How to Clone SSD to SSD without Software [Full Guide]

Cloning an SSD to SSD is a quick and easy way to transfer everything from one harddrive to another one, including theoperating system, programs, files, and settings, and you don’t need to reinstall Windows. However, some users don’t want to install additional software for fear of data leakage or pay for it. Is there any way to clone hard drive without software?

You still can make full use of the Windows’ built-in tools to copy OS and files manually. But, in some cases, using dedicated cloning software might be a better choice for faster, more reliable results.

Can You Clone SSD to SSD without Software?

One of the easiest ways to clone SSD to SSD in Windows 10 or 11 without any third-party software is using Windows built-in tool - Backup and Restore (Windows 7) to create a a system image. It includes the operating system, system reserved partition/EFI system partition, system files and settings, etc., which is essential for a computer to boot from.

In addition, you still need to copy important files from hard drive with OS to another manually if you want to use them.

How to Clone SSD to SSD without Software Step by Step 

Step 1. Go to Control Panel and select System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. On the left sidebar, click Create a system image.

Step 3. Select where you want to store the backup (external drive, DVD, or network location). Then, follow the prompts to create a system image.

✅ Pros:

• No Additional Software Needed: Since it’s built into Windows, you don’t need to install anything extra.
• Safe and Secure: It creates a complete snapshot of your system drive, meaning you won’t lose any files or settings during this process.

❌ Cos:

• Two Hard Drives Required At Least: One is to save backup image file while the other (usually target SSD) is for restoration.
• Time-Consuming: You can't just backup system partition from SSD to SSD without restoring, which requires a double effort, not to mention you'll need to manually copy some important files.

While this method does work, it doesn't exactly make a full “clone” of your old SSD. It is more of a compromise solution.

Clone SSD to SSD in Windows 10 with Software (Faster and Less Error-Prone)

As a matter of fact, there is no direct way to clone SSD to SSD in Windows 10 without software as Windows does not provide a dedicated SSD cloning software. Thus, you can only consider using third-party software like AOMEI Cloner if you want to create an exact copy of theexisting drive to a new onefor quick upgrade or for disk backup purpose.

Step 1. Open the software after installing and select Clone > Disk Clone to get started.

Step 2. Choose the two SSD disks and click Next after each selection.

Step 3. Check SSD Alignment for faster speed and click Edit Partitions to convert and clone MBR to GPT, or vice versa. At last, click Start Clone to clone SSD to SSD with software.

Once complete, you can use your new cloned SSD drive as a replacement for the originaland test if it’s bootable. Click cloned SSD wont boot if you have any questions.

Download AOMEI Cloner for easy cloning!

✅ Pros:

• Make a Full “Clone”of Entire SSD: It creates an exact copy of entire SSD and copy all data, e.g., OS, installed programs, files, settings, etc., to another one.
• Simple process: You just need to select the two disks and directly clone SSD to SSD without require extra device and restoring image file. It’s faster and less error-prone.
• Different Hardware Compatible: The cloned drive can be used to start a computer with different hardware.

❌ Cons:

• Charge: You can only clone the disk after upgrading to full version of AOMEI Cloner.

Conclusion

How to clone SSD to SSD without software? You can only create a system image backup and copy important files manually to new SSD, which is complex and time-consuming. Thus, for a quick upgrade or to get a full clone of an SSD, it’s wise to directly clone hard drive with dedicated cloning software - AOMEI Cloner.