[Beginner's Guide] Migrate OS from SSD to M.2 SSD with M.2 SSD Clone Software
Apply to: To clone an operating system from an old SSD to a new M.2 SSD, you would need a cloning software like Acronis, EaseUS, or Macrium Reflect. These tools allow you to create a bit-for-bit copy of the old SSD's contents onto the new M.2 SSD, preserving the OS, programs, and data.
To quickly migrate your Windows 10 OS from an SSD to a new M.2 SSD, you can use the Windows built-in tool called "Clone" or third-party software like Acronis, EaseUS, or Macrium Reflect. These tools allow you to create an exact copy of your existing OS and data to the new M.2 SSD, making the process relatively straightforward and minimizing downtime. Simply connect the new M.2 SSD to your system, run the cloning software, and follow the prompts to complete the migration. This should take about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of your OS and data.
Cloning an old SATA SSD to a new M.2 SSD can be a challenging process for everyday users, often resulting in various issues. However, with the right approach, it can be achieved. This post outlines the step-by-step procedures for cloning a SATA SSD to an M.2 SSD, as well as introduces third-party tools that can simplify the process and make it more manageable.
What's M.2 SSD? Any Notice When Transfer OS to M.2 SSD?
A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is a data storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently, with no moving parts, making them faster and more rugged than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
Related post: What Is M.2 and NVMe?
M.2 SSDs, NVMe SSDs, and PCIe SSDs are newer, faster types of SSDs that connect directly to the motherboard, offering speeds significantly faster than traditional HDDs.
M.2 SSD is the most popular option for improving computer performance. If you've recently purchased an M.2 SSD, you can consider migrating your operating system directly from your old hard drive to the M.2 SSD without reinstalling. This process is outlined in the complete guide to M.2 SSD OS migration.
#1. Preparation: Backup Files and Remove Other Disks
First, make a backup of all your important files and data to a cloud drive or external drive with backup software, as data safety can't be guaranteed during the cloning process.
Unplug any other drives connected to your computer to prevent accidental formatting.
#2. Convert the Old SSD from MBR to GPT
If your old OS SSD is an MBR, you may experience Inaccessible Boot Device errors when rebooting. To resolve this, we recommend using Qiling Partition Master to convert your SSD from MBR to GPT in simple steps. For detailed instructions, please refer to How to Convert MBR to GPT.
#3. Change the Boot Mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI
1) Enter your computer's BIOS settings by pressing F2, F12, or Del (the key may vary depending on your computer model). 2) In the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot Mode or Secure Boot section. 3) Change the boot mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI.
Step 1. To enter the BIOS settings, restart your computer and look for the key to press when the message "Press [key] to enter setup" appears. The key can be F2, F12, or DEL, and the message might vary depending on your computer brand.
Step 2. In the BIOS Setup Utility, select "Boot" from the top menu bar.
Step 3. To change the UEFI Boot Mode to UEFI, select the UEFI Boot Mode field and use the +/- keys to change the setting to UEFI.
Step 4. Press F10 to save the change and exit.
#4. Clone SSD to M.2 SSD
You can clone your SSD to an M.2 SSD using third-party tools, but you can also do it yourself. One recommended option is the clone feature in Qiling Backup software, which makes it easy to migrate your system to a new disk and upgrade your current system.
Download Qiling Backup now and follow the guide below to start cloning your system.
Step 1. Connect the New Second Hard Drive to the PC
Preparations before cloning start:
1. You may need a screwdriver, Power Splitter Adapter Cable, SATA cable, or USB to SATA adapter to connect the target disk to your PC.
2. To replace a hard drive or solid-state drive (HDD/SSD), ensure the new drive has a capacity equal to or greater than the amount of used space on the old drive. This is to ensure that all data and programs are transferred without any issues.
3. Check if the new disk's style matches the old one, if not, initialize the new HDD/SSD to match the old one's style, either MBR or GPT.
3. Download a Disk Cloning Tool – Qiling Backup
Qiling Backup is a cloning software that integrates multiple functions, including disk cloning, and stands out in the disk clone field due to its unique features.
- Support system/disk clone, backup, restoring , and system transfer.
- Disk cloning software helps to create an exact copy of a hard drive, including the operating system, settings, and all data, to a new or existing disk. This can be useful for upgrading to a larger hard drive, cloning a system for backup or deployment, or transferring data to a new device.
- Disk cloning has the highest success rate among all similar products on the market, with a success rate of 99.9% or higher.
- This software supports a wide range of disk types, including IDE, EIDE, SATA, ESATA, ATA, SCSI, iSCSI, and USB 1.0/2.0/3.0.
- Supports cloning of basic/dynamic disks and MBR/GPT disks.
Step 2. Step by Step Guide
System Clone: To clone the system, choose System Clone, select the destination disk, and click Next to start. Alternatively, in Advanced options, you can choose to create a portable Windows USB drive to clone the system to a USB drive.
Disk/Partition Clone: To clone a resource disk or partition, select Clone, then choose the resource disk or partition, followed by the target disk. Click Next to initiate the cloning process.
Step 3. Boot from the Clone Hard Drive
Case 1. If you want to keep both the old disk and the new disk
- To resolve the issue, simply restart your computer and, upon booting up, press the F2 (or F8, F10, or DEL key, depending on your system) to access the BIOS settings. This will allow you to configure your system's boot order, which may be the root cause of the problem.
- In the Boot option, select the new HDD/SSD as the new boot drive.
- Exit BIOS and restart the computer.
Case 2. If you want to only keep the new disk
- To replace a disk drive, start by turning off the computer and unplugging the power cord. Next, unplug the old disk drive from the back of the computer and any other cables it may be connected to.
- Connect the new disk to the computer and ensure it can be detected by the system. This typically involves physically attaching the disk to the computer via a USB port or other interface, and then verifying that the system recognizes the new disk through the operating system's disk management utility.
- Restart your computer.
#5. What to Do After Finishing the Clone
With Qiling Backup, the partition on your new M.2 SSD will be automatically resized during the cloning process, eliminating the need for manual resizing. Once the cloning is complete, you can start your computer in two ways.
Way 1. To upgrade your computer's storage, turn off your computer, unplug the old SATA SSD, replace it with the new M.2 SSD, and then turn on your computer again.
Way 2. If your computer can have two hard drives, you can keep both the two SSDs on your computer. Restart the computer, enter BIOS Setup Utility, change the BIOS settings to boot from the new M.2 SSD.
Additional Help - How to Replace the Old Disk with M.2 SSD
To replace the old HDD with the cloned M.2 SSD, you need to disconnect the power and data cables from the old HDD and connect them to the M.2 SSD. Then, secure the M.2 SSD to the motherboard using screws. Finally, boot your system from the M.2 SSD and enjoy the faster performance.
Step 1. To access your laptop's OS disk, you should first turn off your laptop, then disconnect both the power cable and any other connected cables. After that, remove the back panel by unscrewing it, which will give you access to the OS disk.
Step 2. To secure your drive to the laptop, you'll need to unscrew the screws that hold it in place. This will give you access to remove the drive.
Step 3. Remove the old drive, install the SSD, and put the back panel on, lifting the drive about 30-45 degrees to remove it.
Step 4. If your laptop boots normally and you see all your programs and settings as they were before, but with improved speed, the process was successful.
You can format the old hard drive for free to continue using it for saving data and protecting the Windows system.
Conclusion
Cloning your Windows OS to an M.2 SSD is a straightforward process with the help of Qiling backup and recovery software. To ensure a successful clone, first verify that the new M.2 SSD is compatible with your PC's motherboard and install it correctly. This will allow you to easily transfer your OS to the new drive.
How to Clone SSD to M.2 FAQs
You may have extra questions after cloning Windows operating system to SSD. Read these questions and answers below to get additional help.
1. Do M.2 SSDs need drivers?
Both SATA and PCIe M.2 SSDs use the standard AHCI drivers built into the OS, but may require enabling in system BIOS to function.
2. What is M.2 SSD?
M.2 was developed by the PCI-The M.2 specification is a standard for internally mounted expansion cards, originally called Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), and later renamed to M.2, defined by the PCI-SIG and SATA-IO standards organizations, and is part of the PCI-SIG M.2 and SATA Rev. 3.2 specifications.
3. What screw do I need for M.2 SSD?
The correct screw size is 2.0 x 3mm (CM2x3-3.3), which can be found at Ace Hardware stores in the USA, ensuring the correct length is purchased.
4. How do I transfer data from SSD to NVMe?
- Connect your NVMe SSD to your PCI-SIG
- Download Qiling disk cloning software and select Clone.
- Select the source disk and choose NVMe disk as the destination disk.
- Click Proceed to start cloning SSD to NVMe.
Related Articles
- How to Clone Encrypted Hard Drive to SSD/HDD
- Clone SSD/HDD Sector by Sector
- Windows To Go Creator for Windows 10/8/7
- How to Move OS to SSD Without Cloning. Make It with Our Guide