How to Transfer Windows to New M.2 without Reinstalling

Preview of M.2 SSDs

M.2, formerly known as the Next Generation Form Factor(NGFF), is a form factor for SSDs (solid-state drives) that is shaped like a stick of gum. Due to its small size and high performance compared to traditional HDD, it is widely used in compact systems such as ultrabooks and tablets. There are 2 types of M.2 SSDs: SATA (same as 2.5" SSDs but without wires) and NVMe (runs on PCIe lanes, much faster read and write speeds).

If your laptop or desktop is running out of space or slowly, you may need to migrate data from the old hard drive to the new. However, replacing a hard drive is always a daunting task for many PC users because of the high risk of data loss. This article will outline how to transfer Windows to a new M.2 SSD without reinstalling OS or losing data.

What to Prepare for Transferring Windows to New M.2?

You can not simply copy and paste to migrate Windows to new M.2. This is because Windows isn’t just a bunch of files, but it is a complex system with hidden configurations, boot files, partitions, and permissions. But there is a simple way out - perform a Windows OS clone. Cloning allows you to transfer data from one disk to another without data loss and Windows OS reinstallation.

But before getting into how to transfer Windows to a new NVMe or SATA M.2, here are some things that you need to take care of in advance:

1️⃣ Confirm compatibility: Ensure your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports the type and size of drive you're installing (SATA or NVMe).

2️⃣ Back up your data: Although the process is non-destructive, it’s always wise to back up your important files before cloning.

3️⃣ Clean up the current drive: Delete unnecessary files or uninstall unused programs to reduce the data size. The data on your old drive must not exceed the capacity of the new M.2 SSD.

4️⃣ Connect the M.2 SSD: If there is an extra slot on your PC, you can install M.2 SSD as a secondary drive by carefully inserting it into the M.2 slot, then securing it with a screw; if not, use a USB adapter cable to connect it to your PC. Make sure it’s detected in BIOS.

Best OS Cloning Software Free Download for Windows 11/10/8/7

To transfer Windows to new M.2 drive risk-free without reinstalling, you will need reliable cloning software. There are several options available, and AOMEI Cloner is a great option due to is ease of use, high compatibility, and excellent performance.

This software is not only packed with powerful features tailored specifically for OS migrations, but also offers to clone entire hard drive to another with different sizes and different types, like copying C drive to larger SSD, cloning MBR to GPT, and so on. It works with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and all Windows Servers. And it offers advanced & flexible cloning features including:

Download and install the AOMEI Coner OS migration tool on your computer now, and learn how to transfer boot drive to new M.2 by transferring Windows to new SSD with no need to worry about errors, boot issues, or complex configurations.

How to Migrate Windows from HDD/SSD to New M.2

The AOMEI Cloner software can copy Windows to new M.2 from HDD and transfer Windows from M.2 to M.2. Please just make sure that your boot drive is connected properly for a smooth transfer.

Step 1. Run the AOMEI Cloner software after installation. On the left panel, click Clone, and then select System Clone.

Note: You can also choose Disk Clone if you want the entire drive, including the Windows OS, to migrate to the new drive.

Step 2. It will include your system boot-related partitions and boot files to clone automatically. And you only need to select your new M.2 SSD as the target drive.

Step 3. It will confirm that the target M.2 SSD will be overwritten, so back it up if there are crucial files. Enable SSD Alignment to improve the performance of your M.2 drive and click on Start Clone.

Further Reading: Boot Windows from Cloned M.2 SSD

After transferring Windows to your new M.2, setting it as the boot drive is crucial. This ensures your PC actually boots from the new M.2 SSD.

If the cloned drive was connected externally, replace the old drive with the new M.2 SSD inside the machine. Restart your computer, enter BIOS (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc), and set the M.2 SSD as the first boot device. Tips for successful booting:

• Check the BIOS boot menu: Sometimes the SSD shows up under a different name. Make sure you select the one that corresponds to your new M.2.
• Disconnect the old drive if confusion persists, especially on systems with both drives still connected.
• If the cloned SSD won’t boot, disable Secure Boot temporarily or disable Legacy Boot.

FAQs about Transferring Windows to New M.2

Q1. How to get Windows to recognize new M2?

Sometimes, new M.2 SSDs don't show up in Windows. Here’s what to do:

• Check compatibility: Make sure the M.2 interface (NVMe or SATA) matches your motherboard specs.
• Disk Management: Open Disk Management and see if it appears there. If it's unallocated, right-click and initialize it. Choose GPT for newer systems or MBR for older BIOS systems.
• Update drivers: Install chipset or storage controller drivers from your motherboard manufacturer.

Q2. Can you transfer everything from one M2 to another?

Yes, you can clone your entire M.2 SSD to another M.2, including Windows, system files, apps, and personal data. Use tools like AOMEI Cloner for a sector-by-sector clone to ensure nothing is left behind.

Q3. Should NVMe be MBR or GPT?

For Windows 10 or Windows 11 systems using UEFI firmware, NVMe drives should be initialized as GPT (GUID Partition Table). GPT is required to boot from a drive in UEFI mode. MBR (Master Boot Record) is typically used with Legacy BIOS systems.

To Wrap Things up

Upgrading to an M.2 SSD is one of the most effective ways to boost your system performance, but reinstalling Windows and setting everything up again is time-consuming and risky. One simple and secure way to transfer Windows to new M.2 is to use reliable cloning software like AOMEI Cloner.

This tool also offers many other cloning options to help you clone a hard drive, like copying entire boot drive or just copying a partition. Just download it and try it to migrate your data from one disk to another risk-free!