This guide describes how to perform DisGenius OS migration and migrate Windows 10/11 to SSD step by step. The best alternative is included as well. Scroll down to learn more.
SSD drives are becoming more and more popular in computer-related fields due to their excellent performance, so much so that many people are trying to migrate operating systems to SSDs. Here are some common reasons in the following:
| Reasons | Description |
| Better performance | In comparison, SSDs offer a qualitative leap in performance over traditional HDDs, i.e., faster boot time, loading time, etc.. |
| Larger capacity | When a hard drive, especially a C: drive, runs out of disk space, you may feel your computer slowing down significantly. It’s necessary to upgrade hard drive or SSD to larger one, preferably an SSD drive (even with a smaller capacity). |
| Well-organized OS | You will definitely want to use the new drive as system drive for better performance if you have one. To copy the operating system without messing it up, the best method is to use a reliable data migration software. |
| Backup purposes | If you don’t want to experience any disk or system issues, you can choose to clone the operating system to a new SSD or HDD and replace the original drive in case of any disaster. |
DiskGenius is a free cloning software, which offers users a System Migration feature to migrate OS to SSD or HDD (both MBR and GPT) in Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. It will include the Windows OS,system reserved partition/EFI & MSR partition, installed applications, system updates, drivers, custom settings, and personal data stored.
✨The key feature related to DiskGenius system migration:
Before using DiskGenius to migrate OS, it’s suggested to clean up the system partition to fit the storage space of the target SSD drive. You can try to uninstall any software you won’t use and delete useless files, especially large files that take up a lot of space.
Step 1. Go to the DiskGenius official website and download it on your computer. Connect the target SSD as well and be sure it’s recognized.
Step 2. Launch DiskGenius after installing it. Then, click Tools >System Migration. You can also click OS Migration in the toolbar.
Step 3. In the pop-up window, select the new SSD as the target disk and click OK.
Step 4. Click OK to migrate system when you receive the warning that all files and partitions on the target disk will be overwritten. Please be sure you backup files to external hard drive or other devices in advance.
Step 5. Drag the arrow between partitions to the left or right to adjust the partition size on the destination disk. Then, click the Start button and OK to confirm you want to migrate system. Additionally, you can change the boot sequence to boot from new SSD automatically or set it manually in the BIOS.
Step 6. Select the system migration method - Hot Migration (Recommended) or Reboot to WinPE. The previous option will migrate OS on the current system without shutting it down, while the latter one will migrate OS in the recovery environment.
Now, you just need to wait for the system migration process to complete. Do not format the original system drive or wipe the hard drive before you can boot from the new SSD successfully.
Although DisGenius helps migrate OS to SSD, it still has some limitations you can't ignore:
If you are experiencing these limitations, it’s wise to turn to another Windows system migration software, such as AOMEI Cloner.
AOMEI Cloner is a simple and worry-free cloning software for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Server. It offers you the System Clone feature to migrate operating system to new SSD or HDD without boot issues, even in different sizes, including the operating system, system files & settings, installed programs, your data, etc.
Now, click the download button to get started. Please connect the target SSD and backup files to a safe location if there is any important data.
Step 1. Open AOMEI Cloner after installing. Then, click Clone > System Clone.
Step 2. You will then be asked to select the destination disk. Select a prepared SSD with equal or larger capacity and click Next after each selection.
Afterward, you will receive a warning message, saying "the partition will be overwritten or deleted". Click OK to confirm you want to clone hard drive to SSD.
Step 3 (Important). Set up your cloning settings and click Start Clone to clone HDD to SSD. Be sure to check SSD Alignment to align HDD and SSD for better performance. If the target SSD drive is larger, check Make full use of disk space to adjust partition size automatically.
By default, this software will enable the intelligent clone feature to clone only the used sectors of a drive. It can avoid the cloned SSD won’t boot issue to the greatest extent possible (if it’s smaller).
Download AOMEI Cloner to have a try if you want a fast and worry-free system clone software!
✨How to boot from new SSD in laptop or desktop:
With step by step guide, you can perform DiskGenius OS migration smoothly. However, it has some limitations, such as insufficient support for UEFI system, that you can’t ignore as most new computer use UEFI system and GPT disk.
If you are using a UEFI system, it’s suggested to use a simple and hassle-free cloning software like AOMEI Cloner. It can handle different cloning issue well and ensure the cloned drive is bootable. It also provides users with more flexible features, such as Add unused space to all partitions, etc.
A reliable disk clone software can help you easily clone system, disk, partition with secure boot.