Why clone SSD to another SSD?
Replacing HDD (Hard Disk Drive) with SSD (Solid State Drive) to get better performance of operating system is very popular among Windows users. Yet SSD isn’t famous for large capability as HDD is, so it is easier to get low disk space warning after a couple of months or seasons’ usage. Therefore, it is not rare for Windows users to purchase new SSD, and copy contents of old SSD to the new one.
✨ Disk imaging vs. disk cloning, which is better?
To transfer data from one SSD to another, there are two ways to try: disk imaging and disk cloning.
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Disk imaging: Create a complete, compressed file (image) of a disk and store the image on another disk, a network location, or removable media. You can restore the image to the original disk or a new disk when needed. |
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Disk cloning: Create an exact copy of a disk onto another disk. This results in two identical drives. No intermediate storage device is needed, nor the restoration process. |
It is indeed a viable method to backup old SSD and restore the image file to the new SSD for data transfer. But disk cloning is definitely a more straightforward way, because it eliminates the recovery process.
Best cloning software for SSD to SSD clone
Cloning is not the same as copying and pasting. To migrate everything from the old SSD to a new SSD and make it bootable, you need to use effective disk cloning software, because Windows itself lacks this feature. Here I recommend AOMEI Backupper Professional for its simplicity and efficiency:
✌ It can clone larger drive to smaller drive with intelligent clone, or make an exact copy of the source disk with sector-by-sector clone. ✌ It can fit all partitions on the new SSD with “SSD Alignment” to optimize SSD performance. ✌ It supports nearly all common SSD brands and models. You can use it to clone Samsung SSD, Crucial SSD, WD SSD, SATA/M.2 NVMe SSD, etc. ✌ It has a user-friendly interface, so don’t worry about the operations even if you are a novice.
Download this SSD cloning software to have a try now.
Easiest clone software for all kinds of HDDs/SSDs.
How to clone SSD to new SSD with secure boot
The following guide will show you how to use AOMEI Backupper to copy SSD to new SSD. Before you start, please do the following preparations:
- Install the new SSD. If there's only one slot, try using an adapter or SSD enclosure to connect it.
- Initialize the new SSD. It is best to make the partition style (MBR/GPT) of the SSD matched to the source disk, so you don't need to change boot mode after cloning.
- If you've already stored some important files on the target SSD, please use AOMEI Backupper to make a backup first.
Then follow the instructions below to clone smaller SSD to larger SSD:
1. Select Disk Clone in SSD clone software.
Install and open AOMEI Backupper. Click Clone, and select Disk Clone.
2. Click on the old SSD.
Select the old SSD as the source disk.
3. Click on the new SSD.
Select the new SSD as the destination path.
4. Optimize SSD performance and begin copying SSD to new SSD.
It is strongly recommended to check "SSD Alignment" box since the destination drive is an SSD. It will speed up the rate of reading and writing as well as prolong the service life of SSD. Then, click Start Clone to clone SSD to SSD.
5. Boot computer from the new SSD.
To start your PC from the new SSD after cloning, be sure to change the boot sequence in BIOS, or replace old SSD with new SSD manually.
Helpful Tips:
👉 This operation will clone only the used part by default. If you need to clone every sector of the old SSD, make sure to check "Sector by sector clone" box.
👉 If you click "Edit partitions", you will get 4 sub-options as follow. It helps to adjust partition size and convert disk types.
- Copy without resizing partitions: It will not resize the partition size.
- Add unused space to all partitions: It will reallocate the unallocated space to each partition of the target disk, appropriate for the disk size.
- Manually adjust partition size: It allows you to extend unallocated space to any partition on the destination disk you want.
- Convert the destination disk from MBR (GPT) to GPT (MBR): It helps to convert the partition style of the destination disk if it is different from the source disk.
FAQs about SSD to SSD clone
1. Can I clone an SSD to a smaller SSD?
Yes, as long as the data on the original SSD fits within the capacity of the smaller SSD. Ensure you delete unnecessary files or use software that supports "intelligent cloning," which only transfers used sectors.
2. Will the cloned SSD be bootable?
If the cloning process is performed correctly and the new SSD is properly installed, it should be bootable. Ensure you configure the BIOS/UEFI to recognize the new SSD as the primary boot drive.
3. How long does it take to clone an SSD?
The cloning time depends on the amount of data being transferred and the speed of the drives. Typically, it can range from dozens of minutes to an hour.
4. Do I need an adapter or extra hardware to clone an SSD?
If your system doesn’t have a second SSD slot, you’ll need an external SSD enclosure or a USB-to-SATA adapter to connect the new SSD during cloning.
5. What should I do after cloning my SSD?
After cloning, verify that the new SSD is bootable. You can then format the old SSD for reuse or keep it as a backup drive.
Summary
AOMEI Backupper helps you clone SSD to new SSD easily. If your internal hard drive is an HDD instead of SSD, you can also use the software to clone boot drive to SSD. After cloning, just replace the hard drive (or change boot order) to boot your computer from the cloned SSD.
What's more, many helpful features like system backup, disk backup, file sync are built in this software. Feel free to have a try!
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