How to Install Windows 11 on a New M.2 SSD (Top 2 Ways)

Can I install Windows 11 on M.2 SSD?

Yes, you can absolutely install Windows 11 on an M.2 SSD — in fact, it’s one of the best storage options available for the operating system. An M.2 SSD (especially NVMe-based models) delivers lightning-fast read and write speeds, dramatically reducing boot time, speeding up app launches, and improving overall system responsiveness.

Before installing Windows 11 on your M.2 SSD, make sure your PC meets the following conditions:

• Your motherboard supports M.2 or NVMe slots. Most modern boards include at least one M.2 slot, but older ones may not.
• The system firmware is set to UEFI mode. Windows 11 requires UEFI and Secure Boot for installation.
• TPM 2.0 is enabled. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is a mandatory requirement for Windows 11 security.

Once these are confirmed, you can proceed with installing Windows 11 on an M.2 SSD. Two methods will be described below.

🧐 Quick Navigation:
👉 Way 1: Install Windows 11 on new M.2 SSD by cloning
👉 Way 2: Install Windows 11 on new M.2 SSD from USB
👉 Supplement: Cloning vs. fresh install

Way 1: Install Windows 11 on new M.2 SSD by cloning

If you don’t want to reinstall Windows 11 from scratch, cloning your existing system to a new M.2 SSD is the fastest and most convenient solution. This method keeps your OS, apps, settings, and personal files exactly as they are—no reinstallation or reactivation required.

AOMEI Cloner is a powerful and beginner-friendly disk cloning software designed for smooth system migrations.

AOMEI Cloner

Best System and Disk Cloning Software

• System Clone: Clone only the Windows OS and boot partitions to your new M.2 SSD.
• Disk Clone: Migrate the entire drive, including all data and applications.
• SSD Alignment: Automatically enables 4K alignment to maximize SSD performance and extend its lifespan.
• It supports NVMe-to-NVMe, SATA-to-NVMe, and even different size SSD cloning without hassle.

Free Download
Win 11/10/8/7/Server

100% Secure

Download AOMEI Cloner and follow the steps below to clone Windows 11 to an M.2 SSD:

Step 1. Connect the new M.2 SSD to your PC via an M.2 slot or adapter.

Step 2. Install and launch AOMEI Cloner. Click Clone and select System Clone to copy only OS.

✍ Note: If you want to copy the entire boot drive, choose Disk Clone here.

Step 3. Boot-related partitions are selected by default. Select the target M.2 SSD as the destination drive and click Next.

Step 4. Enable SSD Alignment to enhance M.2 SSD performance. Click Start Clone to begin cloning Windows 11 to M.2 SSD.

✍ Note: If you are cloning to a larger drive, there will be an option called Make full use of disk space and it is checked by default to maximize disk space usage.

Step 5. Once the cloning finishes, shut down your PC, remove the old drive (optional), and boot from the new M.2 SSD. You’ll instantly enjoy the same Windows 11 setup—but much faster.

💡 Tip: If your system doesn’t boot from the new SSD, enter BIOS and set the cloned M.2 SSD as the first boot device.

Way 2: Install Windows 11 on new M.2 SSD from USB

If you prefer a completely clean setup or are building a new PC, installing Windows 11 on a new M.2 SSD from a USB drive is the most reliable method. This approach ensures a fresh system without leftover files or settings from your old drive. Learn how to install Windows 11 on M.2 SSD step by step below:

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive

1. Plug a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) to your computer. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

2. Launch the tool and choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).

3. Select your preferred language and edition of Windows 11.

4. Choose USB flash drive as the media type and let the tool create the bootable installer.

Step 2: Install Windows 11

1. Power off your PC and insert the new M.2 SSD into the appropriate slot.

2. Restart your computer and enter BIOS (usually by pressing Del or F2 during startup). Set the USB drive as the first boot device and enable UEFI mode.

3. Press F10 to save changes and exit. Your computer will restart and boot from the USB drive.

4. Choose your language and keyboard layout and click Next. Then click Install Now.

5. Enter your product key or select I don’t have a product key to activate later.

6. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

7. Choose the new M.2 SSD as the installation target and click Next. Windows will start installing automatically.

💡 Tip: If needed, delete existing partitions on the SSD before proceeding.

8. After the installation completes, set up your user account, password, and preferences.

Supplement: Cloning vs. fresh install

Both cloning and fresh installation can help you install Windows 11 on a new M.2 SSD. If you don’t know how to choose between them, check the following table:

👉 In short:

• Choose cloning if you want speed, convenience, and zero data loss.
• Choose a fresh install if you prefer a clean, optimized system with no remnants of the old setup.

Wrapping things up

Installing Windows 11 on a new M.2 SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make for your PC — giving you lightning-fast boot times, smoother multitasking, and an overall snappier experience. Whether you choose to clone your current system or perform a fresh installation, both methods have clear advantages.

If you value speed and convenience, cloning with a reliable tool like AOMEI Cloner lets you migrate Windows 11 to your new SSD in just a few clicks. It works with all branded SSDs. You can use it to clone HDD to WD SSD, Samsung SSD, and Crucial SSD, etc. Why not give it a shot?