How to Transfer Data from HDD to SSD on Windows 10 Laptops and Desktops

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have already revolutionized data storage, offering much higher reliability, faster read/write speeds, and lower power consumption than traditional hard-disk drives (HDDs). There is no doubt that SSDs will eventually dominate the market. If your desktop or laptop still relies on an HDD, especially one with a small capacity, you are missing out.

Upgrading to an SSD can greatly improve your computer's performance and user experience, but what about the data on your old HDD? This article will show you how to easily migrate your data from an HDD to an SSD. Let's get started!

What do I need to prepare before transferring data from an HDD to an SSD?

As mentioned above, SSDs are superior to HDDs in many ways. If you're still using an HDD on your PC, it's recommended that you switch to an SSD for better performance. However, when replacing the drive, you need to consider the data on your old disk. Here are some things you may need to do before transferring data from HDD to SSD drive.

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Two Ways to Migrate Data from HDD to SSD on Windows

Got a new SSD! How do I transfer my data from my old HDD to the new SSD without any issues? Author: u/ReddingtonTR Community: buildapc

Here are two common and straightforward methods to move data from HDD to SSD without losing anything. You can manually transfer the data to the new SSD by copying and pasting the files. Alternatively, if you prefer a more straightforward method, use a reliable cloning tool to clone all the data on your HDD to the new SSD automatically. Let's delve into the details.

Method 1: Move Data from HDD to SSD via Disk Clone

Disk cloning is the most efficient and straightforward way to migrate from HDD to SSD. You can use Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla to help you move your files from HDD to SSD, but they may not be as perfect as you expect. To make the disk cloning process go smoothly, you can use a better disk cloning tool - AOMEI Backupper Home Edition.

This is a high-performance and reliable disk cloning tool for Windows users that can clone hard drives from various manufacturers. It enables you to transfer data from an old hard drive to a new computer and easily clone Windows to an SSD. Here are some key features of this disk cloning utility.

• Upgrade to a larger disk
• Clone HDD to SSD with different size
• Resize partitions while cloning disks
• Install Windows 11 on a new PC
• Create a WinPE bootable disk
• Create a new SSD C drive
• Clone hard drive sector by sector

A disk cloning software can help you easily migrate data from one hard drive to another. If your old hard drive is the C drive, it allows you to transfer data to another drive without reinstalling Windows. Please download it for free on your computer to help you clone your hard drive.

Advance notice:

• "Clone by sector" requires the target disk to be the same size or larger than the source disk. Do not check this option if you are cloning a larger hard drive to a smaller one. • All data on the target disk will be erased. Proceed with caution.

Step 1: To start cloning/copying the entire disk to another, select the disk as the source disk under "Disk Mode", and then click "Next".

Step 2. Select another disk as the target disk.

Step 3: Review the disk layout of both the source and target disks. You can choose to have the target disk size automatically adjusted, made the same as the source, or you can Edit Disk Layout to manually manage the layout of the target disk.

When a warning message pops up, click “OK”.

• "Fit to disk" will make some changes to the default layout of the target disk to optimize it. • "Copy from source disk" will not change anything on the target disk and its layout will be the same as the source disk. • "Edit disk layout" allows you to manually adjust/move partitions on the target disk.

Check the box for “Perform a quick format” if your target is an SSD, for best performance.

A warning message will appear, advising you that your data will be lost. Confirm this by clicking “OK,” then click “Next.”

Step 4: Click “Proceed” to execute the task officially.

Method 2: Copy and Paste the File from HDD to SSD

The copy and paste method is the most traditional way of transferring data from an HDD to an SSD. Simply select the files you want to transfer, right-click, and choose the Cut or Copy option. After that, head over to your target SSD drive, right-click on a blank area, and select Paste.

However, if you have a large number of files to transfer, this can be a time-consuming and laborious process. Worse still, if your old HDD is the boot drive, it won't be able to transfer system or boot files. What if you encounter issues like copy and paste not working or drag and drop not working?

Therefore, if you want to migrate a large amount of data or everything on your HDD, including the operating system and system files, to SSD, you can use the disk cloning method, which helps you migrate a huge amount of data easily and quickly.

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[[3](#3)] What should I do after moving data from an HDD to an SSD?

After cloning HDD to new SSD, you can replace HDD with SSD. After the disk replacement, you can:

Boot from the new SSD

1. **Step 1:** Restart your computer and press the BIOS key to enter the BIOS setup screen. The BIOS key varies depending on your computer model, typically being F2, F12, Delete, or Esc. 2. **Step 2:** Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Boot" tab. 3. **Step 3:** Locate "Boot Priority" or "Boot Order" and select it. 4. **Step 4:** Use the arrow keys to move the SSD to the top of the boot order list, save all changes, and then exit the BIOS setup screen. 5. **Step 5:** Restart your computer; it should now boot from the new SSD C drive.

"Format the old hard drive"

Once you're sure everything has been transferred to the SSD, you can format the old HDD for reuse. In Windows, you can use the Disk Management tool to format the drive.

In short

That's all about how to move from HDD to SSD in Windows 10. You can use the Copy and Paste method or the disk cloning method to move data from HDD to SSD. However, if you want to copy everything including the OS and programs to the SSD, you should try the disk cloning method.

Cloning can help you move everything from one hard drive to another without losing data or reinstalling Windows. You just need to download a professional disk cloning software, like Disk Copy, to make the process simple and efficient!

FAQs on Transferring Data from HDD to SSD in Windows 10/11

1. How do I move Windows 10 from an HDD to an SSD? 2. Yes, you can upgrade your laptop's HDD to an SSD without losing data if you follow the proper steps. 3. The process to transfer a Windows 10 installation from a hard drive to a solid state drive involves the following steps: a. Backup your important data. b. Purchase an SSD of appropriate size. c. Install the SSD in your laptop or connect it externally. d. Use cloning software (e.g., Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect, or Windows' built-in tools) to clone your HDD to the SSD. e. Boot from the cloned SSD and ensure it works correctly. f. If necessary, update the BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize the SSD. g. Remove the HDD and use the SSD as your primary drive. 4. To upgrade your laptop's HDD to an SSD without losing data, you should backup your files, clone the HDD to the SSD, and then replace the HDD with the SSD. 5. To migrate the operating system Windows 10 from a traditional hard disk to a solid-state drive, you can clone the HDD to the SSD, adjust boot settings to recognize the SSD, and then disconnect or remove the HDD. This process typically requires third-party software or Windows' built-in tools for cloning.

To move Windows 10 to SSD without losing data, cloning is the most ideal way. As Windows doesn't have a built-in clone option, you'll need to use professional disk cloning software to help you.

2. Are there any applications that can transfer data from HDD to SSD?

There are many disk cloning software options that can help you transfer data from an HDD to an SSD. Tools like Disk Copy, Macrium Reflect, Clonezilla, or Acronis Cyber Protect Home can be used for this purpose. Additionally, some SSD brands include cloning software, such as Samsung Data Migration Software for Samsung SSDs.

3. Can I transfer data from HDD to SSD?

Yes, you can transfer data from an HDD to an SSD. You can do this using disk cloning methods or by applying the "copy and paste" approach. If you're looking for a better method, cloning is more recommended.