Migrate OS to M.2 SSD with M.2 SSD Clone Software
To migrate Windows 10 OS from your current SSD to the new M.2 SSD, you can use the built-in Windows feature called "Windows Clone" or a third-party cloning software like Acronis or EaseUS. You can also use the Windows 10 built-in feature called "Reset this PC" with the "Keep personal files and apps" option to transfer everything to the new drive. Make sure to back up your data and disconnect any unnecessary drives before starting the process. Additionally, you'll need to enter the UEFI/BIOS settings to change the boot order to prioritize the M.2 SSD. I'd recommend checking the manufacturer's instructions for specific steps, as the process may vary slightly depending on your system.
Cloning an old SATA SSD to a new M.2 SSD can be a challenging process for non-technical users, often resulting in various issues. However, with the right guidance, the process can be simplified. This post will outline the step-by-step procedures for cloning a SSD to M.2 SSD, from start to finish, and introduce third-party tools that can aid in the process, making it more manageable for users.
Notice:
If you've previously tried cloning a SSD to an M.2 SSD but were unsuccessful, it's possible that your original SSD was formatted with MBR instead of GPT. Converting the old SSD from MBR to GPT can resolve the issue, and we'll provide instructions on how to do so in the following sections.
PAGE CONTENT:
- #1. Preparation: Backup Files and Remove Other Disks
- #2. Convert the Old SSD from MBR to GPT
- #3. Change the Boot Mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI
- #4. Clone SSD to M.2 SSD
- #5. What to Do After Finishing the Clone
#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 cannot be guaranteed during the cloning process.
To format your computer's hard drive, start by closing all open applications and shutting down your computer. Once it's off, unplug the power cord and any other cables connected to it.
#2. Convert the Old SSD from MBR to GPT
If your old SSD is in MBR format, it may cause Inaccessible Boot Device errors when you reboot your computer. To resolve this issue, we recommend using the Qiling Partition Master tool to convert your SSD from MBR to GPT. For a step-by-step guide, please refer to our article "How to Convert MBR to GPT".
#3. Change the Boot Mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI
To convert an old SSD to GPT and change the boot mode to UEFI, follow these steps: The old SSD needs to be converted to GPT, which can be done using a tool like Qiling Partition Manager or the built-in Disk Management tool in Windows. Once the SSD has been converted, the computer's boot mode needs to be changed to UEFI. This can be done by entering the BIOS settings and selecting the UEFI boot mode.
Step 1. To enter the BIOS settings, restart your computer and press the corresponding key when you see the message "Press [key] to enter setup." This key is usually F2, F12, or DEL, but the exact message may vary depending on your computer brand.
Step 2. In the BIOS Setup Utility, select Boot from the top menu bar.
Step 3. 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
To clone your SSD to an M.2 SSD, you can use third-party tools or do it manually, but using a software like Qiling Backup can make the process much easier. The cloning feature in Qiling Backup allows you to migrate your system to a new disk and upgrade your current system with minimal effort.
Download Qiling Backup now and follow the guide below to start cloning your system.
Notice:
To clone Windows 10 to a new HDD or SSD, make sure to erase the new disk first. This will ensure a smooth cloning process.
You can convert your HDD/SSD disk to MBR or GPT, matching the format of your current system disk, which will allow for easy system booting after cloning the Windows system.
To clone your Windows 10 OS to a new HDD/SSD without reinstallation, you can use a tool like Acronis True Image or Qiling Backup. These software allow you to create an exact copy of your current OS, including all installed programs, settings, and files, onto the new drive.
Step 1. Connect the new HDD/SSD to your PC.
Step 2. Run Qiling Backup for Windows 10 Clone.
Select "System Clone" on the tool page by clicking the icon at the right panel.
Step 3. Choose the destination disk - HDD/SSD to save Windows 10 system
Select the new HDD or SSD as the target disk for cloning the Windows 10 system.
Step 4. Then click "Proceed" to start cloning Windows 10 to HDD/SSD now.
After cloning your Windows 10 system to the new HDD or SSD, insert the new drive into your computer and reboot. Change the boot order to set your computer to boot from the new HDD/SSD with the cloned Windows 10 system.
- To restart your PC and access the BIOS settings, follow these steps: Restart your computer and immediately press the F2 or F8 key, depending on your computer's BIOS settings. This will take you to the BIOS settings menu, where you can make changes to your computer's startup settings.
- In the Boot option, select the new HDD/SSD as the new boot drive, and save all the changes.
- After updating the BIOS, exit the BIOS and restart the computer. You should now be able to see Windows 10 running smoothly on your new disk without any issues.
#5. What to Do After Finishing the Clone
With Qiling Backup, the partition on your new M.2 SSD will be resized automatically during the cloning process, eliminating the need for manual resizing. Once the cloning is complete, you'll have two options to start your computer.
Way 1. Turn off your computer, unplug the old SATA SSD and replace it with the new M.2 SSD, then turn on your computer again.
If your computer has two hard drive slots, you can install both SSDs in them. After installation, restart your computer and enter the BIOS Setup Utility. From there, change the BIOS settings to boot from the new M.2 SSD. This will allow your computer to use the faster SSD as its primary boot drive.
Additional Help - How to Replace the Old Disk with M.2 SSD
After cloning your Windows 10/8/7 to an M.2 SSD, you can replace your old hard drive with the cloned SSD. To do this, simply swap out the old HDD with the new M.2 SSD, which contains the cloned OS and data. This process is a straightforward way to upgrade your computer's storage and performance.
Step 1. To access your OS disk, turn off your laptop, disconnect the power cable and any other connected cables, then unscrew the back panel and remove it.
Step 2. You need to unscrew the screws that secure the drive to the laptop before you can remove it.
Step 3. Install the new SSD, then secure the back panel. To do this, lift the old drive up about 30 or 45 degrees and pull it out. In its place, install the SSD and put the back panel on.
Step 4. If you successfully boot up from the M.2 SSD, your laptop should start normally and you should see all of your programs and settings as they were before, with the only difference being a significant speed improvement. This indicates that the process was completed successfully and you can now enjoy the benefits of faster performance.
If you want to keep using the old disk for saving data and protecting the Windows system, you can format the old hard drive for free.
Conclusion
Cloning your Windows OS to an M.2 SSD can be easily done with the help of Qiling backup and recovery software. To ensure a successful clone, you'll need to verify that the new M.2 SSD is compatible with your PC's motherboard and install it correctly. This will allow you to transfer your operating system to the new drive with minimal effort.
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 you may need to enable the M.2 SSD in the system BIOS to use it.
2. What is M.2 SSD?
M.2 was developed by the PCI-The M.2 standard is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards, defined by the PCI-SIG and SATA-IO standards organizations, and is included in the PCI-SIG M.2 and SATA Rev. 3.2 specifications. Originally called the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), it was formally renamed to M.2 in 2013. Many people still refer to it as NGFF.
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, with a note to check the length to ensure it's not too long.
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.
- Please select the source disk and choose NVMe disk as your destination disk.
- Click Proceed to start cloning SSD to NVMe.
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