This article shows how to migrate os from one SSD to another to safely make a disk backup or upgrade disk without data loss.
"Recently, I got an SSD as a gift from one of my cousins. So I have 2 SSD and 1 HDD in hand now. I was considering migrating OS from the old SSD to this new SSD to experience better performance. Besides, my little sister asked me to improve her laptop a long time ago. I guess I could transfer her operating system from her old HDD to this redundant SSD after I move my OS and reformat the disk. Whatever that is the thing I will think about it later. Well, the question of how to move OS from one SSD to another drive comes into my mind now. Do I need to download some tools to do that?
In the scenario, this guy wishes to move OS from the old SSD to the new SSD to upgrade the disk and wants to transfer OS from HDD to SSD for his sister to avoid reinstalling the whole system. Disk cloning may be the most convenient and fast way for users to want to keep the original OS after they change the old disk to a new one.
However, Windows doesn't have an OS migration tool for users to do it. If you insist on not employing a third-party migration tool, you'll have to create a system image backup with Windows Backup and Restore and then restore the image to your new SSD drive. This might be the easiest way because it only needs one USB drive.
You need to open Backup and Restore from Control Panel and click the "Create a system image" link to back up the system to a USB drive. This process is quite smooth and won't take long.
However, creating system image from the USB external drive to your new SSD has a risk of running into boot problems. The error message reads “The system restore failed. No disk that can be used for recovering, the system disk cannot be found.” might appear in the pop-up window.
Thus, for your convenience, we suggest you deploy a reliable OS migration tool to help you. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a practical Windows disk and partition manager for Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 PC to efficiently and securely organize PC resources. With the function "Migrate OS to SSD", the migration would be done within a few clicks, and then you can boot your OS from the new disk.
Step1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click "Clone" > "Migrate OS".
Step2. Things become easy with this wizard. The left is to follow the wizard. Select my new SSD as the target drive.
Step3. It provides an option for me to adjust OS partition in my new SSD and a note to pay attention to. This is very thoughtful.
Step 4. Now I get a virtual result of migrating OS. This will come into reality only if I click "Apply". Thne you can remover the old SSD and boot OS from the new SSD.
▶ Tip: If you need, you can clone the whole disk from your old disk to your new disk. So you don't need to reinstall all programs.
To migrate os from one SSD to another, AOMEI Partition Assistant is quite helpful on this issue. And you can do more things with this handy software like convert partition type without data loss, quick partition your new disk, move installed programs, and so on. What's more, it has the Server Edition for Windows Server users and the Unlimited Edition for company users.
1. Before cloning, should I format an old SSD?
Using an outdated hard drive relieves you of having to format the drive. If you clone using a new SSD, though, you must format the new SSD before the copying.
2. Is it safe to migrate my OS from one SSD to another?
Yes, it is generally safe if done correctly. Reliable cloning software minimizes risks, and there’s no data loss if you select the right options. It’s a good idea to back up essential data beforehand as a precaution.
3. How do I make the new SSD my primary boot drive after migrating the OS?
After installing the new SSD, enter your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup). Go to the boot order settings and select the new SSD as the primary boot device. Save and exit BIOS, and your computer should boot from the new SSD.
4. What should I do if my system doesn’t boot after migrating the OS?
If the system doesn’t boot after migration, check that the SSD is properly connected and set as the primary boot device in BIOS. If issues persist, you may need to use the cloning software’s repair tools or consult your computer's manufacturer for troubleshooting steps.