How to Clone Windows 11 to Larger SSD Without Losing Anything

If your Windows 11 is on a smaller SSD, migrating it to a new or larger SSD can significantly increase your computer's storage space and improve its performance, as the Reddit post states.

Clone Windows to a new SSD

I have bought a new SSD for my PC, and it's built in and works now. I have 2, but I want to move all my data to the new one cause it's faster and has more space than my old one. Both are ssd, one is 512GB, the other is 1TB. Does anyone have a good tutorial, or can you tell me how to do it? ---from Reddit

We will tell you how to clone Windows 11 to larger SSD with one of the best disk cloning software - EaseUS Disk Copy to avoid reinstalling Windows or losing data.

Preparations Before Cloning Windows 11 to New SSD

Before migrating Windows 11 to a larger SSD, you need to prepare adequately to ensure a smooth process.

#1. A New, Larger SSD

You must get an SSD compatible with your computer or laptop and with sufficient storage space (larger than your previous SSD). You need to buy an SSD with the right SSD form factor (SATA SSD, M.2 SSD, NVMe SSD, PCIe SSD) and interface.

#2. Backup Your Data

If your target SSD is not new and contains data, you'd better back it up before cloning, since cloning will wipe all data on the destination disk.

#3. Connect SSD

• For desktops: Insert the new or larger SSD directly into the computer, along with the old SSD.
• For laptops: For a laptop with only one slot, connect the SSD with an SATA to USB cable, or an external SSD enclosure.

#4. Run a Surface Test of the New SSD

Some new SSD drives will also have bad sectors, resulting in disk cloning failure. Therefore, you can perform a surface test on your new SSD to verify its health condition.

#5. Download OS Cloning Software for Windows 11

A reliable disk cloning tool is essential for copying an SSD to a larger one because Windows 11 lacks built-in cloning tools. Some SSD brands, like Samsung and WD, offer cloning solutions that let users clone a hard drive, but for most SSDs, you need to download a third-party cloning program.

EaseUS Disk Copy is a safe and reliable cloning software compatible with SSDs and HDDs from different manufacturers. No matter what kind of SSD you are using, it can help you clone Windows 11 to an SSD without reinstalling Windows. When you clone to a new SSD, it will automatically monitor and prompt you to confirm whether to migrate the system.

Download this powerful cloning software to help you clone Windows 11 to new SSD!

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Windows 11/10/8/7

How to Clone Windows 11 to SSD [Stepwise Guide]

Now, let's dive into the cloning process from the smaller SSD to the larger SSD. Before cloning, connect the new SSD to your PC via the SATA to USB cable.

How to Migrate Windows 11 to a Larger SSD Using EaseUS Disk Copy

Step 1. Connect the new SSD

• For laptops, use a SATA-to-USB adapter to connect the new drive externally; for desktops, install it internally.

Step 2. Launch EaseUS cloning software

• Install and open EaseUS Disk Copy, and select System Mode.

Step 3. Select the source and destination drives

• EaseUS disk cloning software will automatically select the OS and its related partitions; you just need to choose the destination disk.

Adjust target disk layout if needed. "Auto-fit the disk" will ensure your system makes the most of the new SSD's larger capacity.

Step 4. Start cloning OS

• It will start cloning the C drive and OS-related partitions to the new SSD.

Step 5. Boot from the new drive

Once the OS clone is finished, shut down your computer and replace the old drive with the cloned SSD. Then, restart your PC, and it will boot from the new SSD. If not, restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or F12) to set the new SSD as the primary boot device, then save and exit.

This video shows you how to clone SSD to a larger SSD using EaseUS Disk Copy:

 

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To Wrap Things Up

Migrating Windows 11 to a larger SSD is an important step to optimizing your system's performance and storage capacity. You can get faster startup speeds, better overall responsiveness, and more storage space for your files and programs by cloning your operating system and data to a bigger SSD.

EaseUS Disk Copy is an ideal solution for this task. Its versatile cloning modes ensure a smooth, exact replication of your Windows 11 system with no data loss. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, EaseUS Disk Copy provides the tools and information you need to make the migration process simple.

Free Download

Windows 11/10/8/7

FAQs on Migrating Windows 11 to a Larger SSD

1. How do I move my operating system to a bigger SSD?

To clone Windows 11 to a larger SSD, use professional cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy, which can seamlessly transfer your entire operating system and data to the new SSD. You can also use free software like Clonezilla or Rescuezilla.

2. What is the best size for OS SSD?

The ideal size for an OS SSD depends on individual requirements and usage patterns. For the best OS SSD size, 1TB is the sweet spot for most users, balancing cost, performance, and space for the OS, apps, and some games; while 500GB works for light use, 256GB gets tight quickly, and 2TB+ is ideal for gamers or professionals with large files.

3. Can Windows clone without third-party tools?

No, you cannot clone a hard drive or clone Windows without using a third-party tool because Windows does not have a cloning feature. However, Windows offers another option to help you move Windows to another drive without losing data. You can create a system image using Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and restore it to a new drive.

4. How to clone Windows 11 to SSD free with larger storage space?

To clone Windows 11 OS to a bigger SSD for free, you can use free SSD cloning software like Clonezilla or Rescuezilla. You can also use the Windows System Image Tool to back up and restore Windows 11 to a larger SSD drive.