Learn how to transfer Windows from one SSD to another safely. Our step-by-step guide shows you how to move Windows to another drive with reliable software & avoid common mistakes.
Replacing an SSD with a larger SSD is challenging for most users since it entails several complicated procedures, including reinstalling the operating system and other essential software. Another possibility is that the computer won't successfully boot from the new SSD. This article will describe how to transfer Windows from one SSD to another.
When you use an SSD with a small capacity, such as 128GB, on your computer, it may become full quickly because you will have data to store on it. Moreover, NVMe SSDs outperform SATA SSDs in speed and performance. If you do not want to delete this data and affect your computer's performance, replacing it with a larger SSD is the best way out.
But if you replace/upgrade your SSD with a larger one, you will lose your Windows installation on the old drive. At this time, do you wonder, "Can I transfer Windows from one SSD to another without reinstalling Windows and all programs?"
The answer is in the affirmative. To transfer Windows from one SSD to another, the most common method is to clone the source SSD to the new SSD using specialized software. Alternatively, you can perform a clean install of Windows on the new SSD and then transfer your files and settings or perform a system image recovery on another SSD.
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To transfer Windows from one SSD to another, use cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy or Clonezilla to copy your entire system, including the operating system and data, from the old SSD to the new one. Clonezilla leaves much to be desired due to its outdated interface and running from a USB. In that case, EaseUS Disk Copy is the right one to help you migrate OS to SSD.
EaseUS disk cloning software is an easy-to-use, versatile disk cloning utility compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7. It can help you clone your systems, disks, and partitions from different manufacturers. For example, it can let you move Windows to another drive without losing data.
EaseUS SSD cloning software can satisfy your every cloning need. It has the System Mode, which lets you clone OS to a new drive. Feel free and safe to download it on your computer to help you transfer an operating system from one SSD to a new SSD or another drive.
Step-by-step Guide on How to Clone Windows from One SSD to Another using EaseUS Disk Copy:
Note: If your PC has only one slot, you will need a USB to SATA cable or an external SSD enclosure to connect it to your PC. If your PC has 2 or more slots, you can install it internally.
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.
This video explains how to use EaseUS Disk Copy to clone your Windows drive to a new SSD:
After cloning one SSD to another, you can install the SSD alongside your old SSD if you use a desktop or laptop with more than 2 slots. If you use a laptop with only one slot, you can replace the old SSD with the cloned one. After replacing SSD drives, reboot your PC from your new drive in the BIOS or UEFI setup. As the PC boots, you can press a specific key, like F1, F2, F12, Del, or Esc. Go to the boot options and set the new SSD as your boot drive.
Another way to help you migrate your Windows from one SSD to another is using Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Normally, you can create a Windows system image and then restore it to your new SSD to transfer the operating system from one SSD to another.
However, it is important to note that this method is not straightforward or stable because sometimes, you may encounter the "System Restore is not working" error when restoring the system image. Therefore, if you want a more efficient and direct way to perform Windows migration, performing disk cloning may suit you better. Here is how to go for it.
Prerequisites:
Step 1. Visit Control Panel > Backup & Restore (Windows 7) and select Create a system image.
Step 2. This will launch a wizard that you can follow to create a system image of your Windows on an external drive or USB drive. You must first select the hard drive where the system image will be saved.
Step 3. Choose the drive and partitions you want to include in the image. Here, you must ensure that the Windows Drive, typically drive C, has been included in the image.
Step 4. Tap Start backup to launch the backup process.
Step 5. Connect the external drive containing the system image and the new SSD to your computer. (If your computer cannot boot as usual, you will need to use the system repair disc to boot your PC.)
Step 6. Restart PC to access the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 7. In Choose an option window, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
Step 8. Select a system image > Use the latest available system image (recommended) > Format and repartition disks. Then begin the restoration process.
Step 9.After restoring the image, change the boot order in your BIOS to boot from the new SSD.
It is advised not to stop the restoration procedure in the middle because it could take some time. You will be prompted to restart your system to start it in standard mode after the operation is finished.
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Except for cloning SSD and performing a system image recovery, you can also perform a clean install of Windows on the new SSD and then transfer your files and settings.
Step 1. Create Windows installation media: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows installation files.
Step 2. Boot from the installation media: Restart your computer and boot from the newly created installation media.
Step 3. Install Windows on the new SSD: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on the new SSD.
Step 4. Transfer files and settings: After installing Windows, you can manually transfer your files and settings from the old SSD.
That is all about how to transfer Windows from one SSD to another. Are you clear about how to transfer Windows from SSD to SSD now? In short, you can use cloning software, clean install Windows of the new SSD, or use a Windows built-in tool to help you. However, performing SSD cloning is the best way to transfer the operating system from one SSD to another without reinstalling Windows and apps or losing data.
It would be better to use cloning software - EaseUS Disk Copy to help you transfer OS to a new drive. It can help you transfer Windows from one drive to another without reinstalling Windows. More valuable functions are here for you to explore. Just download and try it.
Below are some FAQs about how to move Windows from one SSD to another.
1. How do I move my OS to SSD without cloning?
How to move Windows to another drive? To move Windows to an SSD without cloning, you need to do a clean installation of Windows. Before installing a brand-new copy of Windows, a clean installation removes everything from the hard drive. Along with assisting you with upgrade troubles, it will let you start over with a fresh installation, speeding up your system and addressing faults.
2. Do I need to reactivate Windows after cloning?
Generally, you do not need to reactivate Windows after cloning your OS drive if you're using the same hardware (motherboard and CPU). If you've cloned the drive and are booting from it on the same computer, Windows should recognize the existing digital license and reactivate automatically. However, if you've changed hardware (especially the motherboard or CPU), you will likely need to reactivate Windows.
3. What to do if the new SSD is smaller than the old one?
If your new SSD is smaller than the old one, you can still clone the data, but you'll need to ensure the used space on the old drive is less than or equal to the capacity of the new SSD. If it's larger, you'll need to shrink partitions, delete unnecessary files, or perform a clean install of the operating system.
4. How do I clone my Windows operating system to a new SSD?
Cloning Windows to a new/larger SSD only has 5 simple steps, which include:
5. Is there a way to move the Windows install from one SSD to another?
To transfer Windows from one SSD to another, use cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy or Clonezilla to copy your entire system, including the operating system and data, from the old SSD to the new one. You can also perform a clean installation to install Windows on another SSD, but you'll have to reinstall and reconfigure everything after installation.
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