drop is another option for basic file transfers.

➡️Use Disk Utility for Cloning (Best for Full Drive Copy)

• Connect both SSDs to your Mac.
• Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).
• Select the source SSD (left sidebar).
• Click Restore (top toolbar).
• Drag the destination SSD into the "Restore to" field.
• Click Restore > Confirm.

➡️Use Time Machine (For Backups & Selective Restores)

• Connect the new SSD.
• Go to System Settings > General > Time Machine.
• Click Add Backup Disk > Select the new SSD.
• The first backup will copy all data automatically.

5. How long does it take to transfer data from one SSD to another?

The time to transfer data between SSDs depends on several key factors, such as SSD interface & generation, connection method, type and size of data, and method used. Dedicated tools (e.g., Robocopy, Clonezilla, Rescuezilla, and EaseUS Disk Copy) are often faster and more reliable than basic file copy. It generally ranges from a few minutes to a few hours.