AOMEI Cloner
Install Windows 10 on SSD Without Removing HDD: Complete Guide
This article shows you how to install Windows 10 on SSD without removing HDD with two step-by-step methods. Read through it to install Windows 10 on new SSD with ease.
By Jonna Updated on June 30, 2025
Scenario: Can I Install SSD Without removing HDD?
I have an old computer that still runs with an HDD. I recently bought a new SSD and plan to install Windows on the new SSD. I'm using Windows 10. I am wondering, is it possible to install Windows 10 on SSD without removing HDD?
- User Case from Microsoft
Absolutely. You can install an SSD without taking out the HDD from your PC. Here are two solutions: cloning your existing OS to install Windows 10 on new SSD without USB or performing a fresh installation by using a USB drive as installation media.
Why Install Windows 10 on SSD instead of HDD?
It is common to install SSD for OS and HDD for storage on computer, which allows you to combine the strengths of both drives - speed from the SSD and storage capacity from the HDD. If your computer is taking too long to boot up, or applications are unexpectedly getting stuck, the hard disk is probably the problem. Here's why installing Windows 10 on an SSD makes a significant difference:
- Faster boot time: Windows 10 can boot in 10 - 15 seconds on SSDs, compared to over a minute on HDDs.
- Quicker app launches: Programs open almost instantly, reducing lag time dramatically.
- Improved system responsiveness: Multitasking becomes smoother without delays.
- Longer lifespan: With no moving parts, SSDs are more durable and shock-resistant.
There are two methods for how to install Windows 10 on SSD without removing HDD. The first method allows you to install Windows 10 on SSD without USB; the second method requires you to create a USB installation drive first. Let’s take a look at them now.
Move Windows 10 from HDD to SSD Without Reinstalling
If you want to install Windows 10 on new SSD without USB or CD/DVD, or you're aiming for convenience, cloning your existing Windows installation is the way to go, as long as you’ve already got Windows 10 running on the HDD. AOMEI Cloner is a reliable and beginner-friendly cloning tool for this job.
This software offers not only Disk Clone to copy the entire HDD to SSD but also System Clone that helps to migrate only the Windows OS from HDD to SSD. Both cloning options ensure that you can boot seamlessly from the new SSD without errors. It also comes with other highlighted features like:
AOMEI Cloner- Intelligent Clone - Clone only used data from one drive to another, and it can automatically skip bad sectors. You can use it to clone a larger HDD to a smaller SSD.
- Sector by Sector Clone - Create an exact copy of a hard disk, transferring all data blocks, including hidden and damaged sectors.
- SSD Alignment - Boost SSD performance and longevity with 4K alignment optimization.
- Wide Compatibility - Supports various disk brands, allowing you to clone HDD to Samsung SSD, PNY SSD, WD SSD, Crucial SSD, and so on.
- Create Bootable Media - Create a bootable USB or CD/DVD for system/disk cloning from WinPE.
100% SecureStep-by-Step Guide on how to install Windows 10 on SSD by cloning from HDD to SSD using AOMEI Cloner:
Step 1. Make sure that your SSD is connected and recognized by the system.
Step 2. Download and open AOMEI Cloner and navigate to the Clone tab. Choose Disk Clone if you wish to transfer everything from HDD to SSD, or select System Clone to migrate only the operating system.
Step 3. Select the Source Disk you plan to clone (here is your old HDD). Then click Next. For system cloning, this tool will automatically pick these boot-related partitions as the cloning source.
Step 4. Select the Destination Disk (here is the new SSD). Then click Next.
Step 5. On the Operation Summary screen, tick SSD Alignment to improve the performance of the target SSD. Then, tap on Start Clone.
▶You can use Edit Partitions to resize partitions on the destination SSD to avoid wasting space when cloning to a larger disk:
- Add unused space to all partitions: Allocate unused space to each partition of the target disk appropriately.
- Manually adjust partition size: Allocate unallocated space to any partition on the target disk as you want.
- Convert the destination disk from MBR(GPT)to GPT(MBR): Convert the partition style of the destination disk if it is different from the source disk.
▶This tool runs Intelligent Clone by default to clone only used sectors, you can use the Sector By Sector Clone option to clone every sector no matter whether used or not. This requires that the destination drive is larger or equal to the source drive.
Once the cloning finishes, restart your computer > enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during boot) > change the boot order to set the SSD as the first boot device, and save the changes. Your system will now boot from the SSD with Windows 10 fully intact, without needing to reinstall anything.
Fresh Install Windows 10 on SSD Without Removing HDD
The above helps you in how to install Windows 10 on SSD without CD or USB or without reinstalling Windows from scratch. If you prefer to restart, you can do a fresh install of Windows 10 on an SSD without removing the HDD, which is ideal if your current system is messed up, buggy, or infected with a virus. Here's how to install Windows on SSD without removing HDD:
Step 1. Plug the USB flash drive into your PC. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and launch it.
Step 2. Then, choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Click Next and follow the guide to complete the installation.
Step 3. Connect your SSD if it’s not already installed. Restart your PC and enter BIOS. Set the USB drive as the primary boot option to reboot your computer.
Step 4. Click Install Now in the initial Windows Setup screen.
Step 5. Type your product key (digital license) or skip it.
Step 6. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Step 7. To partition your new SSD to install Windows 10, click Delete or Format. Then, create a partition with the New option. Next, select the new partition on SSD disk and click Next. Wait for the process to finish and then set the preferences as required.
FAQs about Installing Windows 10 on SSD Without Removing HDD
#1. Do I need to format my SSD before reinstalling Windows?
Not necessarily. During the Windows installation process, you’ll be given the option to format or delete partitions on your SSD. Formatting the drive during installation is standard practice to ensure a clean install, but there’s no need to pre-format the SSD manually.
#2. Can you install Windows on an SSD without wiping it?
Yes, but it depends on the drive's current state. If your SSD already has data, and you want to dual-boot or install Windows in a new partition, you can do so without deleting the whole drive. However, for best results and to avoid conflicts, it's recommended to install Windows on a clean SSD or clean partition.
#3. Is there SSD with Windows 11 pre-installed?
Typically, no, unless it is part of pre-built computers. Most SSDs, that come with Windows pre-installed, might be taken from a laptop or similar and sold as new.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to clone your system or do a fresh install, it’s entirely feasible to install Windows 10 on SSD without removing HDD. Tools like AOMEI Cloner make the process seamless, while a manual install gives you full control. Wipe and keep the HDD as a storage device, set the SSD as a boot disk, and then the computer will run optimally.
Except for Windows 11, the AOMEI Cloner software also works on Windows 11, 8, 7, XP, and Vista. You can also use it to clone and install Windows 11 on new SSD easily.
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