Migrate Windows 10 to M.2 SSD Without Reinstalling – 2 Ways

Updated by

Sherly 

Updated on April 22, 2024

This article, from Tool, will introduce you to the two best methods for doing so. Read on to find out how you can migrate your Windows installation without losing your files.

How can I migrate Windows 10 to an M.2 SSD without reinstallation?

As mentioned earlier, there are two best methods to migrate Windows to a higher-end SSD without losing data. In this article, we'll delve into both methods to help users understand them better.

• 1. Partition Master Tool
• 2. Built-in Windows Tool - System Backup and Restore

First, let's compare them to see which one is the most suitable. So, please analyze this comparison table to choose the best way to migrate Windows 10 to M.2 SSD without reinstalling.

Upon examining this table, we can confidently assert that the Partition Master tool offers the best solution for Windows migration issues. With its secure and fast transfer process, users can migrate their system to an M.2 SSD without any concerns. Furthermore, this task can be performed by beginners as no technical knowledge is required.

Guideline 1: Using Partition Master Tool

After identifying tools Partition Master as the best Windows migration tool, let's delve into the method. With this migration utility, you can shift Windows to the new M.2 SSD using its "OS Migration" feature. The advantage here is that you can achieve faster boot times and enhanced multitasking capabilities without losing any data.

1. Launch Partition Master, go to the "Clone" section, click "Migrate OS", and then click "Next" to continue.

Select "Migrate OS"

2. Select the SSD to which you want to migrate, and click “Next.”

3. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to carry out the action.

4. Click “Start” to begin migrating the operating system to the new SSD.

5. When the process is finished, you'll see a confirmation asking if you want to boot from the cloned drive.

Check the "Change the order of boot from cloned disk" option, and click the corresponding button according to your need.

• Restart Now restarts your computer and sets it up to boot the operating system from the new disk immediately.
• Finish means you want to make the change later.

This tool also lets you wipe data from the old partition after migrating Windows 10 to M.2 SSD without reinstalling, ensuring a safer transfer.

Furthermore, with this partition manager, you can transfer or back up a specific Windows partition to an advanced SSD chip. We highly recommend users download this beginner-friendly tool to streamline the Windows migration process.

Other key features of Partition Master include:

• You can use the Partition Master tool to extend your C drive without having to reinstall Windows.
• With its Partition Recovery feature, the tool will revert to your partition's previous state in case of any issues during an operation.
• This partition manager also helps you reset local and domain Windows passwords or recover crucial data.

While the OS migrator is designed to be used without any technical knowledge, you can follow these steps to simplify the process.

Guideline 2: Utilize Built-in Windows Tools

Those well-versed in computers can also use built-in Windows tools to migrate the OS to the chip. But for complete novices with no tech knowledge, Partition Master is a better option. Hence, users who wish to try this method to move Windows 10 to an M.2 SSD without a reinstall can follow the detailed steps below.

Step 1: After connecting the M.2 SSD to your system, search for "Backup" settings. Next, on the "File Backup" settings page, select "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" to proceed.

Step 2. In the new window, select "Create a system image," and choose the connected M.2 SSD drive as the backup location. Then, select the drives you wish to back up and follow the on-screen instructions. Finally, click "Start backup."

Step 3. Once the backup is complete, use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive. When you launch the tool, select the option to Create installation media for another PC and click Next.

Step 4. Next, set your installation options and select the connected USB drive for the tool to download and create the Windows media. When it's done, click “Finish” to proceed to the next phase.

Step 5. Finally, shut down your Windows device and connect the M.2 SSD and bootable USB drive to it. Upon rebooting, enter the BIOS settings and select the USB drive as the preferred boot option. From the Windows installation menu, choose the “Repair your computer” option.

Step 6. Next, access the 'Advanced options' window through 'Troubleshoot.' In the troubleshoot options, click on 'System Image Recovery' to open a new screen.

Click on “Repair your computer”.

Step 7. Lastly, you'll arrive at the “Recover from an available system image” screen, where you should select “Use the latest available system image.” Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to migrate Windows 10 to M.2 SSD without reinstalling.

As you can see, the built-in migration process might be a bit complicated for those who lack tech knowledge. Therefore, we recommend such users download Partition Master to simplify this particular process and migrate OS from HDD to SSD. Kindly share this article with other users who wish to migrate their operating system.

Why Migrate operating system to M.2 SSD？

Now that you know how to perform this migration, you might be wondering why you would want to.

Users who prioritize speed and system cleanliness should opt for an M.2 SSD as their computer's storage device. This advanced chip offers significantly faster speeds compared to traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Upon installation, users can enjoy quicker boot times and faster application launches. Additionally, the M.2 SSD installs directly onto the motherboard without any cables, keeping your system tidier.

When you decide to upgrade, you can transfer OS to SSD to avoid losing previous data.

Let's go into more detail about these benefits so that you get a clearer picture.

• Compared to traditional SATA SSDs, users can experience faster processing speeds with M.2 chips, resulting in quicker data transfer rates and shorter boot times. Additionally, this advanced SSD boosts app launch speeds and overall system responsiveness.
• M.2 chips consume less power than conventional HDDs, thereby extending battery life. Furthermore, if you migrate your operating system to an M.2 SSD, you'll enjoy faster multitasking without any lag.
• As M.2 SSD technology becomes more widespread, migrating your OS ensures your system stays compatible with the latest storage standards. Moreover, by transitioning to an M.2 chip, your system will be better equipped to handle future software developments.

Conclusions

After reading through the entire article, you now know the two best methods to move Windows to an SSD chip. Professionals can leverage these methods for an efficient migration process. However, due to the involved complexity, beginners might find the OS transfer challenging.

For such users, we recommend using the Partition Master tool to migrate Windows 10 to M.2 SSD without reinstallation. With its "OS Migration" feature, you can accomplish this with just a few clicks.

"Frequently Asked Questions on Migrating Windows 10 to an M.2 SSD Without Reinstalling"

Users with remaining questions can refer to the following answers to simplify the Windows migration process:

1. Does Windows 10 Have a Cloning Tool?

No, you won't find a built-in cloning tool in Windows 10 for an easy data backup. However, it does have a free System Image feature that lets you clone your operating system to an external media drive, like a USB flash drive. This OS migration process can be prone to user error and requires technical know-how.

2. How do I transfer the operating system to a new M.2 SSD?

Users who wish to move their operating system to an M.2 SSD can do so using a third-party cloning tool. Among them, AOMEI Partition Assistant is the best choice to migrate Windows 10 to M.2 SSD without reinstalling. However, you can also follow the simple steps below to use the System Image feature in Windows:

1. Begin the process of creating a system image by accessing the "Backup" settings panel. You'll need to select the connected M.2 SSD as the location to save the system image.

Finally, after rebooting, enter the “System Image Recovery” feature to restore the system image to the M.2 chip. Make sure the SSD and the bootable USB remain connected to your system throughout this process.

3. Can I replace my SSD without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, you can replace your current SSD by cloning it to a new one. This process requires specialized disk cloning software, such as Partition Master or similar tools. After the cloning is complete, shut down your computer, and then replace the old SSD with the new one.