Download SanDisk Cloning Software to Migrate Data/OS (2021 Update)

You are replacing your HDD/SSD with a solid-state drive, and this guide also applies to most solid-state drives. It provides simple instructions on how to upgrade your desktop or laptop HDD to a SanDisk SSD, and you should also check the instructions included with your SSD for more details.

Preparations - What You Need Before Start SanDisk Cloning

To ensure a successful installation of your SSD, you'll need to prepare beforehand. This includes having the SSD itself, a screwdriver, a Torx driver, and the original screws from the old drive. Additionally, you may need to purchase a new bracket or adapter if your system doesn't have a compatible mounting point for the SSD.

Required Hardware

1. SATA data cable

2. 3.5-inch mounting adapter and screws

3. Phillips screwdriver

Required SanDisk Cloning Software

Qiling Backup is chosen as the best SanDisk SSD cloning software and SanDisk SSD data migration software, recommended by regular customers and expert editors of review websites like CNET, PCWorld, and TopTenReviews.

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SanDisk SSD products such as Extreme Pro, Extreme 900 Portable, Ultra II, Ultra II mSATA, Extreme 510 Portable, and Extreme 500 Portable can be used with Qiling backup software, which supports hard drive capacities up to 16TB.

1 - Connect Your SanDisk SSD to Your Computer

The first step is to connect your SanDisk SSD to your computer to begin the cloning process.

Step 1. Use the screwdriver to remove the computer case.

Step 2. Connect the SanDisk SSD to your computer via the SATA cable.

Step 3. Restart your computer and open "Disk Management", right-click on the new disk and select "Initialize disk".

You need to initialize your SSD to the same partition style as your current system disk (MBR or GPT). If your SSD isn't a new one, you can convert it to GPT or MBR.

2 - How to Clone HDD/SSD to SanDisk SSD

To clone your existing HDD to a new SanDisk SSD, you'll need to follow four steps, which are the same for both desktop and notebook computers. First, you'll need to clone the data or OS from your existing HDD to your new SSD. This process can be completed in four steps, which involve using a cloning software to create an exact copy of your existing HDD onto your new SSD. The cloning software will handle the entire process, making it easy to transfer your data or OS to your new SSD.

Launch the cloning application
Follow the steps to begin the cloning process
Select the "source" drive/disk (your computer's internal drive)
Select your "destination" drive (Your SSD)

We will use Qiling backup and recovery software to clone the HDD to a SanDisk SSD. Follow the step-by-step guide to complete the process.

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Step 1. Launch Qiling Backup and choose "Clone".

Step 2. Choose the source disk you're going to clone. Here, choose the HDD. Click "Next".

Step 3. Here, choose the destination disk. Select the SSD to largely improve the SSD performance after cloning.

Step 4. Cloning a hard drive to a solid-state drive (SSD) usually involves previewing a disk layout and clicking "Proceed". The process can take a while, depending on the size of the source disk, as the software clones the entire contents of the hard drive to the SSD.

You can tick the option for "Optimize for SSD".

3 - How to Uninstall and Replace the HDD with SanDisk SSD

After cloning your HDD to a SanDisk SSD, replace your old drive with the SSD by following these steps to install it on a desktop computer.

Tip

If your computer has a 2.5-The 2.5-inch drive bay allows you to install the drive without the need for a 3.5-inch mounting adapter.

Step 1. Power off your computer and disconnect the power cable.

Step 2. Open your desktop computer case.

Step 3. Unplug the SATA data cable and SATA power cable from your existing HDD, then remove the drive from the bay, leaving the new SSD in place.

Step 4. In most desktop computers, before installing your SSD, first, you must install it into the 3.5-inch mounting adapter.

Step 5. Install your SanDisk SSD into your computer's drive bay and connect the SATA data cable and SATA power cable.

If you have migrated Windows 10 to an SSD, you can start your computer from the SSD.

How to Backup Files Before Formatting in Windows 10/8/7 PC, Laptop or External Hard Drive

Despite the ease of backing up with features specifically designed for drive/partition, system, files, and emails, some users may still have questions. To clarify, it's a good idea to understand the details before initiating your first backup, especially before formatting your device. This way, you can ensure a smooth and successful backup process.

Backup computer before formatting FAQs:

1. Where can I save the large computer backups?

The software allows you to choose a backup location as you want, including a physical hard drive, a removable hard disk, Network drive, NAS, or Cloud.

2. Should I backup the AppData folder?

The AppData folder on a Windows PC contains application settings, files, and data specific to a particular app. Formatting your PC can resolve issues like freezing, crashing, or lagging, but it also deletes all settings, including those in AppData. To avoid re-configuring settings, it's recommended to back up your operating system and AppData folder together, allowing for a seamless restore.

Useful Tips About Using SanDisk Clone Software

To accomplish SanDisk SSD clone and Windows OS, data migration successfully, here are some tips that we hope you read carefully. Your SanDisk SSD can be either the source disk or destination disk.
If the original hard disk contains the system partition, the software will automatically shut down the computer when the cloning process is completed, if the option "Shut down the computer when the operation completed" is selected.
To resolve the issue, you can either remove the source disk or the destination disk from the computer, and then the computer will boot normally. This is because the source disk contains a boot partition.
If you want to boot from the destination disk, replace the source disk with the destination disk.
If the computer fails to boot from the destination disk after cloning, it's recommended to clone the source disk to another disk with the same HDD interface. This can help resolve the boot issue.
If you choose to clone a hidden partition, the cloned one will be unhidden.
A large hard drive can be cloned to a smaller one if the used space of the original drive fits within the capacity of the smaller drive.

Conclusion

Qiling Disk Master is a powerful cloning tool that supports all Windows editions, including Windows 7/8/8.1/10, and allows users to backup files or systems to desired locations, making it a useful tool for SanDisk SSD users.