How to install or transfer Windows to an SSD?

The step-by-step procedure to transfer Windows from one unit to another is very simple, thanks to some dedicated software; see how to do it

SSDs are today’s fastest storage drives and leave aging hard drives “in the dust”. However, many users still have HDDs in their computers and want to know how to install or transfer Windows to a new SSD.

• What is SSD?
• How to know which SSD is compatible with your notebook?

The good news is that it’s a simple process, especially if you already have an idea of ​​how to install Windows from scratch. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your most important files before proceeding.

How to install Windows on an SSD?

Let’s first turn to the most common method, showing how to install Windows on an SSD in the standard way.

For this it will be necessary create a bootable pendrive. For compatibility reasons with our test machine, the process was done using a copy of Windows 10, but if you want to carry out the procedure under Windows 11, the canaltech there’s a more specific tutorial to help you – but as a rule it is very similar.

To carry out this procedure you will need to install the Media Creation Tool application, available for free at Microsoft official site. Once this is done, follow the steps below:

1. Run the application and press “Yes” when Windows asks for a permission;
2. Upon opening the software, accept the terms of the agreement;
3. Then select the option “Create installation media”;
4. The next step will vary based on your needs. If you want to keep the installation in a standard format, simply click Next.
5. If you prefer to customize the process, uncheck the “Use the recommended options for this computer” box. By doing so you will be able to choose the language, the edition and the type of architecture used. When done, move on;
6. Select the “USB Flash Drive” option. Have fun and connect the pendrive to the USB port of the computer;
7. Now, if the pendrive has already been inserted, the application will show the options for removable drives. Select the drive that will be used in the installation and proceed;
8. The Media Creation Tool will then begin installing Windows.

At the end it is already possible to close the software, but keeping the pendrive inserted. Then you will have to go to the bios to configure the boot order and actually start the installation.

1. Restart your computer;
2. As soon as the machine starts to turn on again, press the DEL (Delete) and F12 to enter the BIOS. These are the most common buttons, but some manufacturers may change this pattern. If in doubt, consult the official website of your computer manufacturer;
3. On the BIOS Home tab, find and select the Advanced Mode option. Each BIOS looks different, so this process varies slightly from case to case;
4. With the navigation arrows, go to the Boot tab;
5. Under Boot Priority, click the first drive you see. A list will appear with all the storage drives on your computer;
6. Select the bootable USB stick you created. Attention, since each pendrive has a different name, this one will also be different as shown in our images;
7. Make sure the bootable USB stick is the first drive in Boot Priority;
8. With the small arrows, move to the Save tab and exit;
9. Click on the Save and Exit Setup option and confirm.

Your computer will now restart and you can proceed with the standard Windows installation. This step is very intuitive, just confirm the desired options.

How to transfer Windows to an SSD?

Transferring Windows from a hard drive or SSD to a new SSD, performing a sort of “cloning” of the operating system, is quite simple. For this procedure, it will be necessary download and install the WinToHDD app from EasyUEFI. Once the app is installed, just follow the steps below:

1. Open WintoHDD;
2. Click on the Clone Windows option;
3. The window that appears will already identify the drive that has Windows. Confirm the information is correct, such as firmwares UEFI and LEGACY and move on;
4. Now select the storage drive you want to transfer Windows to;
5. The next step is to maintain the firmware of the drive. It is recommended to use the settings that the software itself indicates, otherwise this could become a hindrance. Press the “Yes” button;
6. The transfer will then begin. The length of the process depends on the amount of used gigabytes on the source drive. Users have the option to shut down or restart their computer immediately after completing the procedure.

When the application reaches 100% it is possible to restart the machine. Now you need to enter BIOS again to change the boot order:

1. Inside the BIOS, go to the Boot Priorities options;
2. Click on the drive that appears in the first position. This is the Windows source drive;
3. With the options window open, select the drive Windows was cloned to. It will become a boot priority;
4. Switch to the Save & Exit tab;
5. Save changes in configuration Save and exit;
6. The computer will restart.

When the computer turns on again, Windows will already be running from the new SSD. With this, the Windows transfer process from a HDD/SSD to a new SSD will have been completed successfully.

Now you can, for example, format the old drive so that you can store new files on it. This is a very simple step:

1. Open File Explorer;
2. Click on “This computer”;
3. Right click on the drive you want to format. Be careful not to choose the wrong drive, as this process cannot be undone;
4. Press the “Format” option;
5. The system will warn that all data will be deleted. Accept and the procedure will be completed in a moment.

With that the installation or transfer of Windows is complete.

Trends on Canaltech:

• Review TAA7607 | Philips headphones with bone conduction sound
• Elon Musk considers trading the fight with Mark Zuckerberg for a verbal debate
• iPhone 15 Pro leaked colors revealing the end of the gold option
• IT WILL END FAST | Galaxy S22 is VERY cheap on Magazine Luiza
• 10 References and Easter Eggs in Thor: Love and Thunder
• Disney+ wants to end password sharing

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.