How to Clone Windows from HDD to SSD in 2024? A Checklist You Can't Miss

Updated By

Linda 

Authored By

Tracy King 

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

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There's no quicker or easier way to significantly boost your system's performance than by upgrading from a hard disk drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs read and write data much faster than traditional HDDs. They're also more durable, use less power, and last longer. Best of all, you don't have to reinstall Windows when upgrading from an HDD to an SSD.

This article will help you clone Windows from HDD to SSD without losing anything. It lists the whole process from installing the SSD to cloning Windows and setting it as the boot drive.

Checklist for Cloning Windows from HDD to SSD in 2024

While it may seem like a daunting task, cloning Windows from HDD to SSD isn't difficult at all. With the right guidance, you can complete the entire process in under 30 minutes. To answer your “how to clone Windows from HDD to SSD” question, we've divided the process into four simple parts:

• 1. Set up the SSD on Your PC
• 2. Download Windows Cloning Software
• 3. Clone Windows from HDD to SSD
• 4. Set the SSD as the Boot Drive

#1. Setting up an SSD on a Personal Computer

Before you set up an SSD on your computer, make sure the SSD has the same or greater storage capacity as your HDD. You'll need to clone your entire hard drive to the new SSD. You'll also want to purchase the right type of SSD for your system, and buy from a well-reviewed brand.

First, install the SSD into the target computer.

To install an SSD, you'll need a small screwdriver and your computer's manual to figure out what kind of screwdriver you need. Touch a grounded, unpainted metal surface to discharge any static electricity that could damage the drive and components. When you're ready, follow the steps below to install the SSD in your computer:

Step 1: To prevent damage to or loss of data, shut down your computer normally, then unplug the power cord. Now press the power button on your computer for 5 seconds to discharge any remaining power.

Step 2: Consult your computer's manual, then open the computer case with a screwdriver. Ground yourself and locate the hard drive bay. Slide the SSD into the bay.

Step 3: For a desktop, connect the SSD to your motherboard with an SATA data cable, as instructed in your system manual. For a laptop, locate the drive bay and slide the SSD in.

Step 4: Carefully reassemble your computer with the SSD connected properly. When you're done, power on your computer and check that the new SSD is recognized.

Second, initialize the SSD with the same disk partition style as the HDD

After restarting your computer, it should initialize the new SSD. If it doesn't, initialize the SSD with the same disk partition style as the HDD by following these steps:

Step 1: Press the “Win + X” keys on your system and select “Disk Management.” Right-click on the newly added SSD now. If the disk is “Offline,” set it to “Online” first.

Step 2: In the Disk Utility, select "Initialize." A new window will appear. In it, choose your SSD, and set the format to be the same as your HDD (most likely Mac OS X Journaled), then click "OK" to begin the process.

Step 3: Right-click on the SSD and select “New Simple Volume” to allocate a volume to the SSD.

Step 3: Create one or two partitions on the SSD

Is your operating system and boot volume on two separate partitions on the hard drive? If so, you'll need to create two partitions on the SSD to ensure a smooth Windows cloning process. Here's how to create new partitions on the SSD:

Step 1: Type “Disk Management” into the Windows search bar, and select “Create and format hard disk partitions” to open it. Right-click your SSD and select “Shrink Volume” to create some unallocated space.

Step 2: After creating the unallocated space, right-click on it and select "New Simple Volume." Follow the on-screen instructions to create a small partition of 100 MB to 500 MB and format it as NTFS.

Step 3: Next, assign drive letters to both partitions on the SSD. Right-click the boot partition and select “Set as active” so that your computer will boot from this partition.

#2 Download Windows cloning software

To clone Windows from HDD to SSD, you need to install Windows cloning software. When choosing a cloning tool, make sure it has a fast, complete, and straightforward Windows cloning process. The best Windows cloning tool is AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, which offers an easy way to clone Windows from HDD to SSD for replacing the system disk.

Need to create or delete partitions on your SSD? This tool is the solution. It also lets you adjust or expand existing ones. If you're planning to ditch your old HDD, use this to permanently wipe data off the drive. It also supports recovery of deleted partitions and fixing other partition issues. You can download and use this magical tool for free.

#3. Cloning Windows from HDD to SSD

AOMEI Partition Assistant features a user-friendly interface that even beginners or non-technically skilled users can easily clone Windows from HDD to SSD. Here's a simple and quick walkthrough on how to clone Windows:

Note: If there is insufficient unallocated space on the target disk, migrating the operating system to an SSD or HDD will delete existing partitions and data on the target disk. Back up any important data saved on it to an external hard drive beforehand.

Step 1: From the left menu, choose "Clone". Select "Migrate the operating system" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 2: Select the target disk that you wish to clone to. Click “Next”.

Step 3: Review the warning message and click “OK”. All data and partitions on the target disk will be deleted. Make sure you have backed up your important data beforehand. If not, please do it now.

Step 4. Preview the layout of your target disk. You can also click on the Disk Layout option to customize the layout of your target disk as needed. Then, click "Start" to begin migrating your operating system to the new disk.

5. When you see the confirmation message asking whether to boot from the cloned disk, check the box for Adjust the boot order to boot from the cloned disk as needed, then click the corresponding button.

• Restart Now: Restarts the computer immediately and boots the operating system from the new disk.
• Finish Later: Completes the changes at a later time.

This tool can also help you to transfer OS to new SSD. If you need to manage your operating system, don't miss it.

#4. Set the SSD as the boot drive

Lastly, you need to ensure your computer boots from the newly installed SSD. This can be accomplished by adjusting your system's BIOS settings. Here are the steps to set the SSD as the boot drive in BIOS: 1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS: As your computer starts up (usually when the manufacturer's logo appears), press a specific key continuously (such as F2, F10, Delete, or Esc) to access BIOS. The key may vary depending on your computer brand, so consult your manufacturer's instructions. 2. Locate the boot order settings: In the BIOS menu, find the "Boot" or "Startup" option. Under this menu, you will see a list of available boot devices. 3. Modify the boot order: Use the arrow keys to select "Boot Priority" or "Boot Order." Then, move the SSD to the top of the list, making it the preferred boot device. This is typically done by moving up or down with the arrow keys. 4. Save and exit: After making the changes, choose "Save & Exit" or "Exit Saving Changes," and press Enter to confirm. Your computer will automatically restart and attempt to boot from the SSD. 5. Verify the boot: If everything is set correctly, your computer should start from the SSD. If issues arise, you may need to enter BIOS again to check the boot settings. Please note that BIOS interfaces and procedures can differ between brands, but the above steps provide a general guideline. Refer to your computer manufacturer's documentation for specific guidance.

Step 1: Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F8, F11, or DEL) to enter the BIOS settings. Now, use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Boot" settings.

Step 2: There, look for the “Boot Order” option. Set the SSD as the highest priority there.

Step 3: Use the “+” or “-” keys, or the designated keys on your system, to make your selection. Press “F10” to save your BIOS settings and exit. Your computer will restart.

Final Award

Upgrading your system's hard drive to an SSD is crucial for boosting your computer's performance. You shouldn't put it off because of the hassle of installing an SSD or reinstalling Windows. AOMEI Partition Assistant is a tool that can make the whole process a breeze.

This way, you can easily clone Windows to SSD and speed up the SSD with tools for 4K alignment, changing cluster size, DiskMark, and the like.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloning Windows from HDD to SSD

Here are some common questions and answers about cloning Windows from HDD to SSD to address your "How to clone Windows from HDD to SSD" query:

1. How to Clone HDD to SSD for Free?

With the Partition Master tool, you can clone your HDD drive to an SSD for free. You can download and use this tool to clone partitions from one drive to another for free. It offers a data-safe process of cloning from HDD to SSD.

Are there any free HDD to SSD cloning software available?

AOMEI Partition Assistant is the best free HDD to SSD cloning software. It offers a simple and quick way to clone HDD to SSD. If your HDD has multiple partitions, this tool also allows you to create new partitions on the SSD.

Can I just move Windows from HDD to SSD?

Yes, you can transfer your Windows operating system from an HDD to an SSD. To do this, you simply need to clone the system partition to the SSD. The tool Partition Master can assist you in moving the Windows operating system from an HDD to an SSD on your computer. It also allows you to set the new SSD as the operating system disk when rebooting the computer.