How to Move Windows to SSD: Migrate the OS Without File Loss

Most reliable drive transfer options

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 6, 2023

updated onOctober 6, 2023

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Windows 10 already has improved booting time compared to previous versions of Windows, but moving it from aregular HDDto a new SDD will enhance the system’s booting time and overall performance even more. However, many users wonder if they can move the OS to an SSD without losing data.

There are a couple of ways to transfer your system data from your current HDD to a new SDD, and we will discuss them all in this article.

The simplest solution is probably performing a clean install on the SSD drive, but you will lose all your data and have to install all your programs again.

And it could take even more time than moving an already-installed operating system. But you might choose this path if you don’t like to experiment.

Installing a fresh copy of Windows 10 on an SSD drive is no different than installing it on an HDD. First, you have toformat your current system partitionand then just install the fresh copy of Windows 10 on an SSD.

Can I move Windows to my SSD? Yes, you can move Windows to your SSD, and it can provide several benefits, such as improved boot and load times, faster application launch, and improved overall system responsiveness.

The benefits of moving Windows to an SSD include the following:

You can move your OS with the techniques we highlight below.

How do I move Windows to SSD?

Before you go into the solutions we offer, you mustback up your databecause if something goes wrong, you might lose it forever, and it will be required for the process.

When you back up your drive, it’s time to get rid of the additional disk space because SSDs have much less space than regular hard disks, so we want your system partition to fit on the SSD drive.

Use a dedicated tool to move Windows from HDD to SSD

You can transfer your system data from your HDD to a SSD using a dedicated tool. We recommend Laplink PCMover, a small desktop application that can help you to easily move all your files, settings, and user profiles to your SSD.

With Laplink PCMover, the whole process is hassle-free,extremely user-friendly, and intuitive. The programs are installed and ready to use right away.You don’t need OS images, DVDs, download links, OS keys, or similar. You just need to configure the transfer and the tool will do the rest for you!

First, click onGet Laplink PCMoverto download the app on both your computer and your SSD. (Make sure the SSD is connected to your computer at all stages of the process.)
Install Laplink PCMover.
Then, open the tool on both your PC and SSD.
Choose which network method you will use to connect your systems for the transfer. Laplink recommends using WiFi.
Then follow the on-screen prompts to allow the tool to discover the SSD (seen as New PC).
Once the two are connected, open Laplink PCMover on the SSD.
Click onAnalyze PC, then follow the prompts to customize what you want to be transferred.
After the transfer is complete, your OS will have been moved from your HDD to your SSD. It will take a few hours for the process to finish.

2. Use a specialized tool

If Windows doesn’t activate after the cloning process is complete, followthis guideto solve the problem.

And that’s about that; your Windows 10 is now successfully moved to the SSD drive, and it will perform much faster.

How to move only Windows 10 to an SSD?

If you want to reinstall your Windows 10 apps on the new drive,check out this guidefor a seamless transition.

That would be all; we presented you with a complete guide on moving your Windows 10 system from your old HDD partition to the SSD and getting everything to work.

If you followed our instructions and successfully moved your system to the SSD, please tell us your impressions in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to take a look.

How to Move Windows to SSD: Migrate the OS Without File Loss#

How do I move Windows to SSD?#

Use a dedicated tool to move Windows from HDD to SSD#

2. Use a specialized tool#

How to move only Windows 10 to an SSD?#

How to Move Windows to SSD: Migrate the OS Without File Loss

How do I move Windows to SSD?

Use a dedicated tool to move Windows from HDD to SSD

2. Use a specialized tool

How to move only Windows 10 to an SSD?