Free Clone HDD to SSD via USB Securely [Complete Guide]
Learn how to clone your HDD to SSD via USB without data loss or reinstalling OS. This guide covers the tools needed, key benefits, and step-by-step instructions for AOMEI Clone Tool for laptops and desktops.
Last Updated May 9, 2025
Upgrading your HDD to an SSD can increase your computer's speed and responsiveness, but some users worry about reinstalling Windows and data loss. You can consider cloning your HDD to an SSD via USB, so there is no data loss and no need to reinstall. This guide will guide you through the process.
Why Clone HDD to SSD via USB
Cloning HDD to SSD via USB offers several benefits:
- Speed: SSDs boot faster and load applications more quickly.
- Reliability: SSDs are more durable and energy-efficient.
- Convenience: Cloning preserves your operating system, files, and settings.
📌Note: USB cloning allows upgrades without opening your computer, especially useful for laptops with a single drive bay.
Preparations Before Cloning
If you want to safely and securely clone HDD to SSD via USB, it is recommended that you prepare the following:
- A new SSD – make sure it has enough storage space for all your data.
- A USB-to-SATA adapter - allows external connection of the SSD.
- Reliable disk cloning software – AOMEI Cloner is recommended.
- A complete backup of your data – just in case something goes wrong.
Why Use AOMEI Cloner
AOMEI Cloner is one of the trusted disk cloning tools that can clone HDD to SSD free. It’s beginner-friendly, fast, and supports all Windows systems from Windows 7 to Windows 11.
- Disk Clone, System Clone, and Partition Clone options.
- Intelligent Clone technology for efficient space usage.
- SSD Alignment to optimize performance and longevity.
- Supports MBR and GPT partition styles.
- Hot cloning without restarting the system.
- Works with almost all brands and models.
- Supports WinPE bootable disk creation and enables disk clone with a bootable USB.
100% SecureHow to Clone HDD to SSD via USB using AOMEI Cloner
After installing and downloading the AOMEI Cloner, you can follow the easy steps to clone HDD to SSD free.
Step 1. Plug the SSD into the computer using a USB-to-SATA adapter, and wait for the system to recognize it.
Step 2. Launch AOMEI Cloner, and navigate to Clone > Disk Clone.
Step 3. Select the current HDD as your source disk, and click Next.
Step 4. Choose the connected SSD as the destination disk, and click Next.
Step 5. You can check the SSD Alignment, click Start Clone, and wait for the process to complete. This takes some time, depending on the size of the HDD.
Step 6. Once cloning is finished:
Laptop with a single bay: Replace the HDD with the SSD.
Desktop or dual-bay laptop: Enter BIOS and set the SSD as the primary boot drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I clone my HDD to SSD without removing the hard drive?
A: Yes, by using a USB-to-SATA adapter or an external SSD enclosure, you can connect the SSD externally and clone the drive without removing the original HDD.
Q: Can I run an SSD through USB?
A: Yes, you can typically just plug in your external SSD to your PC using a USB cable.
Q: What if the SSD is smaller than the HDD?
A: If your SSD has less capacity than your HDD, the cloning software must support intelligent sector cloning, which copies only the used space. AOMEI Cloner offers this feature, but ensure the used data on the HDD is smaller than the SSD’s total space.
Conclusion
Cloning HDD to SSD via USB is an efficient, safe, and beginner-friendly way to upgrade your PC or laptop without reinstalling the operating system. With tools like AOMEI Cloner, you can complete this process in just a few simple steps.