How to move operating system from hd to ssd on a new gaming pc

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Ralston18

Ralston18

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Clone the existing HDD to the new SSD. Be certain that the SSD is at least the same size as the HDD.

You will need to be able to install or connect the new SSD to the existing computer. Either via an internal drive connection or an external USB connection. Should be identifiable as an available drive with its own drive number.

Be certain that the SSD will be able to obtain sufficient power from the USB port. Otherwise use a powered USB hub.

Absolutely backup everything important before cloning.

There are a variety of free applications to do cloning. E.g., Macrium Reflect, EaseUs, Acronis....

Google "drive cloning software".

Look for reviews and product comparisons. Go to the manufacturer's websites to look for the actual downloads.

Be sure to read the installation procedures and the appliable product User Guide/Manual. May be some fine details that will influence your product choice.

Be careful about any downloads - they often try to install other, additional software or change your defaults. May or may not be real obvious about doing so.

Reading a few online tutorials and "how-to's" is also very helpful.

Then plan it all out. Write down your own procedure or a least print out the apllicable software instructions as a checklist.

When ready - clone.

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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1. What size is the new SSD?
2. How much total used space is on the current C drive?


Detailed steps follow the answers to #1 and 2.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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#2 above - How much total used space is consumed on the current drive?
For your theoretical 960GB SSD...you need the total used space to be below 850GB or so.

Given that, this is completely doable.
 
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varun12

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Apr 27, 2010
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Yes, total space used is just basic OS and drivers so less than 30-40 gb. System hasn't arrived yet but to save money I ordered using 2tb HDD option since I already had 960gb SSD at home. I think I used a cloning software last time I migrated.

Just wanted to check if it were doable or not.

Thanks and sorry for thread hijack.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If it is a brand new system, I'd recommend just starting over with the a clean install ont he SSD.

But if you want...steps for a successful clone:
-----------------------------
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
-----------------------------
 
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varun12

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So it'll be a brand new computer which comes with 2 tb HDD and I'd have to migrate my old SSD into it. I'll transfer the stuff the first day it comes in.

It's Alienware Aurora R6 , It has the bay underneath. I'll just insert my SSD into the bottom and then clone it then unplug primary let it boot and move to bottom or wherever it goes and use it for storage of files. I have two more 1 tb drives at home, I'll insert those in too afterwards lol and use them too.

Hopefully I don't mess anything up. Thanks again. I'll bookmark this just in case. I have done it before but it was via usb instead of wires.
 
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