Clone HDD - Upgrading to an SSD

JuryWheel on 29/04/2022 - 18:46
Last edited 29/04/2022 - 19:38 by 1 other user

Hi all,

Just wondering what is the best way/best program to use to upgrade from an old HDD to a new SSD?

I assume this is asked all the time but can't see anything!

Thanks

Computing Computer Component SSD

Comments

  • TheMills on 29/04/2022 - 18:48
    +6

    Used this!
    https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
    Has a step by step VDO explaining how to use the software!

    • Switchblade88 on 29/04/2022 - 19:22

      +1 for Macrium Reflect free. Used it several times and have never had an issue.

      If you go to a bigger drive, you can easily expand your partition in Disk Management after you're booted from the new drive, and it just works - don't even need to reboot.

      • Chandler on 29/04/2022 - 22:14

        +1 for Macrium Reflect here too.
        I used GParted (via Live USB) to resize the partition - I've got an old school distrust of Windows Disk Management.
        Done it twice actually - once moving from a 128GB SSD to a 1TB SSD (hence GParted); once replacing a HDD with an SSD (same size from memory…).

  • ozwog05 on 29/04/2022 - 18:50
    +7

    Easiest Method - Above

    Best Method - Install OS from scratch & copy contents from old drive

    • USER DC on 29/04/2022 - 20:21
      -3

      and pay for the OS ?

      I personally wouldn't want to hence cloning is the best option

      • Guerilla89 on 30/04/2022 - 02:08

        You will either have an OEM key embedded in your motherboard that the OS will pick up during installation or you can use the key previously purchased for your existing installation.

        Failing that you can normally buy a black market key for like $2-5.

        • USER DC on 30/04/2022 - 12:36

          If you are actually going down black market route

          might as well just simply get cracked stuff for free instead.

          • Guerilla89 on 30/04/2022 - 14:00

            @USER DC: The problem with that is you will never if anything nefarious is included like back-door access.

  • trongy on 29/04/2022 - 19:02
    +6

    If the new SSD is Samsung, I recommend the Samsung Data Migration Software

    • vince088 on 29/04/2022 - 20:36
      +3

      1. if you bought a Samsung SSD, then Samsung Data Migration Software is the easiest (easy for anyone it auto does everything for you)

      2. if you bought another brand then https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree is the next best thing
        The only problems you will get using this is if you have a smaller HDD cloning to a bigger SSD you will have a partition of spare space until you tell it what to do.

  • smashman42 on 29/04/2022 - 19:34
    +1

    I tend to use linux boot usb called clonezilla, but user friendly for beginners it is not, so yeah +1 Macrium

  • AndyC1 on 29/04/2022 - 20:37

    Check the SSD manufacturers web site to see if they have one for the SSD you purchased.

    If all else fails use DD on Archie OS.

  • JimmyF on 29/04/2022 - 21:03

    There are all the options above of course. Another way is to do a backup and restore using free backup software like

    https://www.veeam.com/windows-backup-free-download.html

  • JuryWheel on 29/04/2022 - 21:32
    +1

    Thanks for all the tips guys!

  • jv on 30/04/2022 - 00:09

    Just wondering what is the best way/best program to use to upgrade from an old HDD to a new SSD?

    Get a Samsung and use their software, it is quick and painless…

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