How to Transfer OS to New SSD? Beginners' Guide 2024

Individual buyers and computer manufacturers tend to use SSD as the system disk or boot drive these days due to its slimmer, lighter, and faster nature compared to HDD. However, it can be challenging for regular users to迁移操作系统 from HDD to SSD.

Here, as a sophisticated software manufacturer, we will provide you with a quick guide to learn how to transfer your Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 to an SSD without having to spend time re-installing or performing a fresh install of the OS:

1. #1. Preparation: Install the SSD, clean system junk files on the OS disk, and download OS migration software.
2. #2. Procedure: Migrate and transfer the OS from HDD to SSD or move the OS to a new SSD.
3. #3. Follow Up: Boot the PC from the SSD after the operating system migration.

Most people are keen on discovering OS migration software to directly transfer the operating system from an HDD to an SSD or vice versa. The tool, Partition Master, is a reliable and convenient option for迁移操作系统无需重新安装Windows。它只需几个步骤，但可以节省大量时间。

Remain calm if you're encountering a similar issue as described in the case outlined by Microsoft here:

Follow the outlined steps with meticulous guidance to master how to expertly migrate your operating system to a new SSD drive.

#1. Preparation - Transfer OS to New SSD

• ⏱️Duration: 10-15 minutes
• ?Tools: Windows PC, screwdriver, new SSD, connection cable or M.2 SSD slot, backup software or tool, OS migration software.

To ensure a secure and seamless OS transfer process, please ensure that you follow our tips to get everything ready. Before we commence officially, let's review some preparatory tasks.

1. Connect or Install a New SSD to Your Computer

If you're using a desktop, you have several options for connecting a second solid-state drive to your computer.

Translate the following text into English: - Install the SSD alongside your old hard drive in the same machine. - Connect the SSD to your computer using a SATA-to-USB cable. - Use an external hard drive enclosure for the connection.

Usually, laptop users prefer the latter two methods.

2. Clean Up Unnecessary Large Files on the SSD

SSDs are usually smaller than HDDs, so it's a good idea to free up some disk space by removing system junk files before migrating the operating system to a new SSD. Make sure the SSD storage capacity is equal to or greater than the data usage of the system C drive on the source hard drive.

tools Partition Master, equipped with its CleanGenius tool, makes it easy and lightweight for Windows beginners to clean up computer junk files and large files using the following tutorial guide.

Guide: Locate, Remove, and Delete Large Files in Windows.

3. Backup C Drive Data

It's wise to back up C drive data before OS migration. We can't expect everything to go smoothly all the time, but we can arm ourselves with a complete backup.

A simple Ctrl C + V or a Windows backup software can both be used for backing up C drive data. If you prefer a step-by-step guide, refer to this tutorial page for assistance:

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

 

Easy Method: Backup C Drive to External Hard Drive

How to back up the C drive to an external hard drive? Utilize backup software. Click 'Disk/Partition Backup' - select a backup image destination (the external hard drive) - initiate the backup.  Read more >>

4. Download the Operating System Migration Tool

This is the crucial step. Simply click the download button here, and it will only take a few seconds to download the OS migration tool - tools Partition Master. Its "Migrate OS to SSD" feature allows users of all Windows levels to effortlessly switch their operating systems to a new disk without the need for OS reinstallation.

This software also enables you to initialize SSD to the same system disk type as the OS drive, ensuring a seamless OS transfer process. You might also be interested in: How to Initialize SSD in Windows 10/8/7.

Upon preparing all the mentioned points, proceed promptly with the process and learn how to migrate the operating system from HDD to SSD immediately.

#2. Process: How to Move or Transfer OS to New SSD

• ⏱️Duration: 5-15 minutes or longer
• ?Tools: Windows PC, new SSD, Partition Master tool

< strong >3 Tips for Transferring OS to SSD with Partition Master Tools:

• ✔️Select the new SSD as the destination disk.
• ✔️All data on the SSD will be erased when transferring the operating system to the SSD.
• ✔️The SSD must have equal to or greater storage capacity than the used space on the System C drive.

Now, let's explore how to transfer your Windows OS from an HDD to an SSD along with all system files:

注意: 如果目标磁盘上的未分配空间不足，将操作系统迁移到 SSD 或 HDD 会删除目标磁盘上现有的分区和数据。如果在该位置保存了重要数据，请提前将其备份到外部硬盘。

Step 1. From the left menu, choose "Clone." Select "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 you have backed up important data beforehand. If not, do so now.

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

 

If you find this OS to SSD迁移工具 useful, feel free to click the share button below to pass it on to others who might need it.

#3. Follow-Up: Boot PC from New SSD After OS Migration

• ⏱️Duration: 2-5 minutes
• ?Tools: Windows PC, SSD, BIOS settings

IMPORTANT: After completing the OS migration, make sure to set the new SSD as the boot drive. You can follow either of these two methods to ensure your PC boots from the SSD following the OS transfer:

1. Remove the Old OS HDD, Use SSD as the Boot Drive on the PC

This is a straightforward scenario. After transferring the operating system from the old drive to the new SSD, you can simply set the SSD as the boot drive by following these steps:

• Shut down your computer.
• Remove the OS HDD and leave the cloned SSD inside the PC.
• Reboot the PC, and the computer will automatically boot from the SSD with the migrated OS.
• Log in using your Windows password and allow your PC to start up normally.

2. Set SSD as the Boot Drive

Most desktop computers and laptops come with two disk slots - one for a hard drive and one for an SSD. As such, you have the option to use the SSD as the boot drive on your system.

Step 1. Restart your PC and press F2/F8 or Del to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Navigate to the Boot section. In the Boot Priority area, select and set the new SSD as the boot drive.

Step 3. Press F10 to save the changes and restart the PC.

Following this, your operating system will automatically run from the new SSD, resulting in a faster computer with improved performance.

Conclusion

On this page, we detailed the entire process of how to migrate or transfer the Windows operating system from an HDD to an SSD without reinstalling Windows. The tool, Partition Master, equipped with its "Migrate OS to SSD" feature, simplifies the OS migration process.

别忘了在操作系统迁移后将新的SSD设置为启动驱动器。在将操作系统转移到SSD后，您还可以使用Partition Master工具来调整和优化SSD的性能，例如：

• Resize/move partition on SSD.
• 4K align SSD
• Check SSD disk speed
• Test SSD S.M.A.R.T status
• Check file system and fix bad sectors on SSD, etc.

If you require additional disk management, seek assistance from the tool Partition Master. It is also a professional disk cloning software; don't overlook it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring OS from HDD to SSD

If you have more questions about how to transfer the operating system from an HDD to an SSD, follow along and find answers to these frequently asked questions here:

< strong > 1. Can I transfer Windows from the HDD to the new SSD?

To transfer the operating system (OS) to another drive, you mainly have three methods to consider:

• Utilize a cloning tool to transfer the operating system from an HDD to an SSD
• Create a system image of your PC and subsequently restore it onto an SSD
• Download an ISO file of your Windows operating system and install it anew on a fresh SSD

If you prefer to use native Windows tools, the safest approach is to create a system image of the main drive. Let's delve into how to accomplish this.

**2. How do I transfer my Windows 10 OS from HDD to SSD?**

1. Install the SSD and initialize it with the same disk type as the existing Windows 10 HDD - either MBR or GPT.
2. Launch the tool Partition Master, navigate to the "Clone" section, and choose "Migrate OS."
3. Select the SSD as the target disk and click "Next."
4. Confirm by clicking "Yes" and then "Execute Task."
5. After completion, restart your PC and enter BIOS to set the new SSD as the boot drive.
6. Reboot the PC to boot into Windows 10 from the new SSD.

3. How to transfer OS from HDD to SSD for free?

1. Install the new SSD into the PC and initialize it with the same disk type as the source OS disk.
2. Create at least two volumes on the SSD, ensuring that the volume size is equal to or larger than the used space on the OS and system partitions.
3. Launch the tool Partition Free, navigate to the Clone section, and choose "Copy partition."
4. Select the System partition, designate the new SSD as the target, and initiate the cloning process.
5. Select the OS partition and choose another volume on the SSD as the destination, then clone it.
6. Finally, set the new SSD as the boot drive.

4. What is system image recovery?

System image recovery involves restoring your computer from an exact copy of its system image. This image comprises the entire contents of your computer, such as the operating system, applications, settings, and all other files. It allows you to revert your PC to its previous state by performing a system image recovery.