How to Clone SSD to New SSD Without Losing (OS Included)

Highlights:

• #️⃣Replacing an SSD with a new SSD is an excellent way to upgrade computer performance and expand storage capacity.
• #️⃣Cloning an SSD to a new SSD entails three steps: connect the new SSD, download disk cloning software, and clone the SSD to the new SSD.
• #️⃣Choosing a reliable SSD cloning software will ensure a smooth and successful SSD to new SSD migration without data loss.

SSDs(solid-state drives) are becoming prevalent and are now the preferred storage medium and system drive for most computer/laptop users. However, with long-term use, SSDs become increasingly full and slow, affecting your computer's speed and potentially causing data loss when they run out of space. In this case, changing to a new SSD is the best way out.

How can I upgrade my SSD but keep all my data and installed programs on the new SSD? The answer is to clone the SSD to a new one. It will make a copy of all the information saved on the old SSD, including the operating system, settings, configurations, installed applications, system-related files, etc., and migrate them to the new SSD without any data loss. You don't need to reinstall Windows OS.

This post from Qiling walks through an ultimate guide on clone SSD to New SSD or clone HDD to M.2 SSD with stepwise instructions. Keep reading and dive into the process.

📖Related Reading: Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot | Clone Hard Drive to SSD in Windows

Get Ready Before Cloning SSD to New SSD

Before cloning SSD to a new one, you must prepare enough to ensure a smooth SSD cloning:

1️⃣Create a backup of your old SSD.

To prevent data loss, it is necessary to back up all important data in a safe location, such as an external drive/USB or another hard drive. To create a system image, you can use Windows built-in Backup and Restore or third-party backup software, like Qiling Disk Master Free.

2️⃣Get a new SSD with enough storage capacity.

There are various types of SSD out there, including SATA, NVMe SSD, and M.2 SSD. They differ from each other in many specifications. You need to choose one that is compatible with your computer. In addition, the new SSD should have enough capacity to store all information saved on the old SSD.

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3️⃣Connect or install the new SSD to your computer or laptop correctly.

When you decide on a new SSD, you can connect or install it on your computer.

If you have a desktop with two SSD slots, you can install the new SSD by opening the case and inserting it into the motherboard with a screwdriver.

You can connect the new SSD to a laptop with a USB cable or adapter if you have a laptop. Check that it is properly recognized.

4️⃣Decide on an SSD cloning software.

Selecting a trustworthy SSD cloning tool is key to a successful cloning process. Numerous popular disk cloning tools are available, with Clonzilla being a free and open-source option that most people recommend. However, this tool requires professional knowledge and a lot of time to set up.

Another well-known SSD cloning program with simple operations is Qiling Disk Copy. It is commonly used for those who want to save time and improve efficiency.

🚩You may be interested: Best SSD to SSD Cloning Software

Clone SSD to New SSD with Bootable Sectors

As we mentioned before, Qiling Disk Copy is an excellent hard drive cloning software. With this professional HDD/SSD cloning, you can enjoy the following advantages:

• Clone a smaller SSD to a larger one or vice versa.
• Perform an SSD cloning with four clicks.
• Clone only Windows OS from one SSD to another.
• Compatible with various brands and types of SSDs, clone between SSDs flexibly.
• Supports sector-by-sector cloning to migrate only used space.
• Automatically resize partitions while cloning to omit the new SSD formatting step.
• Smart monitor disk size both on source SSD and target SSD.
• Transfer all data to the new SSD without reinstalling the OS.
• Real-time detecting SSD cloning task through the process bar.
• Create bootable clone of Windows disk to restore your computer to a previous working state.

What are you waiting for? Download this powerful tool and dive into the specific steps now!

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, 100% Secure

Prior Notice:

• The "Sector by sector copy" asks the size of your destination disk to be at least equal to or larger than that of the source disk. Leave this feature unchecked if you wish to clone a larger hard disk to a smaller hard disk.
• All data on the destination disk will be completely erased, so take care.

Step 1. To start copying/cloning an entire disk to another, choose this disk as the source disk under "Disk Clone" and click "Next".

Step 2. Choose the other disk as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of the two disks. You can manage the disk layout of the destination disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source" or "Edit disk layout".

• "Autofit the disk" makes some changes by default on the destination disk layout so that it can work at its best status.
• "Copy as the source"does not change anything on destination disk and the layout is the same as source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" allows you to manually resize/move partition layout on this destination disk.

Tick the "Check the option if the target is SSD" option to put your SSD in its best performance.

A message now appears, warning you that data will be lost. Please confirm this message by clicking "OK" and then click "Next".

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to officially execute the task.

Pro-Tip: What to Do After SSD Cloning

The above is not a complete SSD cloning to a new one guide. After cloning SSD to SSD, you are supposed to take the following measures to complete the process.

• ✅Check the integrity of the cloned SSD.
• ✅Format the original SSD, and you can use it as a storage drive.
• ✅Change the boot order in BIOS to make your device boot from the cloned SSD. (Only available when you keep both SSDs installed on your device.)
• ✅Clean up disk partitions and create any other partitions when necessary.
• ✅Check if all installed programs are working normally.

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The Final Words

This is all about cloning SSD to a new SSD. If you have no idea about how to clone an SSD, this article will be here to help you in every aspect.

Cloning SSD to a new SSD isn't a tricky task as long as you choose the right tool. Qiling Disk Copy can help you execute the task with simple clicks. Download this robust tool to clone any of your disks. You should never miss it.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, 100% Secure

Clone SSD to New SSD FAQs

1. How do I clone my M.2 SSD to a new M2 SSD?

Cloning an M.2 SSD to a new M.2 SSD is the same as cloning an SSD to a new SSD. It involves the following steps:

• Connect the new M.2 SSD to the PC.
• Download disk cloning software, like Qiling Disk Copy.
• Use disk cloning software to clone all data from M.2 SSD to the new one, including OS, settings, installed programs, etc.

If you plan to replace the old SSD with the new one, you can boot your computer or laptop from the cloned M.2 SSD, and you can run your operating system from the new M.2 SSD.

2. Can I swap M 2 SSD without reinstalling Windows?

It is possible to swap an M.2 SSD without reinstalling Windows. But you'd better consider these actions to make the process smoother:

• Make sure the new M.2 SSD is compatible with the current OS.
• Create a backup in advance to prevent data loss during the process.
• Update BIOS settings to recognize the new M.2 SSD successfully.

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