Are you looking to upgrade your SSD and want to transfer the installed Windows operating system to the new one without losing any data? Fortunately, a few workarounds exist to make this happen without wasting time.
To transfer Windows from one SSD to another, go to “System and Maintenance” > “Backup and Restore”, create a system image, and save it on an external drive. Replace the SSD, connect the external drive, and boot your computer with the System Repair Disk. When the Windows Setup interfaces show up, go to the “System Image Recovery” option and restore the image from the external drive.
To make things easy for you, we took the time to write a comprehensive guide on transferring Windows from one SSD to another with simple instructions.
Transferring Windows from One SSD to Another
If you are wondering how to transfer Windows from one SSD to another, our 2 step-by-step methods will help you go through the process quickly.
Method #1: Using the Built-In Backup and Restore Tool
You can create a Windows 10 system image and then restore it to the new SSD using the Backup and Restore tool in the following way.
Step #1: Creating System Image
Type “Control Panel” in the Windows search box and hit the Enter key. Open Control Panel and go to “System and Maintenance” > “Backup and Restore”. Click “Create a system image” and follow the on-screen wizard. Choose to back up the OS image to a removable drive (e.g., USB or external hard drive).
Step #2: Replacing the SSD
Turn off your PC to replace the SSD with a new one. Connect the removable drive to your computer and insert the System Repair Disk. Change the BIOS settings to boot your PC from the System Repair Disk.
While rebooting, you can access your computer’s BIOS settings by pressing the F2 or Esc button. If not, check your PC’s manual or manufacturer’s website to find a way to access the BIOS settings.
Step #3: Recovering System Image
When the Window Setup interfaces show up, click “Next”. Click “Repair your computer” and select “Troubleshoot”. Open “Advanced Options” and go to “System Image Recovery” > “Windows 10”.
Click the “Use the latest available system image” option and select your restore location drive (external drive). Tick in the “Format and repartition disks” option. Click “Next”, select “Finish”, and click “Yes” to confirm the action and begin the Restore process. Wait for some time, and the Windows will be transferred to the new SSD.
Method #2: Using the System Clone Method
Another way of transferring Windows from one SSD to another is by cloning it. To clone Windows, install the new SSD alongside the old one or in the SATA-to-USB adopter and follow the steps below.
Step #1: Installing the Clone Software
In the first step, install the Macrium Reflect Free software and select the “Reflect 8 Free Commercial” option. Choose the personal free license option, enter your email, and click “Continue”.
Check your email, and click the download link. Choose the free download option, complete the setup, and launch the software.
Step #2: Configuring the Macrium Reflect 8 Free for Cloning
In the software, click the “Local Disks” tab and select your main disk with the Windows OS. Click the “Clone this disk” option in the middle of the app and checkmark all the boxes to select everything on the main disk. Click the “Select a disk to clone to area” option, and choose your SSD.
Choose the “Copy selected partitions when I click next” option, checkmark everything, and click “Next”. On the optional “Schedule” page, click “Next” > “Finish”.
Click the “Run this backup now” box in the pop-up menu and agree to the terms to complete the cloning process.
Step #3: Changing the New SSD to the Boot Drive
Reboot your computer and head to the BIOS or UEFI settings. Disable or remove the old drive as a boot option and add the new SSD drive.
Click “Save” and the “Exit” button, and your PC will boot to the new SSD.
Summary
This article discusses transferring Windows from one SSD to another by creating a system image. We’ve also discussed using a third-[party software to clone Windows and move it to the new SSD.
Hopefully, your issue is fixed, and you can continue working on the same Windows OS on your new or upgraded SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transferring Windows 10 to an SSD from an HDD has several benefits, such as increased speed and performance. Your Windows 10 will boot up faster and run smoother with an SSD. Another benefit is that SSDs are more reliable and durable than HDDs, so there is less data loss.
