Is 128GB SSD Enough for Windows If I Have a 1TB HDD in My Laptop?
I'm planning to migrate Windows from HDD on my laptop to a new SSD. I was about to buy a 32GB yesterday, but my friend told me that it won't be enough. Should I buy a larger one? Can you tell me if a 128GB SSD is enough for Windows if I have a 1TB HDD on my laptop? Thanks!
Best Answered by
Jerry· Answered on Jan 21, 2026
Yes, 128GB SSD is enough for your Windows OS if you have a 1TB HDD for other programs on your laptop.
Usually, 128GB of storage is regarded as plenty for a Windows operating system installation, especially if you have a 1TB hard drive for storing other files and programs. If you only run Windows on it with no other applications, a 64GB SSD may even suffice.
Transferring the OS from an HDD to an SSD will make your system boot up and perform faster, while the HDD will store additional data. As for migrating the operating system to SSD, you can use professional clone software like EaseUS Disk Copy to do so without data loss.
Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7
However, if you are a user who installs a lot of software and is obsessive about installing all optional applications, plus there are remnants of previous updates, it might be a challenge. If the space occupied by the OS and related files on the HDD is greater than 128GB, you will not be able to migrate the system to the SSD successfully.
Moreover, the bigger problem is that apps "leak". You install the apps to a different drive, but they need to move a few DLLs into System32 and add a font. They accidentally distribute an old DLL, which takes up space in WinSxS.
Besides, some apps are toolkits with their own chained installers. Those chained applications may not go to another drive as you wish. Some apps don't even provide you the option to choose where you want them to be installed. Those apps are hardcoded to install on the Windows drive.
Therefore, a 128GB SSD is sufficient for the Windows operating system as long as most software is correctly and reasonably installed on the HDD.
Related article: [Tried and True] How to Upgrade HDD to SSD Without Reinstalling Windows
Download the smartest and easiest Disk Cloning Software
Use EaseUS Disk Copy to upgrade small HDD, replace old/failed hard drive, migrate OS, clone HDD to SSD without reinstalling data.
Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7
People Also Ask
What Software Do I Need to Clone My Hard Disk to an SSD Without Losing the OS and Other Files?
What software do I need to clone my hard disk to an SSD without losing the OS and other files? Are you curious about the answer? This article will tell which tool do you need to clone your hard drive to another without data loss and OS reinstallation.
Jerry
Jan 21, 2026
Does Verbatim SSD Have Cloning Software?
Does Verbatim SSD have cloning software? Do you want to get the answer? This article will tell you whether Verbatim SSD has clone software and provide a practical disk cloning tool.
Jerry
Jan 21, 2026
Can We Add An SSD Drive In A Dell 3584 Model Having a 1TB HDD Drive?
Wondering if you can use an HDD and an SSD on the same laptop at the same time? This post from EaseUS will give you an answer.
Larissa
Jan 21, 2026
Long-Term Backup: SSD or HDD?
Are you struggling with choosing HDD or SSD for long-term backup? EaseUS will give you an answer in this short post.
Larissa
Jan 21, 2026
Can I Move Windows from a 2TB HDD to a 128GB SSD?
Can I move Windows from a 2TB HDD to a 128GB SSD? Do you want to know the answer? This article will tell how you can transfer Windows from a larger HDD to a smaller SSD with the help of EaseUS Disk Copy.
Jerry
Jan 21, 2026
Is It Possible to Clone an Entire Drive to a Bootable USB?
Do you know how to clone an entire drive to a bootable USB? Here is the detailed information to help you.
Jerry
Jan 21, 2026
