How to migrate Windows 11 to an SSD

Step 1: Back up your data before moving to a new SSD

Before migrating Windows 11 to an SSD, it’s crucial to back up your data. This ensures that, in case anything goes wrong during the migration process, your important files are safe. Windows 11 provides several built-in backup options, making it easy to safeguard your data.

You can use OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, to back up files and settings. This option is particularly convenient if you have a stable internet connection and prefer cloud storage. Alternatively, you can use the File History tool to back up your data to an external drive, such as a USB hard disk or SSD.

To back up your data using File History

1. Connect an external storage device.

2. Open the Settings app in Windows 11 and navigate to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup options.

3. Under File History, select Add a drive and choose your external drive.

Once enabled, File History will automatically back up your files at regular intervals.

Step 2: Plug in your new SSD

Once you’ve backed up your data, the next step is to connect the SSD to your computer. Whether you’re working with a desktop PC, laptop, or all-in-one device, this process requires careful handling to avoid damaging sensitive components.

For desktop PCs:

1. Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the power supply.

2. Open the case and locate an available drive bay. If your case only supports traditional 3.5-inch hard drives, you’ll need an SSD adapter or mounting bracket to fit the smaller 2.5-inch SSD.

3. Connect the SSD to the motherboard using a SATA cable and plug the SSD into the power supply using a SATA power connector.

For M.2 SSDs:

If you’re using an M.2 SSD, the process is even simpler:

1. Locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard (refer to your motherboard’s manual if necessary).

2. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a slight angle.

3. Secure it in place using an M.2 screw, ensuring it’s firmly but gently attached.

For laptops and all-in-ones:

You may need a USB-to-SATA adapter or an external SSD enclosure to connect the SSD temporarily, especially if your device only supports one internal drive at a time. These adapters are widely available and allow you to clone data to the SSD before physically replacing the existing drive.

With the SSD connected, you’re ready to initialize it and prepare it for data transfer in the next step.

Step 3: Activate your new SSD

Depending on how you plan to clone your drive (Step 4), you may be able to skip this step entirely. Certain software, including the one we recommend (Macrium Reflect) allow for the cloning of data to uninitialized drives, and will partition automatically based on the first drive's configuration.

After connecting your SSD, you’ll need to initialize and partition it before it becomes usable. Windows 11 doesn’t automatically recognize uninitialized drives, so this step is essential to prepare the SSD for data migration.

How to initialize the SSD

1. Open the Start menu and type Disk Management into the search bar. Select Create and format hard disk partitions from the search results.

2. When the Disk Management window opens, a prompt should appear asking you to initialize the disk.

3. Choose GPT (GUID Partition Table) as the partition style. Windows 11 requires GPT for boot drives, ensuring compatibility.

4. Once initialized, the SSD will appear as Unallocated Space in the Disk Management window.

How to create a new partition

1. Right-click on the unallocated space in Disk Management and select New Simple Volume.

2. Follow the on-screen wizard to format the drive and assign it a drive letter.

3. Choose the NTFS file system for formatting and assign a name to the drive (e.g., “New SSD”).

4. Complete the process, and your SSD will now be ready for use.

If everything has been set up correctly, your new SSD should now appear in File Explorer, ready for cloning in the next step.

Step 4: Clone the hard disk

Now that your SSD is set up and initialized, it’s time to clone your existing hard drive to the new SSD. This process copies all your data, including the Windows 11 operating system, to the SSD, enabling you to boot directly from the new drive.

Choosing cloning software

Many SSDs come with free cloning software from the manufacturer. If your SSD didn’t include software, popular third-party tools like Macrium Reflect, EaseUS Todo Backup, or Acronis True Image offer excellent alternatives for cloning drives. For this guide, we’ll use the free version of Macrium Reflect as an example.

How to clone your drive with Macrium Reflect

1. Visit the official website to download the free version, and install it on your system. You will need to create an account to activate the free trial.

2. Open the software and select the disk you want to clone (your existing hard drive).

3. Click Clone this disk, and a wizard will guide you through the process.

4. Select the new SSD as the destination drive. If necessary, adjust the partition sizes to fit the SSD’s capacity using the tool’s interface.

5. Start the cloning process. Depending on the size of your drive, this process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.

Important tips:

Ensure the SSD has enough storage space to accommodate all the data on your existing drive. If not, delete unnecessary files or move them to external storage before starting. You should also close any applications running in the background to prevent data corruption during cloning.

Once the cloning process is complete, your SSD will be an exact replica of your old drive, including the Windows 11 installation and all your files. Next, you’ll need to set your system to boot from the new SSD.

Step 5: Replace the hard disk (laptops / all-in-ones only)

If you’re migrating to an SSD in a laptop or all-in-one device, this is the point where you’ll physically swap the old hard drive for the new SSD. This step requires care and attention to avoid damaging your hardware.

How to replace the hard drive

1. Turn off your device and unplug it from the power supply. If the laptop has a removable battery, take it out to avoid accidental power-on during the process.

2. Ground yourself to prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive components. You can use an anti-static wristband or touch a grounded metal surface before handling internal parts.

3. Open the back panel of your laptop or all-in-one device. This often involves removing several screws. Keep track of where each screw came from—using a small container or magnetic tray can help.

4. Locate the existing hard drive. It will typically be secured in a small bracket or cage.

5. Remove the screws or clips holding the drive in place. Carefully disconnect the SATA cable and power connector from the drive.

6. Insert the new SSD - Attach the SSD to the SATA and power connectors. Secure it in the same bracket or slot where the old drive was installed. Be sure the drive is firmly seated but avoid overtightening screws, which could damage the SSD or mounting bracket.

7. Replace the back panel and screws, ensuring all components are securely fastened.

Tips for laptops and compact devices:

Check your device’s service manual for specific instructions on accessing and replacing the drive.

If your device supports multiple drives, consider keeping the old hard drive as secondary storage instead of removing it entirely.

Once the SSD is installed, your system is ready to boot up from the new drive. If you’ve followed the steps correctly, the final step will involve confirming the boot order.

Step 6: Reboot from the new drive

With the SSD installed and cloned, the final step is to configure your system to boot from the new drive. While some systems will automatically detect and boot from the SSD, others may require manual adjustments in the BIOS settings.

How to set your SSD as the boot drive

1. Power on your system and immediately press the designated key to enter the BIOS/UEFI. Common keys include F2, F8, F12, Delete, or Esc — check your device or motherboard manual if unsure.

2. Navigate to the Boot menu in the BIOS settings. This is usually found under a tab like Boot, Startup, or Advanced Options.

3. Locate the Boot Priority or Boot Order section.

4. Set your new SSD as the first boot device. You can typically do this by selecting the drive and using on-screen instructions to change its priority.

5. Save your changes and exit the BIOS. The system will reboot.

Troubleshooting tips:

If your system doesn’t detect the SSD, double-check that the connections are secure and the SSD is properly initialized and formatted.

If the system boots to an error message, ensure that the Windows installation on the SSD is intact and was cloned correctly.

Verify boot and performance

Once your system successfully boots from the SSD, you should notice significantly faster startup times. Applications will also launch more quickly, and overall system performance will feel more responsive. To confirm that the system is running from the SSD:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC.

2. Verify that the primary drive (usually labeled C:) matches the capacity of your SSD.

3. At this point, you’ve successfully migrated Windows 11 to your SSD and configured it as the primary boot drive, completing the process.