How to Install Windows on SSD using Two Simple Methods?

Remain calm when facing issues similar to the following two examples. Tools are available to help you efficiently install Windows on an SSD yourself:

Full Procedure to Install Windows on SSD

Here's a step-by-step guide to installing Windows on an SSD, using Windows 10 as an example to illustrate the process:

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So, how do I determine which method is more suitable for me? Check out the selection tips here:

1. ✔️ For Windows beginners and non-technical users, you can easily follow Method 1 to transfer the Windows OS to an SSD.
2. ✔️For advanced Windows enthusiasts, you can manually follow Method 2 to install Windows on an SSD with a bit more effort.

Preparation: Get Everything Ready

Preparing everything beforehand is crucial to ensure a seamless installation of Windows on an SSD. Here's a checklist for you to follow:

• Install SSD correctly on your PC using an SATA connection cable or an SSD slot.
• Initialize SSD for Windows installation or migration. It's crucial to initialize SSD as MBR or GPT based on the Windows requirements.
• Back up data to another disk if the SSD contains your personal files.

#1. Migrate Windows to SSD Rather Than Reinstalling

• ⏱️Duration: 25-30 minutes
• ?Applies to: Switching Windows to an SSD, upgrading the OS disk to an SSD, without reinstalling the system.
• ?Who to Use It: Beginners, non-technical users, and IT service providers.

Whether you're upgrading your entire computer disk or迁移Windows 10操作系统到新的SSD，最好借助可靠的OS迁移软件来帮忙，而不是使用方法2中显示的手动方法。工具Partition Master是顶级推荐的神奇分区工具，值得信赖。它的"迁移OS"功能允许你只需几次点击就能安全地将Windows 10从HDD/SSD切换到SSD。

Here's how to do it:

1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, go to the Clone tab, click "Migrate OS" and then hit "Next" to proceed.

2. Choose the target SSD you want to migrate Windows OS to, and click "Next".

3. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to execute the operation.

4. Click "Start" to begin migrating your operating system to the new SSD.

5. When the process is complete, you'll see a confirmation message asking if you want to start your computer from the clone target disk.

Tick "Adjust the order to boot from the clone target disk" and click the corresponding button based on your needs.

• Reboot Now means to restart your PC and set the computer to boot the operating system from the new disk immediately.
• Done means you want to apply the changes at a later time.

 

Using this method also allows you to install Windows 10 without a product key. Upon completion of the process, Partition Master tools will display a notification asking if you want to set the new SSD as the boot drive. If you click "Yes," the program will instruct Windows to restart and load the system information from the new SSD. When the computer boots up again, simply log in with your password.

This is an easy and straightforward process for switching Windows to an SSD without reinstallation. If you find this tool helpful and it assisted you in completing the OS disk upgrade task, please share it to help more of your friends online:

#2. Fresh Install Windows on SSD (Windows 10/11, etc.) Translation: #2. Clean Install Windows on SSD (Windows 10/11, etc.)

• ⏱️Duration: 30-45 minutes
• ?Applies to: Installing Windows on a new SSD for a dual-boot setup, replacing the OS drive with a newer Windows system, etc.
• ?Who to Use It: Experienced and advanced Windows users

Sometimes, you need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10, especially when your current system is corrupted or fails. Carefully follow the guide below and prepare all the necessary tools in advance, and you'll be able to install and run a fresh operating system on your new SSD.

**Step 1. Create Windows Installation Media on a USB Drive**

First, click on this link to download the installation media for Windows. Next, format a USB flash drive to FAT32. Then, double-click the installation media to create a bootable USB flash drive.

With the bootable installation media ready, let's proceed to the detailed steps to reinstall Windows 10 on an SSD.

Step 2. Configure the Computer to Boot from USB Installation Media

Remove the old HDD and connect the new SSD to your computer. Insert the bootable USB flash drive, reboot the PC, and press the F2 or Del key to enter BIOS settings and set the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Ensure that your PC boots from the installation media. The installation process should commence.

Step 3. Install Windows on the SSD

Click "Install Now" on the Windows Setup screen. While installing, bypass the steps that ask for a product key and choose the option "I am reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC". This way, activation won't be a problem. Proceed to set up with "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)". Your PC will then have a digital entitlement stored on Microsoft's servers.

Step 4. Finish the Windows Installation Process

Next, follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows and wait for your computer to restart several times. When you see the Windows logo, it indicates that the process is complete. Now you can enjoy your newly installed Windows running on your SSD.

Configure SSD as the Boot Drive

During the installation, your system will restart. If the Windows installation finishes but the operating system still doesn't boot, the issue might be that you haven't configured your computer to load the OS from the SSD. Here's how to rectify that:

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How to Set SSD as the Boot Drive

Considering switching your Windows boot drive to an SSD? This guide outlines the complete process of setting SSD as the boot drive without re-installing the Windows OS or losing any data...Read more >>

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When Windows 10 finishes installing and you see the desktop, you can shut down your system and remove the installation media. The next time you start your PC, it will boot Windows 10 from the new SSD.

< strong > Read Also: Install Windows 10 on New PC Without Operating System

Share this article to help others learn how to install Windows 10 and boot it.

Extended Reading: Resolving Issues with Installing Windows on an SSD

There is a possibility that when you opt to reinstall Windows 10 on an SSD using the Windows installation media, some peculiar error messages might hinder you from successfully installing the operating system on the selected hard drive.

Read Also: Windows 10 Won't Install on SSD

Error 1: Unable to install Windows 10 on a new SSD

For a new SSD that is not initialized at the beginning, you need to: 1. Connect the SSD to your computer, ensuring proper installation. 2. Boot up your system and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. 3. Locate the option to detect new hardware or storage devices. 4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. 5. Your operating system should now automatically detect the SSD. 6. If not, open Disk Management on Windows or a similar tool on macOS or Linux. 7. Identify the unallocated space representing the new SSD. 8. Initialize the SSD by right-clicking on it and selecting "New Simple Volume" (Windows) or a similar option. 9. Follow the prompts to format the drive, choosing the file system (e.g., NTFS for Windows, APFS for macOS, or ext4 for Linux). 10. Assign a drive letter if necessary. 11. Click Finish to complete the initialization process. Now the SSD is ready for use.

1. Connect the new SSD to your computer.
2. Open Disk Management and right-click to initialize the SSD.
3. Set the Disk style to MBR or GPT, ensuring it's the same as the current OS disk.
4. Proceed to install the Windows OS on the SSD.
5. Lastly, remember to enter the BIOS settings and configure Windows to boot from the new SSD.
6. If the PC fails to boot up, restart the PC into BIOS and configure the computer to UEFI mode.

2. Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style. Translation: "Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The chosen disk uses the GPT partition style."

The selected disk is of GPT partition style.

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We addressed this issue in the article on how to fix "Windows cannot be installed to this disk."

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Windows Cannot Be Installed on This Disk. The Selected Disk is of the GPT Partition Style

Here, you can discover the reasons and comprehensive solutions for the GPT partition style issue where Windows cannot be installed on this disk. Learn how to resolve this error. Read more >>

Regardless of whether the SSD is not initializing or the selected disk is in GPT partition style, you can easily resolve the issue with the assistance of tools like Partition Master and proceed with installing Windows 10 on the SSD hassle-free.

3. How to Install Windows 10 on a New SSD Without Using a USB Drive

During the process of installing Windows systems, some users might find installing Windows via a USB drive too complicated. Others might require a step-by-step tutorial on how to install Windows on a new SSD without using a USB drive.

If you fall into that category, proceed to complete the task on this tutorial page.

Conclusion

On this page, we have compiled 2 effective methods and outlined the entire process of how to install or transfer Windows to an SSD. To accomplish this, you should:

• Prepare the SSD and back up essential content
• Choose an appropriate method based on your needs - either migrate or do a clean installation of Windows on the SSD
• Configure the new SSD as the boot drive

The process might be slightly complex for novices, so ensure you carefully follow the step-by-step guide. If you have further inquiries, refer here for assistance.

FAQs About Installing Windows

< strong > 1. Do I need a license key after installing Windows on an SSD?

Yes, of course. The Windows operating system restricts access to its full features through a license key. It offers a 30-day trial period during which you can use the operating system. However, to ensure the security and protection of your data and privacy, we recommend activating your Windows using a genuine license key after you have installed the system on the SSD.

**2. How do I install Windows on a new SSD without using a USB drive?**

To install Windows on a new SSD without using a USB drive, you have two options:

• One method is to utilize the Windows System Backup Image feature to create a system image and then restore it onto the new SSD.
• The other alternative is to migrate the operating system to SSD using reliable system migration software, such as Partition Master tool.

3. How can I install Windows 10 on an SSD without removing the HDD?

• Install the SSD and initialize it with the same disk type as the OS HDD (Operating System Hard Disk).
• Launch the tool, Partition Master, and navigate to its "Clean" feature. Then, choose "Migrate OS."
• Select the SSD as the destination and click "Next," followed by "Yes" to confirm the selection.
• Click "Execute Task" to initiate the operating system migration.
• When the process completes, click "Yes" to the prompt asking if you want to boot the system from the new SSD.