Data transfer from HDD to SSD without reinstallation of O/S

pattang5689

Commendable
Dec 30, 2016
42
0
1,540
I just have one general question regarding data transfer due to the fact that my O/S which is a Windows 10 and it is currently installed on a 500G HDD and I would like to upgrade it to a 500G SSD. So I am just wondering if I can only transfer data which includes the O/S to SSD from HDD completely without the trouble of reinstalling the O/S because my window 10 is a free upgrade from window 8.1 and I can only reinstall 8.1 if I have to and the one year free upgrade period from Microsoft has ended. So if you have any great solutions with regards to this matter, please let me know. Thanks.
 
Solution


1. If your WIn 10 is currently activated, you do not need to mess with 8.1, no matter how you install this.
2. You can't transfer 'only' the OS...

pattang5689

Commendable
Dec 30, 2016
42
0
1,540


I am not quite sure of what you mean... Could you elaborate more on those two topics, please? Thanks.

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


1. If your WIn 10 is currently activated, you do not need to mess with 8.1, no matter how you install this.
2. You can't transfer 'only' the OS. But you can transfer 'everything'.
3. Going from a 500GB HDD to a 500GB SSD?
No problem

These steps, in order:
-----------------------------
Verify the actual used space on the current drive is significantly below the size of the new SSD
Download and install Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration, if a Samsung SSD)
Power off
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C and the new SSD
Power up
Run the Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration)
Select ALL the partitions on the existing C drive
Click the 'Clone' button
Wait until it is done
When it finishes, power off
Disconnect ALL drives except for the new SSD
Swap the SATA cables around so that the new drive is connected to the same SATA port as the old drive
Power up, and verify the BIOS boot order
If good, continue the power up

It should boot from the new drive, just like the old drive.
Maybe reboot a time or two, just to make sure.

If it works, and it should, all is good.

Later, reconnect the old drive and wipe as necessary.
Delete the original boot partitions, here:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/4f1b84ac-b193-40e3-943a-f45d52e23685/cant-delete-extra-healthy-recovery-partitions-and-healthy-efi-system-partition?forum=w8itproinstall
-----------------------------
 
Solution

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


You only need a USB-SATA adapter if this is a laptop, or you have no free SATA ports open in a desktop.