This article was contributed by Hally Gao who is the chief content editor at iSunshare Software.
As the prices of SSDs drop and their capacity increases, more and more users are opting to use them to improve their computer’s performance and overall experience. However, when you decide to replace the original SSD with a new one, you may be faced with a dilemma: how can you transfer all the data from the original SSD, including the system, applications, and files, to the new SSD without having to reinstall the system and software, or manually copying files?
Cloning an SSD involves copying all data to a new drive to increase storage and performance. This article will give you detailed steps on how to clone SSD to larger SSD on Windows 11/10/7.
To copy an SSD, you need the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare a New SSD and Connect It to Your Computer.
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are available in various interfaces and sizes. The most commonly used interfaces are M.2 and SATA, with different transfer protocols like PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0. To connect your new SSD to your computer, you can use a USB to SATA cable. If your computer has multiple hard drive bays, you can directly install the new SSD into any free slot.
Step 2: Choose a Professional SSD Cloning Software.
iSunshare CloneGo is a highly popular cloning software that can efficiently perform the tasks of cloning, backing up, migrating, and upgrading your hard disk or Windows system. It guarantees 100% safety of your data. Here are some benefits of using CloneGo:
- Support for cloning HDD, and SSD of different sizes and brands.
- Support for clone Windows OS, partitions, entire hard disks, or virtual volumes.
- Compatible with most Windows systems.
- Easy-to-use interface and operation steps.
Step 3: Start the Cloning Process.
- Download and install iSunshare CloneGo for free on your Windows computer.
- Run the software, select “Disk Clone“, then choose your original SSD as the source disk and your larger SSD as the target disk, then click “Start” to begin the cloning process.
Note that all data on the target disk will be overwritten, so please back up your important files in advance.
- Wait patiently for the cloning process to complete; please do not perform any operation on the source disk during this period to avoid cloning errors or interruptions.
Step 4: Remove the Old SSD or Set the New SSD as the Boot Disk
If your computer has more than one hard disk slot, after completing the cloning process, you can either unmount the old SSD or keep it for backup or additional storage space.
Option 1: Shut down your computer, remove the original SSD, install the new SSD in its original location, and reboot your computer to use the new SSD.
Option 2: If you keep the old SSD on your computer, then you need to modify your computer’s BIOS settings to prioritize booting the system from the new SSD.
- Shut down your computer, then reboot and press keys such as F2, F8, F11 or Del (may vary depending on your computer model) to enter the BIOS setup screen.
- Select the new SSD as the first boot device in the BIOS setup interface, then press F10 to save and exit.
- Reboot your computer, if you have successfully cloned the system on your new SSD, then you can usually log into Windows.
FAQ About Cloning A SSD to A larger SSD with Windows
Q1: What Are the Advantages of an SSD Over an HDD?
A solid-state drive (SSD) is a hard disk that uses flash memory chips to store data. Compared to traditional mechanical hard disks (HDD), SSDs offer faster read/write speeds, lower power consumption, and lighter weight. In addition, SSDs are more resistant to shock and vibration, which protects the data and improves the stability of the device.
Q2: How to Choose a Cloning Software
To choose a suitable cloning software, you must consider its functionality, compatibility, simplicity, and security. The CloneGo mentioned in the article is a reliable cloning software with multiple functions, which applies to almost all operating systems, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7, etc. You can visit the official website of iSunshare to get it.
How to Copy SSD to Larger SSD in Windows [Video Tutorial]
Conclusion
Now you know how to clone a smaller SSD to a larger one using Windows. Choosing the right cloning tool is the key to successful cloning and can make the process easier.
About the author
Hally Gao is the chief editor of the content team at iSunshare Software Co., Ltd., as well as a technology expert and innovator. She often shares her tips and experiences about Windows, Microsoft, Apple, and Android on the iSunshare official website and writes various practical digital solutions. Hally’s articles have been published on several well-known websites and magazines, demonstrating her insights and unique perspectives on the IT field.
Last Updated on November 17, 2023 9:10 am CET
