When we compare SSDs and HDDs in terms of overall performance, SSDs tend to win. You may already know this, and may thus be updating your PC with an SSD.
Although you can format and do a fresh install of Windows, you may want to keep the same Windows that you have. In order to do this, you will need to transfer Windows to your new storage. We’ll tell you how to transfer Windows 10 to SSD, since that is the latest version and pretty much the only one that you should be using with an SSD.
Preparing Your System for the Transfer
Before you begin, running a quick cleanup will ensure that the transition is as seamless and quick as possible. Access ‘Disk Cleanup’ via the Windows search bar. In the pop up that appears, check the boxes for temporary files you don’t need or previous versions of Windows. Click OK and you’ll be done. This process doesn’t take too long either.
Deciding On a Transfer Tool
It is not possible for you to manually transfer windows due to the extremely technical and complex nature of the problem. As such, you will need to use one of the two transfer tools listed below:
- EaseUS Todo Backup: This program is by far the best choice for those who are not well-versed in tech. This is because of its ease of use and advanced features (some of which are available even on the free version).
- AOMEI Backupper Standard: This is a more long-term option than the previous tool, we recommend this for people who know what they are doing. This software can also be used for future backups of important data.
Back up Your Data
Once you’ve decided on and downloaded the appropriate software, you can begin the process of backing up your data. Although this should be obvious, don’t back up your data on the same hard drive. Use an external drive or cloud-based storage. This is essential to ensure that you don’t lose data in the transfer.
Also, remember that there is no need for you to back up the windows files. Only back up data that you will be using on your new SSD such as videos, documents, music, etc.
Transferring Windows 10 to SSD
Connect your old hard drive to your computer using the SATA cable that fits. Most modern hard drives use SATA III. Remember that it is not necessary for you to transfer windows to an SSD either; you can also transfer Windows to a new HDD.
Once both your HDD and your SSD has been connected, here is how to transfer windows 10 to SSD:
- Open one of the two aforementioned programs.
- On AOMEI Backupper Standard, select the option titled ‘System Clone’. If you are using EaseUS Todo Backup, select the option titled ‘Disk Clone’.
- Now, specify the HDD that currently has your Windows installed. Also specify the SSD that you want to transfer Windows to.
- If you are using EaseUS Todo Backup, remember to check the option titled ‘Optimize for SSD’. That will make sure that your SSD is partitioned properly to handle Windows. Not checking this option may lead to problems when you try to use that SSD.
- Click ‘Next’ and the Windows transfer will begin. You do not need to do anything else until the transfer is complete.
Finishing Touches
Once you are done with the transfer, you might want to format your HDD. Remember that if you do not have any reason to transfer your current Windows copy, you can simply do a fresh install.
In order to do that, you will need to format the SSD and partition it before installing Windows with a bootable drive. Then, you can use the same software that we have mentioned above to back up your files and bring them over to your new SSD.
If you are planning on formatting your old drive after the transfer is complete, remember to make sure that the transfer was done successfully by booting up your SSD before you do that. There aren’t any problems with the process usually but it is best to be sure!
