How to Upgrade SSD Without Losing Data

Can You Upgrade Your SSD Without Losing Data?

Upgrading an SSD may sound intimidating, especially if you're worried about losing files or having to start over. But the fact is that you can, undoubtedly, replace a hard drive or SSD without losing data.

This is commonly done through a process called cloning, where you create an exact copy of your old drive onto the new one. That means when you boot up from the new SSD, everything looks and feels just like it did before- only faster and with more space. Here are the basic steps you'll need to follow abnout how to replace SSD without losing data:

1️⃣Connect or install SSD to your computer properly>>Full steps

2️⃣Clone the old disk to SSD without losing anything>>Full steps

3️⃣Boot from the new SSD securely>>Full steps

What to Do Before Replacing an SSD?

Before diving into the operation of how to upgrade SSD without reinstalling Windows 11/10/8/7 or starting from scratch, there are a few critical tasks to complete that will ensure a smooth disk replacement.

• Check SSD compatibility - Make sure your new SSD is compatible with your device. For example, while compared to SATA SSD, upgrading to NVMe offers faster speeds, NVMe drives may not work in SATA-only slots. And you should make sure that the new SSD is equal to or larger than the used space on your current drive.
• Get the right tools - If you're using a laptop or don’t have an extra SSD slot, you'll need an SSD enclosure or SATA-to-USB adapter to connect the new SSD externally; a screwdriver if installing the SSD into a desktop or laptop.
• Reliable disk clone software like AOMEI Cloner comes with an easy-to-use interface and powerful cloning capabilities to simplify the data migration process.

How to Upgrade SSD Without Losing Data - Step-by-Step Guide

Once you're ready, follow the straightforward guide below to learn how to upgrade M.2 SSD without reinstalling Windows or data loss now.

Step 1. Connect Your New SSD

To make sure a smooth disk clone to the new SSD, please connect and ensure it is recognized by the system.

1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord. Then connect the new SSD to the laptop/desktop.

• If there is only one SSD slot, connect the new disk via an adapter or enclosure
• If there are two slots, open the back cover or computer tower case, and install and fix the disk properly.

2. If you are using a new SSD, you may be asked to initialize it at first use.

• Please press Win + R to open the Run box, then type diskmgmt.msc to open Disk Management.
• Right-click on the new SSD and select Initialize Disk. Set the partition style to MBR or GPT (MBR for legacy BIOS, GPT for UEFI) depending on your PC's boot mode.

If you are using an old SSD with important data on it, please back it up in advance, as the cloning process will overwrite all files on the target disk.

Step 2. Clone HDD/SSD to New SSD without Losing Data

With your disks connected properly, let’s get to the point of how to upgrade SSD without losing data by cloning old drive to new SSD using AOMEI Coner.

1. Install and run AOMEI Coner, select Clone in the left menu and choose Disk Clone.

2. Select your old disk that contains Windows and other data that you wish to migrate and click Next. Select the connected new SSD as the destination path to store the cloned data and click on Next.

3. Enable the SSD Alignment option to improve the writing & reading speed of the new SSD disk. Preview all the cloning settings and click Start Clone.

Step 3. Boot from the New SSD

Now here comes to how to change SSD without losing data after cloning.

1. If your computer has only one slot, you should replace the old hard disk with the cloned SSD; if it has two slots, you can install the cloned SSD into the empty slot.

2. Then, reboot your computer, press F2/F8/F11 or Del to enter BIOS and change the boot order to boot from the cloned SSD.

3. Press F10 or Save changes and reboot the device.

FAQs about Upgrading SSD Without Losing Data

#1. Does replacing SSD delete anything?

No, not if you clone your old SSD to the new one. Cloning preserves all files, programs, and even Windows itself. However, physically removing your drive without cloning first will result in data loss unless you’ve backed up your files.

#2. Can you have two SSDs in a PC?

Yes, if your PC has enough slots. Most desktops and even many laptops support dual SSD setups. You can keep your old SSD as a secondary drive for storage and use the new SSD as boot drive. Just make sure your power supply and SATA or M.2 slots support it.

#3. Do you need to reinstall Windows if you replace SSD?

Not if you clone the existing drive using software like AOMEI Cloner. Windows, your apps, and files will be transferred seamlessly. A clean install is only needed if you want to start fresh.

#4. Do I need to format a new SSD before cloning?

No. The AOMEI Cloner cloning software will automatically overwrite the contents of the target SSD.

#5. How to transfer SSD to new SSD without losing data?

Use disk cloning software like AOMEI Cloner to clone SSD to new SSD without data loss by creating a bit-for-bit copy of your current SSD. Connect the new SSD to your PC, run the cloning software, and replace the old drive after the process completes. Boot from the new drive and everything should be exactly as it was.

Conclusion

Understanding how to upgrade SSD without losing data is vital for anyone looking to boost system performance without starting from scratch. With a reliable cloning tool like AOMEI Cloner, upgrading your SSD becomes a smooth, low-risk operation that retains everything from your OS to your favorite apps.

This software ensure a bootable clone from one drive to another. If you don’t want to clone an entire disk, you can also run its System Clone to transfer OS only or Partition Clone to clone specific partitions and data. Download this powerful cloning software, and have a try!