Hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are two types of disks that are frequently utilized. Both can save the system, apps, and personal information. However, SSD is far quicker and more durable. As a result, an increasing number of computer users want to replace their hard drives with SSDs in order to improve performance.
Most people prefer to reinstall the Windows operating system on the SSD, which takes a significant amount of time and energy to perform. You could consider switching to the “System Backup & Restore” approach. However, this method is still not straightforward.
To seamlessly transfer your operating system (OS) to a new solid-state drive (SSD), follow these steps. Firstly, relocate data from any non-OS partitions on your current OS hard disk drive (HDD) and subsequently delete these partitions. Next, resize the OS partition to accommodate the space on the new SSD. Afterward, create an image of the OS partition and save it onto an external hard drive for backup purposes.
Once the backup is complete, proceed to physically install the new SSD into your system. Subsequently, restore the OS image from the external hard drive onto the newly installed SSD. Ensure that you resize the OS partition again, this time to utilize the full capacity of the SSD.
As a side note, if the SSD has a sufficiently large capacity, you may choose to skip the first two steps involving data relocation and OS partition resizing. Finally, after completing these steps, prompt Windows to re-evaluate the OS drive, recognizing it as an SSD for optimal performance.
Best HDD to SSD cloning freeware for Windows
In Windows 11/10/8/7, there is no native disk copy tool available. If your solid-state drive (SSD) is equipped with data migration software like Intel Data Migration Software or Samsung Data Migration Software, you can utilize these tools for transferring data from your hard disk drive (HDD) to the SSD. However, if your SSD lacks such migration software, you’ll need to resort to third-party HDD to SSD cloning applications.
AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard emerges as an excellent free choice for Windows users seeking HDD to SSD cloning freeware. Its appeal lies in several key features.
Firstly, it boasts wide compatibility, functioning seamlessly on Windows 11/10/8/7 as well as Windows XP/Vista for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The software offers flexible cloning methods, enabling the cloning of all sectors, whether used or unused, from HDD to SSD.
Additionally, it allows for the cloning of only used sectors, facilitating the transfer of data from an HDD with bad sectors or copying a larger HDD to a smaller SSD. AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard is not limited to cloning entire HDDs; it also allows users to clone specific partitions from HDD to SSD. Its user-friendly graphic user interface simplifies the cloning process, providing a modern and concise experience.
Moreover, the software supports hot cloning, enabling disk or partition cloning without the need to reboot the computer, allowing users to continue working during the cloning process.
Step-by-step to clone HDD to SSD easily and safely
Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard. Go to Clone and Clone Disk.
Step 2. In this window, choose Clone Disk Quickly and click Next.
Step 3. Choose the Windows HDD as the source disk and click the Next button.
Step 4. Choose the SSD as your target disk; check Optimize the performance of SSD to align SSD partitions; then click Next.
Step 5. Choose one between two available options in this window and click Next.
Step 6. You’ll be in the main interface. Click Apply and Proceed to commit operation.
Step 7. If you cloned a system drive, to prevent cloned SSD won’t boot, you need to set the SSD as the boot drive to run Windows after the process is complete.
To sum up
With this sophisticated HDD to SSD cloning software, AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard, you can clone an HDD to an SSD in only a few clicks. What’s more, you can also use it to clone HDD to HDD, SSD to SSD, SSD to HDD, etc. In addition to cloning disks, it can combine partitions, transfer partitions, convert data disks to MBR or GPT without losing partitions, and perform other operations.
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Equipped with a Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree, Lucas Noah stands out in the digital content creation landscape. His current roles at Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC showcase his ability to turn complex technology topics into engagin... Read more
