If you want to know how to clone SSD to a new one, this post is worth reading. It shows you how to connect the new SSD to the computer, how to clone the SSD with MiniTool Partition Wizard, and how to change the boot device.

Nowadays, most computers use SSDs as storage devices. You may want to clone an SSD to another because the original SSD is failing, the SSD capacity is not enough anymore, or the SSD performance drops.

How to clone SSD to new SSD? The steps should be as follows:

  1. Connect the new SSD to your computer.
  2. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to clone the SSD.
  3. After the SSD cloning, set the new SSD as the boot drive.

SSD Cloning Preparation Checklist

Before cloning an SSD, take the following steps to avoid cloning failure.

  • New SSD: According to the form factor and interface, purchase a new SSD compatible with your computer.
  • Capacity: MiniTool Partition Wizard can clone SSD to larger SSD or a smaller one. If you want to clone the SSD to a smaller one, the new SSD’s usable capacity should be at least as large as the data currently stored on the old drive.
  • System Health: Check if Windows is stable. If not, SSD cloning is not recommended. Instead, back up data and then clean install Windows on the new SSD.
  • Encryption: Many modern cloning software programs use file-level copying by default, which is fast and efficient. This usually requires disabling or pausing encryption. Otherwise, sector-level copying will be performed, which is typically slow.
  • Connection: For laptops and mini-PCs that only have one SSD slot, a SATA/M.2 to USB adapter is required.

#1. Connect the New SSD to Your Computer

If your computer (usually desktops) has extra SSD slots, you can install the new SSD into the computer directly. As for how to do that, it’s recommended to view video guides on YouTube. Then, perform the SSD clone.

If your computer has only one SSD slot, connect the new SSD to the computer via a SATA/M.2 to USB adapter, perform the SSD clone, and then install the new SSD into the computer.

A SATA to USB and an NVMe to USB adapter.

#2. Clone the SSD with MiniTool Partition Wizard

Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard. Then, use this SSD clone software to clone the SSD to the new one.

MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Tips:
To clone the system SSD, use the Pro or higher versions. Otherwise, the cloned SSD won’t boot.

Step 1: Right-click the original SSD and choose Copy.

MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the selected disk copy feature.

Step 2: In the pop-up window, select the new SSD as the target disk.

MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the Copy Disk Wizard window asking you to select the target disk.

Step 3: Review the copy options and target disk layout.

Tips:
Usually, the “Fit partitions to entire disk” copy option is recommended. If you want to change the partition size during the SSD cloning process, do that under the Target Disk Layout section.
MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the Copy Disk Wizard window asking you to review the changes.

Step 4: Click Finish. Then, click Apply to execute the cloning process.

MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the selected Apply button.

#3. Set the New SSD As the Boot Drive

After the SSD clone and installation, you need to set the new SSD as the boot drive. Here is the guide.

  • Enter BIOS: Restart your PC. As soon as the manufacturer’s logo appears, press your motherboard’s designated BIOS key. Common keys include F2, F12, Delete, or Escape.
  • Find the Boot Settings: Navigate to the Boot, Startup, or Settings tab using your keyboard’s arrow keys.
  • Adjust the Boot Order: Look for Boot Option #1 or the Boot Sequence. Change this primary setting to the new SSD by using the + / – keys to move it up or down in the list.
  • Save and Exit: Press F10 to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Then, the computer will boot from the new SSD.
How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10? Here Is a Detailed Tutorial
How to Change Boot Drive Windows 10? Here Is a Detailed Tutorial

When do you need to change boot drive? What should do before changing it? How to change boot drive Windows 10? Read this post to get the answers.

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How to clone an SSD to a new one? This post offers a detailed guide.Click to Tweet

How to Clone SSD FAQ

Q1. Is cloning an SSD good?
Cloning an SSD is highly beneficial when upgrading to a larger drive or moving from a sluggish hard drive. It creates an exact duplicate of your system, saving you from reinstalling Windows, applications, and settings. However, it also carries over existing software bloat and potential system errors.
Q2. Can you clone a 1TB HDD to a 250GB SSD?
Yes, you can clone a 1TB HDD to a 250GB SSD, but only if the total amount of used data on your HDD is less than 250GB. If your HDD has more than 250GB of files, they will not fit, and you will have to manually delete files or do a fresh Windows install instead.
Q3. How long does it take to clone an SSD?
Cloning an SSD generally takes 10 to 60 minutes, but the exact duration depends on the amount of data, connection types, etc. 
For example, it takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to transfer per 100 GB of data. A mostly empty drive takes significantly less time than a completely full one.
SSDs are connected directly to the motherboard, which is the fastest method, and the SSD clone process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. However, if the SSD is connected to the computer via an external hard drive enclosure/USB 3.0 adapter, cloning the SSD typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Q4. Do I need to format the new SSD before cloning?
No, you do not need to format a brand-new SSD before cloning. Cloning software will automatically overwrite the target drive, copying over the exact partition structure, file systems, and data from your old drive.
Q5. Do I need to reactivate Windows after SSD cloning?
Generally, you do not need to reactivate Windows if you are cloning your SSD to a new one on the exact same computer, because Windows activation is tied primarily to your motherboard. As long as no other major hardware (like the motherboard or CPU) changes, the activation usually remains automatic.

Bottom Line

With MiniTool Partition Wizard, SSD cloning is easy. This post shows you how to clone an SSD to another one step by step. If you encounter issues when using MiniTool Partition Wizard, contact our support team via [email protected] for help.

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About The Author

Linda
Linda

Position: Columnist

Linda has been an editor at MiniTool for seven years. She continuously learns about computers and puts her knowledge into practice. Moreover, she is particularly knowledgeable in disk management, data recovery, system installation, and PDF editing. Her articles typically reference multiple examples or are based on her own experience, providing users with the most suitable solutions.

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