By Michael | Last Updated
Q1: "Currently my computer with a hard drive and has Windows 10 installed on it. I am going to add an SSD to it due to memory emergency. How do I migrate Windows 10 to the new SSD?"
Q2: "I have a desktop and have replaced the hard disk with an SSD. I want to install Windows 11 on the new SSD. For a technical rookie, I am not confident about this, so I'm asking for a step-by-step guide."
In the rapidly developing digital age, we are demanding more and more computer performance. Compared to traditional mechanical hard disks, SSDs offer faster operating speeds and higher reliability. Installing Windows on an SSD can greatly improve the speed and efficiency of your PC system. In this guide, we will delve into two ways on how to install Windows on a new SSD.
As we mentioned earlier, SSD offer faster read and write speeds, shorter boot times than HDD. Installing Windows on an SSD will significantly improve your computer's performance. For example, you'll be able to run multiple programs at the same time without system crashes or lagging, and even reduce boot times to half of what they used to be.
In order to ensure that the entire Windows installation process runs smoothly, we should make the necessary preparations in advance to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of encountering other unexpected situations.
1. Connect The New SSD to Your Computer.
First, connect or install the new SSD to your computer. Depending on the configuration of your computer, you may need to use a SATA cable or M.2 slot to do so, and then make sure the SSD is recognized by your system's BIOS or UEFI before proceeding.
2. Backup Important Data on Disk.
We always emphasize the importance of backing up the data stored on the current disk before making any changes to the system. This way you can easily recover your files even if an unexpected error occurs during the installation process.
3. Format or Initialize SSD.
Before installing/migrating Windows, for SSD that have been used, it is necessary to format it to erase the previous data. If your SSD is brand new, you need to initialize it first. This can be done in the Disk Management Tool.
4(Optional). Purchase a Windows 11/10 License.
If you are running Windows 7 on your original hard drive and you plan to upgrade to Windows 11 or 10 after installing the new SSD, you will need to purchase the appropriate license before proceeding. For users who originally had Windows 11 or 10, this step can be ignored.
Reinstalling Windows will result in the deletion of all settings, files and applications on the C drive. However, if you choose to move Windows OS from your HDD to a new SSD, then you can move all the data on your original hard disk to the new SSD without reinstalling the system.
Using cloning software is an easier way to install Windows 11/10 on a new SSD without USB.
iSunshare CloneGo has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that enables users to easily migrate their existing Windows system to a new SSD, making it a reliable cloning tool. In addition, it offers other rich features such as partition cloning, entire disk migration and data backup to meet users' different needs.
Step 1: First, download and install iSunshare CloneGo on your computer. After the installation is completed, double click to run it.
Step 2: Click the "Copy" option in the left function bar, and then select your current Windows drive (source partition) and new SSD (target partition) in the right column.
Step 3: Click "Start", read the warning message and click "Yes" to confirm the start of cloning Windows system to the new SSD.
Depending on the size of the Windows installation and the speed of the drive, the cloning process may take some time. Please be patient until the message "The Copy Completed Successfully" is displayed on the software interface.
Step 4: Access BIOS or UEFI settings and set the new SSD as the first boot device to ensure that the system boots from the cloned drive, then reboot your computer to apply the changes.
In this section, we will discuss the method of how to freshly install Windows OS on a new SSD. This method will be more complicated compared to using CloneGo, so it is suitable for Windows users with advanced skills rather than novices. Note that this option does not support clone the entire hard drive to SSD.
Step 1: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website and then write the installation files to a USB flash drive or CD.
Step 2: Insert the USB flash drive or CD into your computer and boot from it.
Step 3: Follow the instructions of the installation wizard to start the installation process by selecting the language, time zone and keyboard layout and then click on the "Install Now" button.
Step 4: Enter your Windows product key when prompted. If you do not have a product key, you can choose to skip this step and activate Windows later.
Step 5: Read and check the box to accept Microsoft's Software License Terms and click "Next".
Step 6: Select "Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)" to perform a clean install on the new SSD.
Step 7: Select the new SSD as the destination drive for the Windows installation and click "Next".
Step 8: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process, then unplug the installation media and restart your computer.
If the computer fails to boot from the SSD, you can enter UEFI or BIOS and set the new SSD as the system boot drive to try to fix it.
This article shared two ways to install Windows OS on a new SSD. Whether you choose to clone your existing Windows OS or do a fresh installation from scratch, you should be careful during the process or the installation may fail. If you have any other queries, let us know in the comments section.
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