How to Change SSD on Windows 10 - The Easiest Way

User Case: Can I Change HDD to SSD on Windows 10?

This is a user scenario commonly found on Microsoft forums, as well as other platforms like Reddit and Quora. Users often encounter a situation where they have installed Windows 10 on a hard disk drive (HDD) but wish to upgrade to a solid-state drive (SSD) for improved performance. However, they face the challenge of changing Windows 10 to SSD without knowing the precise steps to follow.

It's important to note that this issue can become more critical if the HDD in question has been utilized for an extended period. This is due to the potential presence of valuable data, including important work documents, photos, videos, and more, which users are hesitant to lose. So, how can this task be accomplished easily without the risk of data loss? One solution is to employ disk cloning software, which enables the migration of the operating system to the SSD while preserving all data intact.

Why Transfer Windows 10 from HDD to a New SSD?

If you're familiar with the advantages of SSD over HDD but aren't quite sure about the specifics, allow me to provide you with a detailed explanation.

• One major advantage of SSD is its faster data read and write speeds, which result from its distinct storage mechanism compared to traditional HDD.
• Furthermore, SSDs offer enhanced data safety when compared to HDDs.
• Unlike HDDs, SSDs operate silently without the noise of spinning metal platters.
• SSDs are also capable of functioning in more extreme environments, with a normal operating temperature range of -10 to 70℃, whereas HDDs typically perform within 5 to 50℃.

By changing Windows 10 to an SSD, you can significantly improve your computer's performance, resulting in faster operation. If this aligns with your requirements, please continue reading below to discover the best SSD cloning software for changing HDD to SSD on Windows 10 without the need for OS reinstallation.

The Easiest Way to Change SSD for Windows 10

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free cloning process, it is crucial to use reliable and trustworthy software. In this regard, I highly recommend utilizing AOMEI Backupper Professional, a disk cloning software that comes with various useful features. It allows you to clone an entire disk, partition, or solely the operating system.

✍ Disk Clone vs. System Clone

While it is possible to clone hard drive to an SSD in Windows 10, it may not be the most efficient approach. SSDs typically have smaller storage capacities, making them prone to filling up quickly, which can impact performance. To save time and storage space, you can opt for the System Clone feature, which migrates only the Windows 10 operating system to the SSD.

✍ Clone hard drive with different sizes

By default, this software only clones the used sectors of the hard drive. This enables easy cloning from a larger disk to a smaller one or vice versa, without any issues.

✍ Useful clone options

If needed, you have the option to perform a Sector by sector clone, which clones all sectors of a hard drive. Additionally, the software includes an SSD Alignment feature to optimize the reading and writing speed of the SSD. Moreover, the Edit Partitions feature allows you to adjust the partition size on the larger destination disk, ensuring efficient utilization of available disk space.

Now that you have a clear understanding of this software's capabilities, I encourage you to download it immediately and explore the detailed process of changing Windows 10 hard drive to SSD.

✌ preparations:

• Ensure that the destination SSD has sufficient storage capacity to accommodate all the data being transferred.
• As the destination disk will be overwritten during the cloning process, it is essential to back up files on the target hard drive beforehand.
• If you intend to transfer Windows 10 from an MBR disk to a GPT disk, it is crucial to confirm that your motherboard supports EFI/UEFI. Additionally, when attempting to boot from the new SSD, remember to switch the boot mode from BIOS to UEFI.

In order to clone the entire disk containing Windows 10, you will utilize the Disk Clone feature. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper and proceed by clicking on Clone followed by Disk Clone.

Step 2. Choose the system hard drive that contains Windows 10 (e.g., Disk 0) and click the Next button to proceed.

Step 3. Choose the SSD disk as the destination (e.g., Disk 1) and click the Next button to proceed.

Step 4. Enable the SSD Alignment option to enhance the performance of the SSD disk. Then, click the Start Clone button to initiate the cloning process from HDD to SSD in Windows 10.

Step 5. Please wait patiently until the cloning process is finished. Once it completes, click the Finish button to exit the window.

✯Here are some tips for booting your computer from the cloned hard drive:

• Completely shut down your computer.
• Open the back panel or host using a screwdriver and carefully remove the HDD.
• Install the SSD in the same location where the HDD was and ensure it is securely fastened.
• Replace the computer panel or host cover.
• Restart your computer, and you will likely see a message such as Press F2 to enter BIOS setup. Press the indicated key.
• In the BIOS setup, navigate to the Boot tab and set the new SSD as the first boot option.
• Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will then start up normally, booting from the new SSD.

Conclusion

If you're looking to change SSD on Windows 10, AOMEI Backupper is the top-notch cloning software you can count on. It provides a convenient Disk Clone feature that enables you to transfer your Windows operating system from one hard drive to another seamlessly.

For comprehensive protection across multiple computers in your company, AOMEI Backupper Technician is the ideal choice. It offers the added advantage of the integrated AOMEI Image Deploy tool, allowing you to effortlessly deploy or restore system image files from a server-side computer to numerous client-side computers over a network.