How to Move Windows from SATA HDD to NVMe M.2 SSD?

While a native SSD offers three times faster read and write speed than a SATA HDD, an M.2 SSD takes it to a whole new level. If you're looking to boost your system's performance by switching to an NVMe M.2 SSD, this blog from Tool will guide you through how to migrate Windows from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD.

Can I transfer my operating system from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD?

Yes, you can transfer your operating system from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD. This can typically be done by either cloning the hard drive or reinstalling the operating system. Here's a general outline for both methods: 1. **Hard Drive Cloning**: - Use a professional disk cloning tool such as Acronis True Image, Clonezilla, or AOMEI Backupper. - Connect the NVMe M.2 SSD to your computer and ensure it is recognized correctly. - Create a clone of the source disk (SATA HDD) and copy it to the target disk (NVMe M.2 SSD). - After cloning, disconnect the SATA HDD and configure your BIOS/UEFI to boot from the NVMe M.2 SSD. 2. **Reinstalling the Operating System**: - Install the NVMe M.2 SSD in your computer. - Boot from an installation media (e.g., a Windows installation USB drive). - During the installation process, choose the "Custom installation" option, then format the NVMe M.2 SSD and install the operating system. - After installation, you will need to reinstall all applications and update drivers. Before proceeding with these steps, make sure to back up important data in case any issues arise.

Yes, you can migrate your Windows operating system from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD to boost your computer's overall performance. With NVMe, you can not only speed up data access but also improve reliability while consuming less power compared to an HDD.

NVMe M.2 is the next-generation solid-state drive. A small internal expansion card, it offers high read and write speeds. Native SSDs are three times faster than hard disk drives (HDDs); M.2 SSDs are 20 to 30 times faster.

While SATA SSDs max out at 550 megabytes per second (MBps) for reading and 530 MBps for writing, NVMe SSDs have been recorded at 6,200 MBps for reading and 2,900 MBps for writing.

Read More: ?How to Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot

With an NVMe M.2 SSD, you can expect the following improvements:

• Fast read and write speeds.
• Low heat generation.
• Improved performance.
• Low power consumption.
• Enhanced reliability for gaming and high-end PCs.

What do you need to prepare before transferring your SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD?

To migrate Windows 10/11 to NVMe M.2 without issues, you need to meet certain conditions. Before proceeding, make sure you have the following preparations in place:

Best Hard Drive to SSD Cloning Software for Migrating Operating System

Now, it is essential to choose the best HDD to SSD cloning software to migrate the Windows operating system from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD. The software should be reliable and secure, capable of transferring data effortlessly and safely. Tool Disk Clone is a utility that can instantly clone your operating system to a new NVMe SSD.

You need to select HDD (Source) and NVMe M.2 (Destination) to clone the operating system completely. Besides, you can also migrate the Windows OS without reinstallation, create bootable media with a USB flash drive, clone disk sector by sector to skip bad sectors, clone a drive with bad sectors, etc.

All these options make it an ideal tool for cloning and backing up. Download the tool now and try the free trial.

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How to Migrate OS from HDD to SSD Without Reinstalling

Now that you're ready to migrate your Windows OS to an SSD, let's see how you can use a disk cloning tool to move Windows from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 without reinstallation.

Step 1: In Disk Mode, select the HDD you want to clone.

Step 2: Select the SSD as the destination disk.

Step 3: Click “Continue” to proceed with the installation after you have configured your disk layout.

Since the destination is an SSD, it's recommended to check the box for “If target is SSD, please check this option.”

A warning appears, alerting you that data on the SSD will be erased. If there's nothing important on the target drive, click Erase to continue.

Step 4: Wait for the process to complete.

Also read:

Expert Tip: How to Boot from SSD after Cloning

So, how to boot from cloned SSD? For this, we need to change the boot order so that the OS reads the boot files from our NVMe SSD. Learn how to enter BIOS and change the boot order.

Step 1. Turn off your computer and restart it. While restarting, hold down the BIOS key (designated by the manufacturer to open the BIOS settings on a Windows computer).

The BIOS key for most Windows computers is “F2,” “F10,” “F12,” or “Delete.” If you aren't sure which one it is, search online using the make and model of your computer.

Step 2: In the BIOS settings, navigate to the "Boot" section and set "NVMe M.2 SSD" as the first boot device.

Step 3: Press “F10” to save the changes and exit. You should now be able to boot from your cloned SSD.

If you're having trouble booting Windows from the cloned SSD, refer to this article. It might have the solution for you.

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Cloned hard drive won't boot? 3 Ways to Make Cloned Hard Drive Bootable

 

Here are practical tips on how to make a cloned hard drive bootable. Try them to avoid or fix the issue that the cloned hard drive won't boot when cloning one disk to a new HDD or SSD in Windows 10/8/7. Read More>>

In short

Transferring the system from traditional HDD to NVMe SSD is a great way to boost computer performance. If you have an M.2 SSD, this article will teach you how to migrate Windows from SATA HDD to NVMe M.2 SSD. To move Windows 10 from HDD to M.2 SSD, you need a reliable cloning tool.

A hard drive cloning tool is a professional cloning utility that is the preferred choice for many users when it comes to cloning and backing up their drives. It allows you to easily transfer files, upgrade your OS, and create local backups.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Move Windows from SATA HDD to NVMe M.2 SSD

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to move Windows from a SATA HDD to an NVMe M.2 SSD. Hopefully, these queries address your concerns.

1. Is it worth migrating Windows from a SATA SSD to an NVMe drive?

Yes, NVMe is significantly faster than SATA SSD in terms of read and write speeds. While SATA SSDs have a read speed of up to 520 MBps, NVMe SSDs can achieve read speeds of up to 3,500 MBps, greatly enhancing system performance.

2. Is it easy to migrate Windows from an HDD to an M.2 drive?

Yes, you can transfer Windows from an HDD to an M.2 drive using specialized tools like Disk Copy or the built-in Windows utility called "Create a system image." However, the process can be complex, and it's easy to make mistakes if you don't have technical knowledge.

Should I install Windows on a SATA SSD or an M.2 SSD?

An M.2 SSD adheres to the NVMe protocol, which allows for faster boot times and lower latency compared to a SATA SSD. While a SATA SSD is a compatible, more traditional option for Windows, an M.2 drive offers even greater speed.

How to Migrate the Operating System from SATA SSD to NVMe?

Connect the NVMe M.2 SSD to your computer. Download and launch the Disk Copy tool. Select Clone, and specify the source drive (Drive C) and the target drive (the NVMe M.2 SSD). Click Continue to transfer the operating system from the SATA SSD to the NVMe.