[Detailed Guide] How to Move Windows 11 from HDD to SSD

Can I just move Windows 11 from HDD to SSD?

Prerequisites: Everything you need before migrating Windows 11 to SSD

If your operating system is slow or unresponsive, you might try switching Windows to a different disk, such as a faster and more efficient SSD. Though it is not a simple process, it will surely help to improve your system speed. You do not need to be concerned; we will discuss and explain one of the greatest migration tools to help you with the process.

Stage 1.  Correctly install a new SSD for Windows 11 migration

To install a new hard drive (or SSD) on your PC, make sure to unplug all superfluous gadgets, especially those containing sensitive data. If your computer only has enough space for one hard disk, connect your new one with a USB connection. 

1. Install a new hard drive

Open the computer casing using a screwdriver. Plug the connector cable into your hard drive and then into the computer motherboard. Make sure the new hard drive is properly inserted before closing the computer casing.

2. To install a new SSD

Open the computer casing using a screwdriver. Connect the SATA SSD to the computer laptop motherboard using the SATA connection cable. Alternatively, install the NVMe/M.2/PCIe SSD into the SSD slot. Close the PC case.

Stage 2. Initialize the New SSD

Windows 11 requires GPT to install the operating system. Here are the exact instructions to initialize the new hard disk to GPT under Windows 11:

1. Once you've completed installing the new disk, reboot your computer.

2. Right-click the Windows icon and select Disk Management.

3. After right-clicking the target disk, select the option of ''Initialize Disk''.

4. Select the correct disk, then click "OK" to set it to GPT partition style. 

Stage 3. Install a reliable and safe cloning software

Windows 11 does not provide a proper migrating method. Here, you can try a reliable and easier cloning software - AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. It is a useful utility for transferring your operating system to a new hard drive without having to reinstall Windows or lose data.

How to move Windows 11 from HDD to SSD safely and effortlessly

Its "Migrate OS to SSD" function can easily migrate Windows 11 to SSD without reinstalling. Even if you want to clone hard drive with bad sectors or clone a larger drive to a smaller drive.

Aside from OS migration, AOMEI Partition Assistant also can help you divide your disk space and optimize disk performance with a variety of functions, which is a practical option for managing your disk space.

Please download and see how to move Windows 11 to another drive.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Now, please follow the steps below to migrate Windows 11 from HDD to SSD.

Step 1. Click “Clone” on in the top toolbar, and choose “Migrate OS”.

Step 2. Select the disk space and tick "I want to delete all partitions on this disk 2 to migrate system to the disk", then click "Next".

Step 3. Drag the double arrow to resize the target partitions and then click "Next".

Step 4. Read the note below, then click "Finish".

Step 5. Click "Apply" to transfer Windows 11 from HDD to SSD.

Tip: If you want to clone the entire hard drive, you can use the "Disk Clone Wizard" function.

Move Windows 11 from HDD to SSD via traditional method

Of course, you have a traditional option which is quite complex. If you don't want to use third-party tool, you can try to create system image on Windows.

System Image is the backup function in Windows 11, it can back up and restore Windows 11. Please refer to the following detailed steps to create a system image.

✿ Stage 1. Create system image

Step 1. Connect an empty USB with enough storage space with your PC. Press "Windows",  click "Settings", "Upgrade and Security", "Backup" and "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Step 2. In the new window, click "Create a system image" option in the left pane.

Step 3. When it ask you "where do you want to save the backup", choose the target USB drive and click "Next".

Step 4. Choose the system drive and the system reserved drive and click "Next". In a new window, please check the size of the backup image and backup location, then click "Start backup".

✿ Stage 2.  Create a bootable USB to restore Windows 11

After successfully creating a system image, you need to create a Windows 11 USB installation media. The steps are as follows:

Step 1. In the Microsoft support website, click "Download now" under "Create Windows 11 installation media" option.

Step 2. Open the download file and click "Accept". In the new window, choose "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" and click "Next".

Step 3. Set the following options and then click "Next".

Step 4. Tick "USB flash drive" and click "Next". Then operate according to the guidance, you can create a Windows 11 USB installation media.

✿ Stage 3. Restore the Windows 11 image to SSD

Step 1. Connect the SSD and USB to your PC, boot the PC from the USB. When you see the following interface, click "Next".

Step 2. Click "Repair Your Computer", "Troubleshoot" and "System Image Recovery" in turn.

Step 3. Be sure you have already connect your PC with the USB.

Step 4. The latest system image will be ticked, click "Next". You can also select a system image by yourself.

Step 5. In the new window, click "Finish".

Step 6. Wait patiently. When it finished, the PC will restart.

How to make Windows 11 Bootable on new SSD

After cloning Windows 11 from to SSD, don't forget to turn to set the new SSD as the boot drive.

Restart the PC, when the Windows logo appears, repeatedly hit F1/F2/F3/F5/Esc (according to the setting of different computers) to enter the UEFI setup. Turn to the "Boot" option and select "Change boot order" to set the SSD as the boot drive.

Why do you need to move Windows 11 to from HDD to SSD?

Usually, when hard drives are damaged or run out of space, their owners may consider replacing them with a new hard drive. There are two kinds of storage devices: HDD and SSD, what is their first choice?

First, you should know the difference between them: HDD refers to the traditional mechanical hard drive; while SSD (Solid State Drive) refers to a more advanced storage device that stores all data on flash memory chips. Because of the advantages in speed, security, and many other aspects, the use of SSD has become popular.

Thus, to get a better experience when using their PC, many Windows users would like to know how to move Windows 11 from HDD to SSD.

Further reading: How to reuse the old HDD

After migrating Windows OS to SSD, you can format the old hard drive to reuse the old HDD. If you want to throw it away, you'd better wipe the hard drive to prevent the data on it from being easily recovered.

Step 1. Right-click the target hard drive, then click "Wipe Disk".

Step 2. Choose the wiping methods, here we choose "Fill sectors with Zero" and click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Apply" and "Proceed" to wipe this old drive.

Conclusion

When it comes to moving data to a new drive, you may simply drag and drop files and folders from the documents, music, photographs, or videos folder to a new hard drive using Windows Explorer. However, you cannot just drag and drop OS-related files to a new drive since they will not be bootable.

This article contains all you need to know about the migration of Windows, you can see all the preparations, clear steps of migrating the OS to a new SSD, and how to make Windows 11 boot on the new SSD. AOMEI Partition Assistant is a paid yet great program that removes all barriers in these processes.

In addition, if you're a user of Windows Server, you can try the Server Edition; when you are a company, you can get most benefits from the Unlimited Version.