How to Transfer Windows 10 to an SSD? [Step-by-Step Guide for 2024]

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 22, 2024

• ?? Duration: 30-45 minutes.
• ??‍? Suitable Users: All levels of users.
• ?? Goal: Migrate Windows 10 to SSD, change Windows 10 to SSD without boot problems.
• ?? Also Applies to: Migrate Windows 11/8.1/8/7 and Windows XP/Vista to SSD.

How can I transfer my Windows 10 to a new SSD? This page encompasses all the information you need for OS migration. Here, we will use Windows 10 as an example to guide you on how to successfully migrate Windows 10 to an SSD on your own:

1. #1. Free Download Windows 10 to SSD Migration Software
2. #2. Prepare SSD for Windows 10 Migration
3. #3. Move Windows 10 to SSD
4. #4. Set SSD as the Boot Drive in Windows 10

How to Transfer Windows 10 to SSD Without Losing Data [Complete Guide]

So, how do I move my operating system to a new SSD? Given that the entire process can be intricate, here's a comprehensive guide to help you successfully migrate Windows 10 to an SSD on your own. Let's begin:

#1. Free Download Windows 10 Migration Software

• Complexity: Easy
• Supported OS: Windows 10, Windows 11, and older Windows 8.1/8/7, etc.
• Benefits & Pros: Suitable for users of all levels, easy to use, no data loss, no need for system reinstallation.
• Applies to: Migrate and transfer OS from HDD to SSD, HDD, hybrid-HDD/SSD.

Please note that migrating the Windows OS to a new disk requires the assistance of reliable OS migration software, as Windows 10 does not inherently include a system migration feature.

The tools Partition Master tool, with its Migrate OS feature, can easily meet your requirement to transfer and move the entire operating system to a new SSD with just a few clicks. It simplifies the complicated process in mere steps, making it accessible to Windows users of all levels. Download and install the software on your PC, and proceed to the next step.

#2. Set Up SSD for Migrating Windows 10

The second step is to prepare the new SSD for your PC. Please note that the storage capacity of your new SSD should be equal to or greater than the used space on the Windows 10 system C drive. Additionally, ensure that you have properly installed the SSD in your Windows 10 computer before proceeding with the following configuration steps.

Step 1. Shut down the PC and install a new SSD for Windows 10.

• For SATA SSD: Connect it to your computer motherboard using the SATA and Data connection cable.
• For NVMe or M.2 SSD: Insert it into the SSD slot and secure it with screws.

< strong >Step 2. Configure and initialize the SSD with the same disk partition style as the current OS drive.

1. Open Disk Management, right-click on the current OS disk, and choose 'Properties.'
2. Verify and check its disk partition style in the volume section, either MBR or GPT.
3. Right-click on the unallocated space of the SSD and select 'Initialize Disk.' Set the SSD to the same disk partition style as the old drive: MBR - MBR; GPT - GPT.

#3. Guide to Migrate Windows 10 to SSD

Once your SSD is configured and prepared for OS migration in Windows 10, you can now proceed with the steps outlined below to migrate the operating system to the SSD using reliable OS migration software - tools Partition Master.

1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, go to the Clone tab, click "Migrate OS" and then hit "Next" to proceed.

2. Choose the target SSD you want to migrate Windows OS to, and click "Next".

3. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to execute the operation.

4. Click "Start" to begin migrating your operating system to the new SSD.

5. When the process is complete, you'll see a confirmation message asking if you want to start your computer from the clone target disk.

Tick "Adjust the order to boot from the clone target disk" and click the respective button through your demands.

• Reboot Now意味着重启你的电脑，并立即设置计算机从新磁盘启动操作系统。
• Done意味着你想要稍后进行更改。

 

#4. Set Windows 10 to Boot from SSD 4. 将Windows 10设置为从SSD启动

Since you've migrated the OS to the SSD, you'll need to configure the BIOS settings to recognize the new SSD as the boot drive instead of the old disk.

Here are the detailed steps you can follow:

Step 1. Shut down and restart your computer. Press F2/F8/F11 or Del to enter the BIOS settings.

Step 2. Go to the Boot menu and set the new SSD with the migrated Windows 10 as the boot drive in the Boot Priority section.

Step 3. Press F10 or save the changes, and exit the BIOS. Then restart your PC.

Wait patiently for the computer to boot up. You can then log in with your password and start computing as if on a new SSD.

From here on out, you should be able to run Windows 10 on your new SSD and enjoy a speedier computing experience. If this tutorial worked for you, and you've successfully moved your OS disk to the SSD, please feel free to share this page to help more of your friends online:

Bonus Tip: What to Do with the Old OS Drive after Migrating OS to SSD on Windows 10

Some of you might be wondering: What do I do with the OS drive? How should I handle the old system drive, or what do I do with the old OS disk after migrating the OS to the new SSD?

Here's a list of tips to help you learn how to utilize an old disk on your computer:

#1. Reset the Old OS Drive as a Data Disk First, ensure that you have successfully installed the new operating system on another drive and it is functioning properly. Now, follow these steps to repurpose the old OS drive as a data disk: 1. **Backup Important Data**: Before making any changes, make sure to back up any crucial files or documents you may have on the old OS drive. This ensures that you don't lose any important information during the process. 2. **Disconnect from System**: Physically disconnect the old OS drive from your computer temporarily. This will prevent any accidental changes or damage to the data while working on the new setup. 3. **Boot into New OS**: Boot your computer using the newly installed operating system. 4. **Connect the Old Drive**: Reconnect the old OS drive to your computer. Your system should detect it as a new drive, usually labeled as "Drive D," "E," or any other letter not in use. 5. **Format the Drive**: Open "Disk Management" by right-clicking on the "Windows" button and selecting "Disk Management." Locate the old OS drive in the list of disks, and right-click on it. Choose "Format" from the context menu. Make sure to select the appropriate file system (e.g., NTFS) and allocation unit size, then click "OK." The formatting process will erase all data on the drive. 6. **Assign a Drive Letter**: After formatting, if the old OS drive doesn't have a drive letter assigned, right-click on it and choose "Change Drive Letter and Paths." Assign a new letter that isn't currently in use. 7. **Create Partitions (Optional)**: If you want to divide the old OS drive into multiple sections for different types of data, right-click on the unallocated space and choose "New Simple Volume." Follow the wizard to create and format additional partitions. 8. **Verify Permissions**: Ensure that the new drive or partitions have the correct permissions for your user account. Right-click on the drive in File Explorer, choose "Properties," then navigate to the "Security" tab. Verify that your user account has full control or adjust permissions accordingly. 9. **Start Using the Drive**: You can now use the old OS drive as a data disk for storing files, documents, and other items. Just remember to regularly backup important data to avoid potential data loss. 10. **Optimize for Performance (Optional)**: If you plan to store frequently accessed files on the old OS drive, consider enabling "TRIM" support for solid-state drives (SSDs) or "Defragmentation" for hard disk drives (HDDs) to optimize performance. By following these steps, you can effectively repurpose your old OS drive as a useful data storage solution.

If you merely intend to use the old OS drive as a secondary data drive on your computer to separate data from the OS, you can directly format the old OS partition to swiftly cleanse it for storing new content.

The tool Partition Master, with its Format feature, can assist in this process.

Step 1. Right-click on the hard drive partition and select the "Format" option.

Step 2. In the new window, specify the Partition label, File system, and Cluster size for the partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. You will see a warning window; click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting the hard drive partition.

#2. Erase Old OS Disk and Fully Clean Data for Selling

If you intend to sell the old operating system drive, you can utilize trustworthy hard disk erasure software to thoroughly remove all data from the drive. After that, you can sell it online.

Tool Partition Master also provides a disk wipe feature that you can use to reset the old drive to a brand new state using the following steps:

当然，我很乐意帮助你。请提供你想要翻译的语言内容。

How to Securely Erase Hard Drive/SSD and Wipe Sensitive Data?

When you upgrade your computer's hard drive to a newer SSD or a larger HDD, what should you do with the old disk? Would you simply give it away or sell it? Hold on a moment! There's one crucial step left...Read more >>

Should I Migrate Windows 10 to SSD? Yes, and Here's Why

Should I migrate Windows 10 to an SSD? Absolutely, yes. As long as you have the budget to buy a new SSD, it's definitely worth investing time and effort into upgrading your Windows 10 disk to an SSD. Here's why:

1. Windows 10 still holds the largest market share (as reported by StatCounter, and 51.31% of users are using Windows 10 (based on Tool Disk Drive Stats Report 2).

2. Most Windows 10 computers are becoming outdated and incompatible with Windows 11.

As time goes on, Windows 10 computers become more outdated, and upgrading the OS disk to a new HDD or SSD is an excellent option for enhancing the system's performance, as SSDs outperform HDDs. Migrating to an SSD is also a great approach to improve PC compatibility for installing Windows 11.

When Should I Need to Migrate Windows 10 to SSD?

Then, when should I migrate Windows 10 to an SSD? Or, in what scenarios do I need to upgrade and migrate the Windows 10 OS to a new SSD?

以下是一些情况列表，如果你遇到其中任何一个，就需要将操作系统迁移到SSD上：

• Windows 10 becomes unresponsive for no apparent reason
• Windows 10 takes a long time to boot, run, and shut down
• Windows 10 applications freeze while in use
• Windows 10 computer gets stuck or freezes when playing games or running large programs
• File transfers get stuck, such as Windows 10 file transfer being stuck at 99%
• It takes a long time to open files on a local drive, etc.

Conclusion

Migrating your Windows 10 operating system to an SSD drive can be a complex process, but it's certainly achievable with the right methods and guidance. This page provides a list of reasons and scenarios that explain why and when you should upgrade your Windows 10 OS disk to an SSD.

To achieve this, you'll need to acquire reliable OS migration software - specifically, Partition Master - and prepare your SSD. Follow the steps mentioned in #3 to learn how to migrate Windows 10 to SSD using the Migrate OS feature in Partition Master software:

1. Launch tools Partition Master in Windows 10. 2. Choose "Migrate OS" and click "Next." 3. Select the target SSD to which you want to migrate Windows 10. 4. Click "Yes" and start the OS migration process. 5. Follow the boot instructions and set the SSD as the boot drive.

If you have more questions about OS migration, proceed to the next section for answers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Migrating OS to SSD in Windows 10

Here, we've also gathered some popular topics regarding OS migration in Windows 10. If you're interested, please keep reading to find the answers you're looking for:

< strong > 1. What are the benefits of migrating Windows 10 to an SSD?

• Enhance computer performance and reduce boot-up and shut-down times.
• Boost computer reading and writing speed.
• Faster file transfer speeds.
• Improve gaming experience.
• Provide more storage space for data on the secondary drive.
• Safeguard the operating system separately from data, enabling smarter data management.

**2. What is the best software for migrating Windows 10 to an SSD?**

Here is a list of OS migration software highly acclaimed by users and professionals worldwide for migrating operating systems:

• Partition Master
• Macrium Reflect
• Samsung Data Migration
• Paragon Drive Copy
• Clonezilla

3. Can I migrate Windows 10 to SSD for free?

Yes, of course. You can freely migrate Windows 10 to an SSD using reliable OS cloning software. The free edition of AOMEI Partition Assistant, with its Partition Clone feature, enables you to clone your Windows 10 system to an SSD at no cost.

For a step-by-step tutorial, refer to this page to learn the details: Clone Windows to SSD for Free.

4. Can I clone Windows 10 to SSD without software?

No, Windows does not include a built-in cloning tool to copy the operating system to a new disk. While Windows 10 does support creating a system image and restoring it to a new SSD, this process is not the same as cloning.

Furthermore, it can be a complex and time-consuming task for novices in the Windows environment. Therefore, we recommend using a reliable and trustworthy third-party disk cloning software to perform this task efficiently.