How to Clone Only OS to SSD for Windows 10/11

This article shows how to clone only OS to SSD. It helps you to migrate OS to SSD on Windows 10 or Windows 11, and boot from the cloned SSD, with step-by-step guides.

By @Jonna
Last Updated June 10, 2025

Can I Just Move Windows from HDD to SSD?

 

I just got a 250 GB M.2 NVME and I want to transfer my Windows 10 from my 2 TB HDD to it. But when I try cloning, it says that the drive is too small. I was wondering if it was possible to clone only OS to SSD but not everything. How to migrate only OS to SSD? Please help.

Yes, you absolutely can copy operating system to SSD only. Rather than cloning the entire disk with downloads, games, and unused files, moving only the operating system ensures a cleaner migration.

✨Key Points of Cloning Only OS to SSD
  • Cloning helps to preserve all your OS configurations, settings, and drivers, ensuring a secure boot after the cloning and saving your time by skipping full reinstallation of Windows.
  • For a successful migration, you need to ensure that there is at least enough space on the new SSD to accommodate all system data. And, you may also need tools like a USB-to-NVMe adapter to connect the new SSD.
  • As Windows computers do not come with a pre-installed cloning tool, you may turn to third-party disk cloning software - AOMEI Cloner.

Best OS Cloning Software for Windows 10/11 Free Download

How to clone OS only to SSD without reinstalling and make sure it can boot error-free? Different from simply copying data, cloning creates an identical copy of the source to maintain bootability. What you have to do is to choose a professional and reliable OS cloning tool. AOMEI Cloner, with decades of experience in data cloning, offers a System Clone function to easily clone boot-related partition(s) from one drive to another.

Also, this fully-featured cloning tool comes with other powerful features like:

AOMEI Cloner
Best System and Disk Cloning Software
  • Disk Clone & Partition Clone: Clone the entire hard drive or specific partitions according to your needs.
  • Intelligent Clone: Clone only the used space, which is useful when cloning larger drive to smaller drive and cloning hard drive with bad sectors.
  • Sector-by-Sector Clone: Create a bit-for-bit replica of the source drive, including unused sectors, hidden files, and deleted data.
  • SSD Alignment: Accelerate the reading and writing speed of SSD as well as prolong its lifespan.
  • Partition Resizing: Automatically adjust the partition size of the destination disk when cloning to a larger drive.
Free Download
Win 11/10/8/7/Server
100% Secure

Widely supported on Windows 11/10/8/7 and all Windows Servers, the AOMEI Cloner OS cloning software runs in the background without interrupting your work. Also, it allows you to create bootable USB or CD/DVD for system/disk clone without booting into Windows.

How to Clone Windows 10/11 to SSD: Step-By-Step Guide

Follow the guidelines below to learn how to migrate OS only to SSD using the AOMEI Cloner software. Here we take cloning Windows 10 to SSD as an example:

Step 1. Preparations before OS Cloning

  • Connect the new SSD to your computer via an adapter or install it internally.
  • Back up crucial data on the target SSD if there is, as the cloning process overwrites all data on the destination drive. (The Windows built-in File History is available for simple data backup)
  • Download and install AOMEI Cloner on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 2. Select Cloning Option

  • Run AOMEI Cloner, select Clone and then System Clone. This software will automatically select all system-related partition(s) as the cloning source.

Step 3. Select Destination Drive

  • Choose the connected SSD as the destination drive to save all cloned system data.

Step 4. Start Windows OS Clone

  • Enable SSD Alignment to improve performance of the target SSD. And click on Start Clone to move only OS to SSD with ease.

💡Tip: If your target SSD is larger than the source drive, the software will by default check the Make full use of disk space option to expand the system partition.

How to Boot from Cloned SSD

After the cloning process, you can set the SSD as the primary boot drive. Here’s how:

Situation 1: Keeping Both Drives Installed -> Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI setup with F2, F10, or Del key, go to the Boot Menu, set the new SSD as the boot drive, then save and exit BIOS.

Situation 2: Replacing Old Disk with SSD -> Shutdown PC after clone completes, open the computer and physically replace the SSD for the old disk, then restart your computer. If it does not boot into Windows properly, access BIOS/UEFI and navigate to the Boot tab to set your new SSD as the first boot device.

FAQs on Migrating OS to New SSD

#1. Can I change HDD to SSD without reinstalling Windows?

Absolutely. By using system cloning software like AOMEI Cloner, you bypass a fresh Windows install and keep everything intact.

#2. What happens if I replace my SSD without cloning?

If you don't clone or reinstall, you'll find yourself with a blank SSD- no OS, no data, effectively nothing. You’d have to install Windows from scratch.

#3. Can I install Windows on an SSD and move it to another PC?

Technically, yes, but it is not always stable. Windows activation is tied to the hardware. Moving an SSD to a different PC may cause boot issues and require reactivation. It’s better to install or clone Windows directly on the destination machine.

In the End

It is simple to clone only OS to SSD with the help of this professional cloning software - AOMEI Cloner. Also, you can use this tool to clone HDD to SSD or clone SSD to SSD for seamless data migration. It helps you avoid reinstall hassle and keeps your system configurations intact.

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