You can easily resolve the Samsung Data Migration only the source drive error by learning its meaning and two simple and effective methods. Scroll down to learn more!
Samsung Data Migration is a popular cloning tool to migrate all data from an old hard drive or SSD to a new Samsung SSD, including your operating system, apps, settings, and files without a fresh installation.
However, some users experience the error "Only the source drive on which the operating system is installed can be replicated."error while cloning hard drive to Samsung SSD. We’ll break this down and help you fix it completely.
“I'm trying to clone from one small NVME drive to a larger one for a laptop I own. But it only has one NVMe slot. I remove the drive and connect both NVMe using adapter to another computer. Then, launch Samsung Magician and click the Data Migration button tofind the error: Only the Source Drive on which the operating system is installed can be replicated. What is the reason for such a restriction? Is there a way around it?”
- Question from superuser
The full error is "Only the source drive on which the operating system is installed can be replicated", and means Samsung Data Migration can only clone the drive that holds your operating system (OS) on it. The operating system is the key to start Window.
If you try to clone a drive that doesn’t install OS (like data or external drives), the software won’t do this. Then, how to fix it? You can still try the best Samsung Data Migration alternative for cloning.
Besides, like the above user, you may clone a hard drive in laptop with only one slot. In this case, you can simply connect the new SSD using an adapter or enclosure for cloning, without taking out the source disk and connecting it to another computer.
Before cloning hard drive in laptop with only one slot, please prepare a compatible adapter or enclosure and connect your Samsung SSD as well, ensuring it’s recognized. Also, download and install Samsung data migration software - Samsung Magician first.
Step 1. Launch Samsung Magician and select the disk with OS from the available disks. Then, go to the Data Migration tab.
Step 2. Samsung Data Migration will automatically select the disk containing the operating system as the source drive. Scroll down to select the new Samsung SSD as the destination drive.
Step 3. Click Start to begin the cloning process. It’s suggested to clone all open programs to allocate sufficient memory.
AOMEI Cloner is an easy-to-use yet powerful hard drive and SSD cloning software that can clone HDDs/SSDs and MBR/GPT disks well, whether they contain OS or not. It supports all brands of SSD drives, e.g., Samsung SSD, Crucial SSD, SanDisk SSD, WD SSD, etc.
In addition, it still offers some advanced features, such as Intelligent clone, Edit Partitions, SSD Alignment, etc., for smooth cloning. You can also create bootable USB drive, CD/DVD, or ISO file to clone hard drive without booting into Windows.
Step 1. Connect the new Samsung SSD drive to your computer and be sure it’s recognized. Then, open AOMEI Cloner after installing and click Clone > Disk Clone.
Step 2. Select the hard drive without OS and Samsung SSD respectively. Click Next after each selection.
Warning: The Samsung SSD will be overwritten or deleted. Make sure to select the right disk and backup your data (if there is) in advance. Then, click OK to continue.
Step 3. Be sure to check SSD Alignment to improve Samsung SSD disk performance. Optionally, click Edit Partitions to convert disk partition style while cloning MBR to GPT, or vice versa. At last, click Start Clone to get started.
Download AOMEI Cloner for easy cloning!
The full error for Samsung Data Migration only the source drive is “Only the source drive on which the operating systemis installed can be replicated”. It means this software only works for system drive and you cannot use it to clone data or external disks.
If this is what you want, try the best Samsung Data Migration alternative - AOMEI Cloner, powerful HDD and SSD cloning software for Windows, which applies to cloning system and data disks in different brands, such as Samsung SSD, WD SSD, Crucial SSD, etc.
