How to Clone an SSD to Another SSD in Windows 10

Cloning an SSD can keep Windows, installed programs, and settings on a new drive. It is still worth checking the boot mode, connection, and target capacity before starting, because the destination will be overwritten.

Choose the right target and connection

Identify whether the old and new drives use SATA or NVMe, and confirm the new model fits the PC. Use an adapter that matches the target interface if there is only one internal slot. Compare the used space and partition layout with the target capacity. Save a separate copy of important files and the BitLocker recovery key before migration.

What should the clone include?

For a Windows boot drive, select the whole disk or System Clone option, not only the C: volume. UEFI systems usually need an EFI partition; older Legacy systems may use System Reserved. Copying only C: can produce a drive with files but no usable boot entry. If you need only documents, file backup and restore is simpler.

First boot and troubleshooting

After cloning, power off and install the replacement internally. Disconnect the original for the first boot if practical so firmware cannot silently start the old Windows copy. In UEFI, select the new disk's Windows Boot Manager. Confirm capacity, activation, applications, and several restarts. If extra capacity is unallocated, extend the appropriate partition after checking where the recovery partition sits. Windows 10 standard support ended in 2025, so plan a supported OS when feasible.

Clone the Existing Windows Disk with Qiling Disk Master

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Use a whole-disk clone for this Windows 10 migration. The example source screenshot shows a data disk, so rely on model and capacity to identify your Windows SSD. A disk clone overwrites the destination. Back up anything on that SSD before continuing.

Step 1. Connect the replacement SSD with an enclosure matching its interface. Open Qiling Disk Master's Tools and utilities > Disk/Partition clone; on the source screen, select the whole SSD row rather than just C:.

Step 2. Select the current Windows disk as the source by capacity and model, including its EFI, recovery, and Windows partitions, and click Next. The sample screenshot highlights a data disk; select your own Windows disk instead.

Step 3. Select the new SSD as the destination and click Next. Recheck both drive labels: every existing destination partition will be replaced.

Step 4. At the layout review, check that all boot partitions fit and that the new disk will use the expected space. Enable SSD optimization if offered. Click Proceed, confirm the overwrite warning, and keep both drives connected until completion.

Step 5. Shut down, install the new SSD internally, and boot with the old boot disk disconnected if practical. In UEFI, select the new drive's Windows Boot Manager; then verify startup, files, BitLocker, and activation before reusing the old disk.

If the replacement does not boot, check UEFI mode, boot order, and whether the EFI/System Reserved partition was included. Do not erase the original until the new installation has passed a full test.

Conclusion

A successful SSD clone includes boot partitions and passes an independent first-boot test. Keep a separate backup and retain the source until verification is complete.

Related Articles

• Windows System Backup and Restore
  Compare system images, cloning, and recovery options.
• Windows Disk Backup and Restore
  Find disk backup and restore guides for Windows PCs.
• ROG Ally SSD Upgrade: Compatibility, Clone, and Replace
  Upgrade a 2023 ROG Ally SSD by checking M.2 2230 NVMe compatibility, backing up the handheld, cloning the old drive, and testing recovery after installation.
• How to Upgrade an SSD Without Losing Data in Windows
  Plan a Windows SSD upgrade with a separate backup, compatible hardware, a full-disk clone, and independent boot and file checks.

Is this information helpful?   Yes   No

This information is not relevant.

This information is not easy to understand.

This information is not deep enough.

What can we do to improve this information? (Optional)

Refresh Please enter the verification code!