[Beginner's Guide] How to Transfer OS from SSD to M.2 SSD Using an M.2 SSD Cloning Software

Applies to: Cloning OS from old SSD to M.2 SSD, Cloning SSD to M.2 SSD

"I need to transfer my Windows 10 operating system from an SSD to a new M.2 SSD that I just purchased. However, I'm unfamiliar with the process and could use some advice on how to efficiently migrate the OS to the M.2 SSD. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated."

Cloning an old SATA SSD to a new M.2 SSD can be a challenging task for average users, and issues may arise during the process. In this article, we will outline the step-by-step instructions on how to clone an SSD to an M.2 SSD from start to finish, along with several third-party tools that can simplify the procedure for you.

What is an M.2 SSD? Are there any precautions when transferring the operating system to an M.2 SSD?

An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of data storage device that employs integrated circuit assemblies as memory for persistent data storage. They generally do not have any moving parts, which makes them faster and more durable compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). The three most prevalent types of SSDs are M.2 SSDs, NVMe SSDs, and PCIe SSDs.

Related post: What Is M.2 and NVMe? | How to Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot Available

M.2 SSDs are a newer variety of solid-state drives that interface with the motherboard using an M.2 socket. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, also connect directly to the motherboard but utilize the PCI Express (PCIe) bus instead of the SATA bus, leading to much quicker data transfer rates. PCIe SSDs resemble NVMe SSDs but vary in that they connect to the PCIe bus through a dedicated expansion card rather than attaching directly to the motherboard. All three types of SSDs far surpass the speed of hard disk drives (HDDs) and are rapidly gaining popularity due to their enhanced performance.

Of them all, M.2 SSD is the most popular. If you've got a new M.2 SSD to boost your computer's startup and program/game launch speeds, you might want to migrate the operating system directly from the old hard drive to the M.2 SSD without having to reinstall anything. Relax, and read on for a complete guide to M.2 SSD OS migration.

#1. Preparation: Backup Files and Remove Other Disks Before proceeding with any major system changes, it's crucial to ensure the safety of your data. Follow these steps to back up your important files and remove any additional disks that may interfere with the process: 1. **Backup Important Files**: Transfer all essential documents, photos, videos, and other personal files to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. This ensures that your data is secure in case anything goes wrong during the process. 2. **Create System Restore Point**: In Windows, go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Recovery' > 'Create a restore point'. This will allow you to revert your system to its current state if needed after making changes. 3. **Check Disk Integrity**: Run a disk check to ensure there are no errors on your primary system drive. In File Explorer, right-click on the main drive (usually C:) > 'Properties' > 'Tools' tab > 'Check' button. Allow the process to complete and fix any issues found. 4. **Remove Extra Disks**: If you have additional internal or external disks connected to your computer, disconnect them temporarily. This prevents potential conflicts during the installation or update process. Remember to note which disks were disconnected for easy reconnection later. 5. **Disable Antivirus Software**: Temporarily disable your antivirus software as it might interfere with the installation or update process. However, be aware that your system will be more vulnerable to threats while it's disabled. Re-enable it as soon as the process is complete. 6. **Update Software**: Make sure your operating system and all critical software are up to date. This can prevent compatibility issues and ensure a smoother transition. 7. **Verify Installation Media**: If you're installing a new operating system from a USB drive or DVD, verify its integrity by checking the hash value against the official source. This ensures that you're using a genuine and unmodified copy. By completing these preparatory steps, you minimize the risk of data loss and potential complications during the process. Once you've completed the backup and disk removal, proceed with the actual installation or update.

First and foremost, ensure you back up all your crucial files and data. You can opt to store the backup on a cloud service or utilize backup software to transfer it to an external drive. This step is immensely significant! Nobody can guarantee the safety of your data during the cloning process.

And if you have any other drives on your computer, please unplug them so you don't accidentally format those drives.

#2. Convert the Old SSD from MBR to GPT

As we've mentioned before, if your old OS SSD is an MBR, then it is highly possible that you would fail when you reboot your computer and get the Inaccessible Boot Device errors. So here we'd like to recommend a handy tool - AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro, for you to convert your SSD from MBR to GPT in simple steps. For detailed steps, please refer to How to Convert MBR to GPT During Windows Installation.

#3. Switch the Boot Mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI

Once you've converted the old SSD to GPT, you need to switch your computer's boot mode to UEFI. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Restart your computer and press the relevant key when you see the message: Press [key] to enter setup. This key could be F2, F12, or DEL, depending on your computer's brand. The message may differ based on the manufacturer.

Step 2. In the BIOS Setup Utility, select "Boot" from the top menu bar.

Step 3. Select the UEFI Boot Mode field and use the +/- keys to change the setting to UEFI.

Step 4. Press F10 to save the change and exit.

#4. Clone SSD to M.2 SSD Translation: #4. Clone Solid State Drive (SSD) to an M.2 SSD

Now, let's move on to the process of cloning an SSD to an M.2 SSD. You can perform the cloning yourself, but there are numerous third-party tools available to simplify the task. In this case, we recommend using the cloning feature from tools Disk Copy. The cloning function in this backup software makes it effortless for you to migrate the operating system to a new disk and upgrade your current setup.

Download the Disk Copy tool now and follow the guide below to begin the cloning process.

Prior Notice:

• The "Sector by sector copy" option requires the destination disk to be at least as large or larger than the source disk. If you want to clone a larger hard drive to a smaller one, do not select this feature. • All data on the destination disk will be completely wiped out, so proceed with caution.

Step 1. To begin copying/ cloning an entire disk to another, select this disk as the source disk under "Disk Mode" and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the other disk as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of the two disks. You can manage the disk layout of the destination disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source", or "Edit disk layout".

• "Autofit the disk" makes some default adjustments to the destination disk layout to optimize its performance.
• "Copy as the source" retains the original configuration and does not make any changes to the destination disk, ensuring the layout is identical to the source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" enables you to manually adjust the partition size and position on the destination disk according to your preferences.

Tick the "Check the option if the target is SSD" option to optimize your SSD for peak performance.

A message will now appear, cautioning you about potential data loss. Please acknowledge this warning by clicking "OK," and then proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to officially initiate the task.

You can also watch this video to see how to clone a SATA SSD to an M.2 SSD.

 

#5. What to Do After Completing the Clone

With the assistance of tools like Disk Copy, you can adjust the partition size on your new M.2 SSD while cloning the data. This way, there's no need to manually resize it afterwards. Once the cloning process is complete, you have two options for starting your computer.

Method 1. Shut down your computer, disconnect the old SATA SSD, install the new M.2 SSD, and then power on your computer.

Method 2. If your computer supports two hard drives, you can keep both SSDs in your computer. Restart your computer, enter BIOS Setup Utility, and change the BIOS settings to boot from the new M.2 SSD.

Additional Assistance - Guide to Replacing Your Old Disk with an M.2 SSD

Once you've cloned your Windows 10/8/7 to an M.2 SSD, you can proceed to replace your old disk with the cloned M.2 SSD. Here are the steps to replace the aging HDD. This is an example of swapping the OS drive with an M.2 SSD: 1. **Backup Important Data**: Before making any changes, ensure that you have backed up all crucial files and data to an external storage device. 2. **Shut Down Your Computer**: Turn off your computer and unplug all power sources, including the main power cable, to avoid any electrical hazards. 3. **Access Your Computer's Internal Components**: Depending on your PC's model, you may need to remove the back panel or side panel to access the internal components. 4. **Remove the Old HDD**: Carefully locate and disconnect the SATA data cable and power cable from your existing hard drive. Gently lift it out of its mounting brackets or trays. 5. **Install the M.2 SSD**: If your motherboard has an M.2 slot, insert the cloned M.2 SSD into the slot, making sure it clicks securely into place. Some motherboards might require an adapter for specific M.2 form factors. 6. **Reconnect Cables**: Attach the SATA data cable (if necessary) and power cable to the M.2 SSD. Ensure they're firmly connected. 7. **Replace the Panel**: Put the back or side panel back in place and secure it with screws. 8. **Power On and Boot**: Connect the power cable and turn on your computer. The system should automatically detect the new M.2 SSD as the primary boot drive. 9. **Verify the Clone**: Once the computer boots, check if Windows is running smoothly and all your files are present. If there are any issues, refer to your cloning software's troubleshooting guide. 10. **Disposing of the Old HDD**: Safely dispose of your old HDD, considering data security by wiping or physically destroying the drive if you no longer need it. By following these steps, you'll successfully replace your old HDD with the cloned M.2 SSD, ensuring a seamless transition to faster and more efficient storage.

Step 1. Turn off your laptop and unplug both the power cable and any connected cables. Next, remove the screws from the back panel and take it off to access your operating system disk.

Step 2. Utilize your tools to secure the drive to the laptop. You'll need to unscrew these screws before you can detach the drive.

Step 3. Lift the old drive up at a 30- or 45-degree angle and pull it out. Install the SSD in its place, and then put the back panel on.

Step 4. Boot from the M.2 SSD. Turn on your laptop. If your laptop boots up normally and you see all your programs and settings exactly as they were before (only much faster), everything went smoothly.

If you want to continue using the old disk for saving data and protecting the Windows system, you can format the old hard drive for free.

Conclusion

You can easily clone your operating system (OS) to an M.2 SSD with the assistance of disk cloning software. To successfully clone your Windows OS to an M.2 SSD, ensure that the new drive is compatible with your computer's motherboard and carefully install it properly.

1. What is SSD cloning? - SSD cloning is the process of creating an exact replica of the data on one Solid State Drive (SSD) and transferring it to another SSD, such as an M.2 drive. 2. Why clone an SSD to M.2? - M.2 SSDs are smaller, faster, and more efficient than traditional 2.5-inch SSDs. Cloning allows you to upgrade your system's storage without losing any data or reinstalling the operating system. 3. Do I need special software for SSD cloning? - Yes, you'll typically need a cloning software like Acronis True Image, Clonezilla, or the built-in tools provided by some SSD manufacturers. 4. Can I clone an SSD to a larger M.2 drive? - Yes, you can. The extra space on the M.2 drive will be unallocated and ready for use. 5. Will cloning affect my computer's performance? - Cloning itself doesn't affect performance. However, if the M.2 SSD is faster, your system's overall performance may improve. 6. How long does it take to clone an SSD to an M.2 drive? - It depends on the size of the data, the speed of the SSDs, and the cloning tool used. Generally, it could take anywhere from a few minutes to hours. 7. Can I clone while my computer is running? - Some cloning software allows for a 'hot clone' while the system is running, but it's safer to perform the clone when the computer is turned off. 8. Is there a risk of data loss during the cloning process? - If done correctly, the risk is minimal. However, always ensure you have backups in case of any unforeseen issues. 9. Can I clone an M.2 SSD to a regular SSD? - Yes, the process is similar regardless of the direction of cloning. 10. Do I need to format the M.2 SSD before cloning? - Not usually, the cloning software should handle the formatting as part of the cloning process. But it's always good to check the software instructions. 11. How do I boot from the cloned M.2 SSD? - After cloning, you'll need to update your BIOS/UEFI settings to set the M.2 SSD as the primary boot device. 12. Can I undo a clone? - Most cloning software creates a bootable recovery disc or image, which can be used to revert to the original state in case of problems.

You might have additional questions after cloning the Windows operating system to an SSD. Browse through the following questions and answers for further assistance.

1. Do M.2 SSDs require drivers?

No, both SATA and PCIe M.2 SSDs utilize the standard AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) drivers that are integrated into the operating system. However, you might need to enable the M.2 SSD in the system BIOS before it becomes usable.

2. What is an M.2 SSD?

M.2 is a specification developed by the PCI-SIG and SATA-IO standards bodies and is detailed in the PCI-SIG M.2 and SATA Revision 3.2 specifications. Initially called the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), it was officially rechristened as M.2 in 2013, although many individuals still colloquially refer to it as NGFF.

What screw do I need for an M.2 SSD?

The appropriate screw size is 2.0 x 3mm (CM2x3-3.3). If you are located in the USA, you can typically find these screws at Ace Hardware stores. Be sure to verify the length, as some screws available at hardware stores might be too long.

4. How do I transfer data from an SSD to an NVMe drive?

Connect your NVMe SSD to your PCI-SIG interface. Download a disk cloning software and opt for the Clone feature. Select the source disk and designate the NVMe disk as your target disk. Click Proceed to initiate the cloning process from SSD to NVMe.