Top 5 Best OS Migration Software/Tools Free Download for 2024

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Key Takeaways of OS Migration Software 2024:

Here are the translations:
1. OS Migration Software saves you time and effort when migrating and transferring the operating system to a newer and faster disk on Windows 11/10/8.
2. This page compiles the top 5 best OS migration software that you can trust and depend on for OS migration.

Whether you're encountering a similar problem on your computer or struggling to migrate the operating system between disks on Windows devices, follow along, and you'll find reliable OS migration software to help you effortlessly transfer the OS, system-related files, settings, and even installed programs to a new disk.

What Is OS Migration?

Before we get to start finding OS migration software, let's first understand what OS migration is.

Similar to [data migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_migration) by Wikipedia, **OS Migration** is literally a process of moving or transferring the current operating system on your computer to a new disk - [HDD](/diskmanager/what-is-hdd.html) or [SSD](/diskmanager/what-is-ssd.html) without reinstalling it. Sometimes, it's also called system transfer by some Windows users.

So, what exactly does OS Migration migrate? Here's a list of what actually gets moved during the process:

• Operating system
• System-related files, settings, and accounts
• Programs, games, and software installed on the C drive
• OS partition, system partition
• Desktop folders and data, etc.
These are already in English. If you need these translated into another language, please let me know.

Overview of OS Migration Software

So, what exactly is OS migration software? OS migration software can be defined as a software or program utility designed or provided by third-party software manufacturers to help Windows users successfully switch the operating system between old and new hard disk drives.

So when do I need OS migration software? Or, in other words, in what situations would I need to resort to OS migration software to switch the OS drive or upgrade the system drive?

When Do I Need OS Migration Software?

Here's a list of scenarios where you'll need to seek assistance from a reliable operating system (OS) migration software: 1. Upgrading to a newer OS version: When you decide to upgrade from an older OS, such as Windows 7 to Windows 10 or macOS Mojave to macOS Big Sur, migration software can help transfer your files, settings, and applications seamlessly. 2. Changing hardware: If you're replacing your old computer with a new one, OS migration tools can assist in transferring your entire system to the new device without reinstalling everything manually. 3. Migrating between different OS families: In cases where you're switching from Windows to macOS or vice versa, specialized migration software ensures that your data and preferences are transferred correctly. 4. Data backup and restore: Before making any significant changes, it's crucial to back up your current OS. Migration software can create a complete image of your system, allowing for easy restoration if needed. 5. Consolidating multiple systems: If you have several computers with different OS versions, you might want to consolidate them onto a single, updated system. OS migration software can help merge these environments efficiently. 6. Testing new OS releases: IT professionals and enthusiasts often need to test new OS versions without affecting their primary system. Migration tools allow them to clone their existing setup to a separate drive for safe testing. 7. Resizing partitions: If you want to resize your current OS partition to accommodate a dual-boot setup or need more space, migration software can assist in resizing while preserving your data. 8. Recovering from a failed update: Sometimes, OS updates may fail or result in an unstable system. Migration software can help you revert to a stable, backed-up version of your previous OS. 9. Moving to a virtual environment: If you're planning to run your OS within a virtual machine, migration tools can help you transfer your system to a virtual disk format. 10. Organizational transitions: In corporate environments, migrating employees' workstations to a new OS or standardizing on a particular version can be streamlined using migration software. Remember to choose a reputable and compatible migration software for your specific needs to ensure a smooth transition.

1. The C drive becomes full, or the system partition runs out of space. 2. The computer's hard disk is aging or failing. 3. The operating system slows down or becomes unresponsive. 4. The OS disk takes a long time to boot up or shut down. 5. Software performance deteriorates. 6. The gaming experience on the computer worsens and becomes slow.

Why Use OS Migration Software? Pros & Cons

Here's a comparison table listing the advantages and disadvantages of OS migration software, along with an explanation of why you should trust such software for tasks like transferring the operating system from an HDD to an SSD or a larger HDD:

So, how can I obtain reliable OS migration software to successfully transfer the operating system to a new and faster disk without issues?

How Did We Test and Select OS Migration Software/Tools

Here's a tabular list outlining the methodology we used to test and select the top 5 OS migration tools from hundreds of similar software available on the market, specifically recommended for you: | Step | Process | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Research | Gather information on popular OS migration tools available in the market. | | 2 | Criteria | Define key features and criteria for evaluation, such as compatibility, ease of use, reliability, and customer support. | | 3 | Testing | Install and test each tool on various operating systems to assess performance and functionality. | | 4 | User Reviews | Analyze user reviews and ratings to understand real-world experiences and satisfaction levels. | | 5 | Comparison | Compare the tested tools based on their features, pricing, and overall performance. | | 6 | Expert Opinion | Consult with industry experts and professionals for their insights and recommendations. | | 7 | Final Selection | Choose the top 5 tools that meet the predefined criteria and excel in testing and user feedback. | | 8 | Recommendation | Present the selected tools in a comprehensive list, detailing their strengths and weaknesses. | This table provides an overview of the rigorous process followed to ensure the recommended OS migration tools are the best options for users.

Top 5 Best OS Migration Software Recommendations & Free Download for 2024

请注意，Windows operating system doesn't come with a built-in OS migration tool to move the OS to a new HDD or SSD. For this, you'll need to rely on third-party OS migration software.

"OS Migration Software Selection Checklist 2024" translates to "Operating System Migration Software Selection Checklist for 2024" in English.

Here's a list of checklists you can use to evaluate whether the software you've found is suitable for helping you transfer your operating system to a new drive: 1. **Compatibility**: - Does the software support the specific operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) you're using? - Is it compatible with the new drive type (HDD, SSD)? - Does it work with your computer's hardware configuration? 2. **Ease of Use**: - Is the user interface intuitive and easy to navigate? - Are there clear instructions or tutorials available? - Can the process be completed with minimal technical knowledge? 3. **Data Preservation**: - Will the software migrate all necessary system files and settings? - Does it ensure data integrity during the transfer? - Can it handle applications, personal files, and preferences? 4. **Backup Functionality**: - Does the software provide a backup option before the transfer? - Can it create an image of the old drive for safety? - Is there a rollback feature in case of errors? 5. **Speed and Efficiency**: - How long does the software estimate the transfer will take? - Are there any optimizations for faster cloning? - Does it avoid unnecessary duplication of data? 6. **Technical Support**: - Is customer support available if assistance is needed? - What channels of support are provided (phone, email, live chat)? - Are there user forums or a knowledge base to consult? 7. **Cost**: - Is the software free or paid? - If paid, what is the pricing model (one-time fee, subscription)? - Are there any additional costs or hidden fees? 8. **Security**: - Does the software have encryption options for sensitive data? - Is it from a reputable developer with a good security track record? - Are there any known vulnerabilities or risks associated with its use? 9. **Reviews and Ratings**: - Have other users had positive experiences with the software? - Check online reviews and ratings on reputable platforms. 10. **Compatibility with Future Updates**: - Will the software continue to work with future OS updates? - Does the developer regularly release updates and bug fixes? By going through these checklists, you'll be able to determine if the software you've found is the right choice for your operating system migration needs.

Here are the translations for the given languages into English: 1. Safe and secure: The OS migration software should not cause any damage to your source or target disk. 2. Virus and malware free: It must be risk-free, without any virus or malware infections. 3. High compatibility: It should support your current operating system. 4. High success rate: It should successfully transfer and migrate your OS to a new disk with a high likelihood. If the migration fails, it should not affect the current system. 5. Easy to use: Lastly, it should be user-friendly and applicable for most average users.

Top 5 Best Operating System Migration Software Recommendations

Here's a list of the top 5 best OS migration software tools we've selected from over 20 similar utilities designed for switching and transferring operating systems on Windows computers:

1. #1. Tools Partition Master 2. #2. Macrium Reflect 3. #3. Samsung Data Migration 4. #4. Paragon Drive Copy 5. #5. Clonezilla

Note: For Windows beginners, you can use a tool like tools Partition Master for assistance. It provides the "Migrate OS to HDD/SSD" feature to simplify the process and meet most Windows users' needs for switching and changing the system disk with just a few clicks.

Read on to find more details about the 5 OS migration software listed below.

#1. Tools Partition Master?

"Best OS Migration Software for Windows Beginners"

tools Partition Master is a reliable and trustworthy solution for providing system clone service and OS migration support, assisting Windows users in smoothly switching and upgrading their system disk. It functions as a dependable partition manager software and a robust OS cloning software. With user-friendly interfaces, all Windows users can easily manage and optimize their OS disk performance using this tool.

Software Download:

The phrase "Pros & Cons:" in American English would remain the same, as it is a commonly used abbreviation for "Pros and Cons," which refers to the advantages and disadvantages of something.

Why Choose It:

The reason why we think Disk Partition Master is the best tool for OS migration is that this software provides Windows users with a direct system transfer feature - Migrate OS to assist. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, with a simplified UI design that makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.

Guide to Migrate OS Using Partition Master Tools

Steps to migrate the operating system to HDD/SSD:

1. Run tools Partition Master and choose "Clone" from the left panel. 2. Check "Migrate OS" and click "Next". 3. Select the SSD or HDD as the destination disk, then click "Next". 4. Warning: The data and partitions on the target disk will be erased. Make sure you have backed up important data beforehand. If not, do so now. 5. Click "Yes" to proceed. 6. Preview the layout of the target disk, then click "Start" to initiate the OS migration to the new disk.

After this, click "Reboot Now" or "Done" to choose whether you want to restart the computer from the new disk immediately.

"Reboot Now" means to apply the changes immediately, whereas "Done" indicates that you need to restart your computer manually at a later time.

Select the boot option after migrating OS to the new disk

Notes: The operation of migrating OS to SSD or HDD will delete and remove existing partitions and data on your target disk if there's not enough unallocated space on it. If you have important data saved there, back it up to an external hard drive beforehand.

For newer operating system migration, tools like Partition Master, with its Migrate OS feature, are perfect and ideal for you to try. For instance, if you need a reliable free OS migration software for Windows 11, you can seek assistance from this software.

#Migrate OS to SSD#OS Migration Software#Windows Migration#Windows 10#Windows 11 These tags translate to: #Migrate Operating System to Solid State Drive#Operating System Migration Tool#Windows Migration#Windows 10#Windows 11

If you find the tool Partition Master and its OS migration feature useful, please feel free to share this guide to assist more friends in effortlessly transferring their operating system to a new disk like pros.

#2. Macrium Reflect

Flexible OS Migration Software with Backup Functionality

Macrium Reflect is more than just an OS migration tool; many users commend its free backup, disk imaging, and cloning capabilities. Windows users can utilize this software to migrate their OS by cloning and upgrading the system disk.

Software Download:

Open this link in your browser to access and download Macrium Reflect:  https://www.macrium.com/products/home.

Pros & Cons:

Why Choose It:

The feature that attracts us most in Macrium Reflect is its cloning function. It enables users to flexibly drag the source partitions that need cloning to the target disk. This process is engaging and enjoyable, especially for beginners.

Guide to Clone OS with Macrium Reflect:

Step 1. Connect a new disk to the PC and launch Macrium Reflect.

Step 2. Click "Backup", select the source disk under "Create a backup" section, and click "Clone this disk...".

Step 3. Select the new disk as the target, drag system partitions from the source OS disk to the target new disk, and click "Next".

Step 4. Click "OK" to start the cloning process.

#OS Migration Tool#Migrate Operating System#OS Migration Software

#3. Samsung Data Migration

Renowned Operating System Migration Software

Samsung Data Migration is a well-known OS migration tool, which many storage device manufacturers install on HDDs or SSDs to assist Windows users in switching and upgrading their OS drive.

Software Download:

This software is no longer supported by its manufacturers. You can download it from other sites, such as: .

Pros & Cons:

Why Choose It:

Samsung Data Migration is an old but well-regarded data migration tool that many hard drive and SSD manufacturers endorse.

Guide to Migrate Operating System with Samsung Data Migration:

Step 1. Launch Samsung Data Migration, select a source disk with the OS on it, and choose a target drive to clone the OS to.

Step 2. Click "Start" to clone the system and wait for the process to complete.

1. Chinese: Mandarin 2. English: American English 3. Spanish: Spanish (American) 4. French: French (North American) 5. German: German (US) 6. Japanese: Japanese 7. Korean: Korean 8. Russian: Russian 9. Arabic: Arabic 10. Italian: Italian 11. Portuguese: Portuguese (Brazilian) 12. Indonesian: Indonesian 13. Dutch: Dutch 14. Polish: Polish 15. Turkish: Turkish 16. Greek: Greek 17. Swedish: Swedish 18. Danish: Danish 19. Norwegian: Norwegian (Bokmål) 20. Finnish: Finnish

#OS Migration#Windows OS Migration Tool These tags translate to: #Operating System Migration#Windows Operating System Migration Tool

#4. Paragon Drive Copy

Old & Stylish Operating System Migration Tool

Paragon Drive Copy Professional is an outdated and stylish data migration software that allows users to clone and copy disks to upgrade the system or data drive of Windows computers. It also offers a direct OS migration feature - Migrate OS, which aids users in upgrading and switching their operating system disk.

Software Download: https://www.paragon-software.com/home/dc-professional/download.html;

Pros & Cons: Translation: Pros and Cons:

Why Choose It:

Renowned software manufacturer Paragon offers Paragon Drive Copy Professional, backed by advanced technical expertise in disk cloning. Consequently, when it comes to OS migration, this software is a standout choice.

Guide to Cloning OS with Paragon Drive Copy Professional

Step 1. Connect a new disk to your PC, and launch Paragon Drive Copy Professional, click "Migrate OS".

Step 2. Select the operating system, programs, and even user folder to clone, and click "Next".

Step 3. Select the new disk as the destination disk and click "Next".

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the OS migration settings, then click "Finish".

#Migrate OS Tool#System Migration Utility#OS Migration Software

#5. Clonezilla

Open-Source & Free OS Migration Software

Clonezilla is an open-source and free disk cloning software that also facilitates OS migration using its disk cloning feature. It's primarily designed for developers and advanced users.

Software Download: https://clonezilla.org/downloads.php

Pros & Cons:

Why Choose It:

The primary reason why we recommend and choose Clonezilla as OS migration software is that this software is 100% free. Despite being an open-source cloning tool, it still functions well and receives updates.

Guide to Migrate OS with Clonezilla: Clonezilla is a powerful, open-source disk cloning and imaging tool that can be used to migrate an operating system (OS) from one computer to another or to clone a disk for backup purposes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to migrate your OS using Clonezilla: 1. **Download Clonezilla Live ISO:** Visit the official Clonezilla website () and download the latest Clonezilla Live ISO file. 2. **Create a Bootable Media:** Burn the ISO image to a USB drive or CD/DVD using software like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for macOS/Linux). 3. **Boot from Clonezilla Media:** Boot your computer from the Clonezilla bootable media. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings. 4. **Choose Language and Keyboard Layout:** Select the appropriate language and keyboard layout when prompted. 5. **Start Clonezilla:** Choose "start" to launch Clonezilla. 6. **Select Mode:** Choose "device-device" mode for migrating the OS directly from one hard drive to another. 7. **Choose Source Device:** Identify the source device, which is the current hard drive with the OS you want to migrate. Use the provided information to identify it correctly. 8. **Choose Destination Device:** Select the destination device, which will be the new hard drive where you want to migrate the OS. Make sure it has enough space. 9. **Partition Options:** If necessary, choose partitioning options like "part-to-part" for migrating only specific partitions. 10. **Snapshot or Clone:** In most cases, select "Clone" to migrate the entire OS. 11. **Select Samba/NFS Server (Optional):** If you're using a network for migration, provide server details here. Otherwise, skip this step. 12. **Confirm Settings:** Review your choices and confirm the operation. Be cautious, as this process will overwrite the destination drive. 13. **Wait for the Process to Complete:** Clonezilla will now start copying data. This can take some time depending on the size of the OS and the speed of your drives. 14. **Reboot and Verify:** Once the migration is complete, remove the Clonezilla media and reboot the computer. The system should boot from the new hard drive with the migrated OS. Remember, always backup important data before attempting any disk migration or cloning process.

Step 1. Connect the new disk to your PC, and install and launch Clonezilla.

Step 2. Choose "Beginner Mode" on Clonezilla and select to create an exact copy of the source disk, including the operating system and data partitions.

Step 3. Or, you can choose to clone the entire disk and then set exact parameters.

Step 4. Choose to restart or shut down your computer once the cloning process is finished.

Just wait patiently for Clonezilla to finish cloning the hard drive, and you'll have successfully migrated your system to the new one.

#HDD Migration Tool #OS Transfer Software #Free Translation: #Hard Drive Migration Tool #Operating System Transfer Software #Free

Bonus Tip: How to Make the OS Bootable on a New Disk

Once you've migrated the OS to a new disk using the recommended OS migration software, it's crucial to set the new disk as the Boot drive in the BIOS settings. This ensures that the operating system can boot without any problems:

• Install and connect the new disk with the cloned OS to the computer.
• Reboot the PC into the BIOS settings, go to the boot menu, and set the new disk as the boot drive.
• Save the changes and restart the PC.

Final Verdict

On this page, we've compiled the top 5 OS migration tools that enable Windows users,无论是 beginners or pros, to effortlessly migrate their operating system from HDD to SSD or vice versa with just a few easy clicks.

For most novices, the tool Partition Master, with its Migrate OS feature, can meet your requirements. Transferring the system to a new hard disk drive is straightforward yet professional. Additionally, the pricing is reasonable and it offers more than just OS migration.

Regular Windows users can even apply this software to manage and optimize disk performance with the following features:

• Create, format, delete, wipe, merge, and split partitions.
• Convert MBR to GPT or vice versa.
• Clone or copy disk partition, clone entire OS disk, etc.
• Convert NTFS to FAT32 or FAT32 to NTFS without formatting.
• Align SSD to 4K, check the file system, and run a surface test to detect bad sectors.

To assist more people around you in finding a desired and reliable OS migration tool to switch their computer's operating system to a newer disk without reinstallation, please feel free to share this page on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, or any other platform.

Frequently Asked Questions about OS Migration Software

Here, we've also listed some other popular topics regarding OS migration software. If you're interested, follow along to find the answers here:

1. How can I transfer my operating system for free?

Yes, you can transfer the operating system for free by using reliable system transfer software. Tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant Free Edition, equipped with its Copy Partition feature, can assist you in moving the OS to a new disk at no cost.

**2. Does Windows 10 have a migration tool?**

No, Windows 10 does not have a built-in migration tool that facilitates moving the operating system to a new HDD or SSD. In order to transfer the OS to a different disk, you will need to utilize a third-party OS migration software such as Partition Master, which is recommended on this page.

3. How do you migrate an OS? To migrate an operating system (OS) typically involves transferring its installation, settings, and data from one computer or hardware to another while preserving its functionality. Here's a high-level overview of the process: 1. **Backup**: Create a full backup of your current system, including important files, applications, and settings. This can be done using built-in backup tools (e.g., Windows Backup in Windows or Time Machine in macOS) or third-party software. 2. **Assess compatibility**: Ensure that the new hardware is compatible with your existing OS. Check system requirements, particularly for the processor, RAM, and storage. 3. **Prepare new hardware**: Install the same version or a compatible version of the OS on the new hardware. If upgrading to a newer version, you might need to activate it using your original product key. 4. **Migration tool**: Use a migration tool to transfer data and settings. There are several options available, such as: - Microsoft's "User State Migration Tool" (USMT) for Windows - Apple's "Migration Assistant" for macOS - Third-party tools like Acronis True Image, Clonezilla, or tools Todo Backup 5. **Connect both systems**: Connect the old and new computers using a network, Ethernet cable, or external hard drive, depending on the migration tool you're using. 6. **Transfer data**: Run the migration tool on the new computer, following its instructions to locate the backup or connect to the old system. The tool will then transfer your user accounts, settings, and files. 7. **Reinstall applications**: Some applications may need to be reinstalled or updated after the migration, especially if they're not compatible with the new hardware. 8. **Update and configure**: Update the OS, drivers, and applications to ensure everything is running smoothly. You might also need to reconfigure some settings specific to the new hardware. 9. **Verify functionality**: Test the migrated OS thoroughly to ensure all programs, hardware, and settings work correctly. Remember that the specifics may vary depending on the OS and tools you're using. Always consult official documentation or online resources for detailed steps and potential pitfalls.

1. Connect a new disk to the PC and launch tools Partition Master.
2. Go to "Clone," and select "Migrate OS," then click "Next."
3. Select the destination disk - the new disk - and click "Next."
4. Click "Yes" and "Execute Task."
5. Reboot the PC and enter BIOS settings. Go to the boot menu and set the new disk as the boot drive.
6. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS, and wait for the PC to boot up from the new disk.