Clone Laptop HDD to SSD on Windows 10 [without Reinstalling]

This article describes how to clone laptop HDD to SSD on Windows 10 without reinstalling, from the advantages to preparations, step by step instructions, etc. Scroll down to learn more.

By @Ivy
Last Updated September 30, 2025

The Need to Clone Laptop HDD to SSD on Windows 10

Cloning laptop HDD to an SSD in Windows 10 is a practical upgrade for improved performance and reliability. You will notice significant improvements as follows:

  • Faster boot and load times: Compared to HDDs, SSDs will significantly reduce Windows 10 boot times and application loading.
  • Keep existing data and settings without reinstalling: Cloning transfers Windows, system settings, all files, applications, etc., from HDD to SSD, avoiding a fresh install of Windows 10.
  • Improved system responsiveness: SSDs enhance multitasking and performance for resource-intensive applications on Windows 10.

Well-prepared for Smooth and Successful Cloning

A Compatible SSD with Enough Space: Confirm your laptop's interface (e.g., SATA or NVMe) and physical form factor (e.g., 2.5-inch or M.2) to find a compatible SSD with sufficient capacity, equal to or larger than the original HDD.
SATA or M.2Cable/Adapter/Enclosure: A SATA or M.2 USB cable, adapter, or external enclosure is essential while cloning laptop hard drive to SSD with one slot, and it depends on your SSD type.
A Screwdriver: To physically install the new SSD in laptop after cloning, a small Phillips or Torx screwdriver (depending on your laptop model) is required to open the back panel and replace the HDD.
Backup Any Important Data before Cloning: Cloning overwrites all partitions on the destination disk, causing data loss, so it’s crucial to backup files to external hard drive or cloud storage. Try File History or Back up files to OneDrive in the Backup settings.
Cloning Software for Windows 10: AOMEI Cloner is a reliable cloning software for Windows 10 that can clone laptop HDD to SSD in 3 simple steps, as long as the new SSD is recognized by Windows.
AOMEI Cloner
Best Disk Cloning Software for Windows
  • Cloning any types of SSD disks, e.g., MBR/GPT, SATA/M.2/NVMe/PCIe, etc.
  • Clone to larger or smaller SSD.
  • Bootable clone Windows 10. It will include the OS, EFI/UEFI partitions, etc., required to start Windows.
  • Intelligent clone plays a crucial role in cloning processes, particularly when cloning to smaller SSD.
  • SSD Alignment for high performance.
  • Auto-resize and convert disk types (e.g., clone MBR to GPT) in Edit Partitions.
  • Compatible with well-known SSD brands, such as Samsung, WD, Crucial, SanDisk, and more.
Free Download
Win 11/10/8/7/Server
100% Secure

How to Clone Laptop HDD to SSD in Windows 10 [without Reinstalling]

Step 1. Connect the new SSD using a USB to SATA or M.2 adapter, depending on the disk interface. Open AOMEI Cloner after cloning and click Clone > Disk Clone to get started.

Step 2. Select your old HDD as the source drive and the new SSD as the target drive. Note that all the partitions on the new SSD drive will be overwritten. Please back up any important files beforehand.

Step 3. Be sure to check SSD Alignment to boost disk performance and click Start Clone to clone laptop hard drive to SSD in Windows 10.

⚠️Notes:
✅ Edit Partitions: The Add unused space to all partitions option is checked if the new SSD is larger. Click Edit Partitions to confirm and optionally, convert MBR to GPT, or GPT to MBR.
❌ Sector by Sector Clone: A cloning mode to clone all sectors of a drive, including empty sectors and bad sectors, and takes longer.

After cloning, shut down your laptop and remove the back cover using a screwdriver. Then, remove the screws securing HDD and take it out gently. Install the new SSD in the primary slot, and finally reassemble the device. Restart your laptop, and it will boot from the cloned SSD automatically.

Download AOMEI Cloner for easy cloning!

Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

FAQs

1. Is cloning HDD to SSD good?

Yes, cloning an HDD to an SSD is highly beneficial. It transfers the entire Windows 10 system, applications, and data to the SSD, providing faster boot times, improved system responsiveness, and greater durability due to the SSD’s lack of moving parts.

2. Can you clone HDD to smaller SSD?

Yes, you can clone HDD to smaller SSD, but the SSD must have enough capacity to hold all data from the HDD. The used space on the HDD (including the operating system and files) must be less than or equal to the SSD’s capacity.

3. Will a cloned SSD be bootable?

Yes, a properly cloned SSD will be bootable, provided the cloning software copies the system partition, boot sector, and all necessary Windows 10 system files. Be sure the software supports disk clone or system clone, and the SSD is correctly connected to your laptop.

4. Does Windows 10 have cloning software?

Windows 10 does not include built-in cloning software. You’ll need a reliable third-party tool like AOMEI Cloner to transfer Windows from HDD to SSD in Windows 10.

5. How long does it take to clone a hard drive to SSD?

The time to clone HDD to SSD depends on the data size, connection type (e.g., USB 3.0 or SATA), and hardware performance. Typically, cloning data about 100-500 GB takes about 20 -60 minutes. Larger drives or slower connections may take longer, while smaller datasets or faster interfaces (like NVMe) can be quicker.