How to Boot from Cloned SSD | Fixes for PC Won't Boot Included

User Case: PC Can't Boot from Newly Cloned SSD

Cloning to new SSD is one of the best ways to boost a sluggish computer and avoid reinstalling Windows and all its applications from scratch. But sometimes, after the cloning process, you might face an annoying problem: cloned SSD won't boot on Windows 11/10. Common types of errors include: inaccessible boot device, no Windows installation found after cloning, boot loops or black screen, etc.

Why does this happen? Here are the most common culprits:

• The SSD isn't properly connected to the system.
• The BIOS/UEFI doesn't detect the SSD.
• Boot order is still pointing to the old drive.
• Boot files didn't copy correctly during the cloning process.
• The cloning tool wasn’t reliable, resulting in missing system partitions.

In the following, we will first show you how to boot from the cloned SSD correctly, and then list some effective solutions for you if you are troubled by the cloned SSD not showing in BIOS, no boot device detected, and so on.

Full Guide on How to Boot from Cloned SSD

Once you've cloned your old drive to a new SSD, the system doesn’t always know where to look for the boot files. Here’s a complete guide on how to boot from SSD after cloning, so as to make sure that your computer recognizes the SSD as the primary boot device and starts Windows successfully.

Step 1. Disconnect old drive (optional but recommended)

To avoid boot conflicts, disconnect the source drive the first time you boot from the new SSD. You can reconnect it later for extra storage.

Step 2. Physically install the cloned SSD

• If it's an internal drive, connect it via SATA/M.2/NVMe.
• If it's an external clone, you’ll need to swap it into the machine or use it via USB (not recommended for permanent boot).

Step 3. Access the BIOS/UEFI

Restart your computer, enter BIOS/UEFI setup by pressing F2, F12, DEL, ESC, or F10 during startup, and then navigate to the Boot Order or Boot Priority section.

Step 4. Set SSD as the boot drive

Locate your cloned SSD in the boot device list (it may be listed by drive model name, e.g., Samsung 970 EVO, and move it to the top of the boot order to let Windows 10/11 change boot drive after clone. Then, save changes and exit (usually F10).

Now, your system should now load Windows from the new SSD. However, if your PC still won't boot, it's time to troubleshoot it.

Troubleshoot: Cloned SSD Won't Boot on Windows 11/10

Here are some quick fixes to resolve the problem of cloned SSD not booting by Macrium, Acronis, etc.

#1. Check SSD Connection

A loose or faulty connection can prevent the system from detecting your SSD.

• Power down your computer and disconnect the power cable.
• Reseat the SSD in its slot or reconnect the SATA cable firmly.
• If available, try a different port or cable to rule out hardware faults.
• For laptops with M.2 SSDs, ensure the drive is screwed down tightly.

#2. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

If the drive is connected correctly but your cloned SSD not showing in BIOS, the problem might be in your BIOS/UEFI setup.

• If your PC won't boot after cloning from GPT to MBR or vice versa, or cloning from SATA to NVMe, you may need to change the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy, or from Legacy to UEFI. You can access it under the Boot tab.

• Sometimes, changing the SATA controller mode from IDE to AHCI can also resolve detection issues.

#3. Repair Boot Files

If the cloned SSD has missing or corrupted boot files, Windows won’t load. This problem usually occurs when the bootloader wasn’t transferred properly during the cloning process. To fix this:

Step 1. Create a Windows installation USB or DVD.

Step 2. Boot from the installation media.

Step 3. Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 4. Run the following commands one by one:

• bootrec /fixmbr
• bootrec /fixboot
• bootrec /scanos
• bootrec /rebuildbcd

Step 5. This will rebuild the boot configuration so your system knows where to load Windows from. Then, you can restart the computer and check if Windows boots normally from the SSD.

#4. Re-clone OS to SSD with Reliable Cloning Software - AOMEI Cloner

Sometimes the cloning process itself is the culprit. If boot files or hidden partitions weren't copied correctly, the SSD simply won’t boot, no matter how you set it. The best solution is to re-clone the OS using a reliable tool designed for OS migration, like AOMEI Cloner. This is a trusted disk cloning software that simplifies the process of transferring your system to a new SSD and ensures a bootable clone.

It not only offers Disk Clone to transfer everything from one drive to another, including applications, files, and hidden sectors, but also provides System Clone to copy only the operating system and necessary partitions. Its standout features include:

You can proceed with the steps below to figure out how to clone boot drive to new SSD.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Cloner on your PC. Then, launch it, select Disk Clone to copy the entire system drive or System Clone if you only want to copy the OS to SSD.

Step 2. Choose your source disk (the current boot drive). Then, select your target SSD as the destination.

Step 3. Check the option SSD Alignment for better performance. Click Start Clone and wait for the process to complete.

Conclusion

If you don’t know how to boot from cloned SSD, here is a complete guide for you. Here are some solutions for cloned SSD not booting Windows 10/11. To ensure a bootable clone, AOMEI Cloner is recommended for seamless OS migration. Besides, this tool comes with a Create Bootable Media function that enables you to clone hard drive from WinPE, without booting into Windows.