How to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive [100% Secure]

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Updated on April 19, 2024

Ya considerando mejorar el rendimiento y la capacidad de almacenamiento de tu computadora? La solución más rápida es usar un nuevo disco de alta rendimiento como tu unidad principal de almacenamiento, lo cual requiere migrar todos tus datos, incluyendo el sistema operativo, a otra unidad. Este guía te presentará dos herramientas prácticas para la migración del sistema Windows. Además, este artículo ofrece una tutoría completa sobre los procedimientos antes, durante y después de la operación.

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How to Transfer Windows 11 to Another Drive - 2 Methods

Follow along with this section to learn what to prepare and how to migrate Windows 11 to a new hard drive using two practical methods.

Prerequisites - Prepare Everything for Migrating to Windows 11

Before moving Windows 11 to another drive, make sure you've completed the following preparations:

1️⃣Download the OS Migration Tool

As an efficient data migration tool, the Partition Master Professional facilitates a seamless data transfer without the need for reinstalling your operating system or applications. With its assistance, you can swiftly and easily move Windows 11 to another drive.

2️⃣ Prepare a New Drive

You can select an HDD or SSD with a larger storage capacity than your C drive on the system disk. For this, you'll need a SATA cable. Follow these steps to install and initialize it: 1. **Prepare the new drive**: Ensure the new hard drive (HDD or SSD) is compatible with your computer's interface (usually SATA). Unpack it and connect the power cable from your computer's power supply to the drive. 2. **Connect the SATA cable**: Plug the SATA cable into the new drive and the other end into an empty SATA port on your motherboard. Make sure it's securely connected. 3. **Shut down your computer**: Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord to avoid any electrical discharge that could damage components. 4. **Mount the drive**: Install the new drive in your computer's case, usually by screwing it into a vacant drive bay. If you're replacing the existing drive, remove the old one first. 5. **Boot into BIOS/UEFI**: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during the initial startup screen. 6. **Configure boot order**: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the "Boot" menu and ensure your computer is set to boot from the system disk (where your operating system is installed). 7. **Detect the new drive**: Check if the new drive is listed under "Storage" or a similar menu. If not, ensure the drive is properly seated and try again. 8. **Initialize the drive**: Once detected, initialize the new drive by formatting it. Choose the appropriate partition style (MBR or GPT) based on your system requirements and create a new partition. 9. **Install the operating system**: If you want to expand your storage, you can clone your C drive to the new drive using cloning software like Clonezilla or Acronis True Image. Alternatively, you can reinstall the operating system on the new drive, which may require activation again. 10. **Boot from the new drive**: Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your computer should now boot from the new drive. If everything is set up correctly, you'll see the operating system loading. 11. **Transfer data**: After verifying the OS is working, you can transfer any additional files or programs from your old C drive to the new one. Remember to back up your important data before making any significant changes to your system.

Method 1: Use System Migration Tool - Partition Master

Duration: 25-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easiest
Suitable Users: All users, especially computer beginners

This robust software is compatible with all Windows systems. Let's explore how to effortlessly move Windows 11 to another drive using the aid of Partition Master:

Important: The OS migration operation will delete and remove existing partitions and data on your target disk if there's insufficient unallocated space. Back up any critical data to an external drive beforehand, just in case.

Step 1. From the left menu, select "Clone." Choose "Migrate OS" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 2. Select the target disk that you want to clone. Click "Next".

Step 3. Click "Yes" after reading the warning message. This will erase all data and partitions on the target disk. Make sure to back up important data beforehand. If you haven't, do so now.

Select the destination disk

Step 4. Preview the layout of your target disk. You can also click on the disk layout options to customize the layout of your target disk as desired. Then, click "Start" to initiate the migration of your OS to a new disk.

Step 5. When you see a confirmation message asking "If you want to start up computer from the clone target disk", check "Adjust the order to boot from the clone target disk" and click the corresponding button based on your needs.

Reboot Now: This means to restart the PC and boot the operating system from the new disk immediately.
Done: This means to apply the changes later.

Here are some of its notable features:

Clone Windows to new SSD: This pro cloning tool lets you migrate Windows easily.
Clone SD Card: It can copy an SD or micro SD card to a bigger SD card on Windows 11/10/8/7.
Clone external hard drive to internal: You can move data and the operating system from an external drive to an internal one.

What if you need to migrate Windows 10 to a new hard drive or SSD? This related page will perfectly cater to your requirement:

Also read: How to Move Windows 10 to Another Drive Without Reinstalling

Method 2: Run the Windows System Image tool

⏱️Duration: 30-40 minutes
?Difficulty: Medium
?Suitable Users: Experienced Windows users

Windows has a System Image tool that can assist users in transferring the Windows system by creating a bootable USB. However, this process involves more manual steps: first, you need to create a system image backup and a recovery USB flash drive, and finally, move the Windows 11 system image to another drive.

Important: You need to prepare two new external storage devices (USB/SSD/CD).

Step 1. Create a Windows 11 System Image:

1. Connect the USB to your computer and open "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)." 2. Select "Create a system image," choose the external USB drive as the destination for the system image, and click "Next." 3. By default, the System and System Reserved partitions will be selected. Click "Next" to continue. 4. To begin creating your system image on the USB drive, click "Start backup."

start backup

Step 2. Create a Windows Media Creation Tool:

1. Connect a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage to your computer. 2. Press the "Windows + S" keys, type "recovery drive," and open the utility. 3. Click "Next" after selecting "Back up system files to the recovery drive" in the Recovery Drive window. 4. Choose the USB disk as the destination, then click "Next." Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.

Create a recovery drive

Step 3. Transfer Windows 11 to the New Drive:

Here's the translation in English: 1. Reboot your computer after connecting the Windows 11 installation disc and the Windows image backup drive. 2. To access BIOS and set the installation media as the boot device, press the F1/F2/Del key. 3. After restarting with the Windows Installation Media, click "Repair your computer" in the "Install Now" window. 4. Click "Troubleshoot," then enter the Advanced settings, and select "System Image Recovery." 5. Choose "Select a system image" to view and select your Windows 11 system image disk. Press "Next" to continue. 6. To remove the current system disk and keep only the new HDD/SSD, click "Exclude disks..." and confirm by pressing "OK." 7. Click "Next" to start the recovery process and wait until it completes.

Restore a Windows image

POST Guide - Setting up to Boot Windows 11 from a New Drive

Upon finishing the Windows 11 migration process, you can configure the new drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS/UEFI. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1. Restart the target computer and press F2/F12/Del to enter BIOS Setup.

Step 2. Switch to the "Boot" tab and change the new hard drive to the boot drive.

Step 3. Save the changes, exit the BIOS, and restart your computer.

Change Boot Order Click to enlarge

Conclusion

By following the step-by-step guidance above, you can effectively move Windows 11 to another drive. Using the user-friendly tool Partition Master ensures a smoother experience for beginners and preserves all your boot files and settings intact. Whether you aim to upgrade your computer's storage or simply seek the advantages of a faster drive, you can now enjoy enhanced performance and expanded storage capacity without the need to re-install Windows 11 from the beginning. Make sure to back up your data prior to starting the process and take your time to guarantee a seamless transition.

FAQ: How to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive

Are you seeking more information on how to transfer Windows 11 to another drive? This section is tailored for you, as it addresses additional queries and provides answers:

< strong >1. Should I install Windows 11 on an external SSD?

It is strongly advised that you run Windows 11 on the latest high-speed SSD. Migrating Windows 11 to a new hard drive or SSD is straightforward. (link) You can also install additional applications or any software on this drive.

Yes, you can have two Windows systems on one hard drive as long as you install them separately (on two different partitions). You can choose which Windows OS you want to boot by changing the boot device in BIOS settings.

**3. What is the difference between system cloning and migration?**

While migration often entails transferring data or information from one system, disk, or drive to another, cloning involves creating an exact replica of the existing system. For further information, please refer to the article below:

How to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive | Ultimate Guide?