How to Clone M.2 SSD to Larger M.2 SSD

Can I clone M.2 SSD to M.2 SSD? Of course! You can replace your old M.2 ssd or upgrade your M.2 SSD to a larger one to improve system performance and expand storage capacity. For example, a Reddit user recently reported their dissatisfaction with the lack of space on their 256GB M.2 SSD and how cloning their data to a 1TB M.2 SSD dramatically improved their workflow.

This process, called cloning, ensures data transfer without having to reinstall the operating system or lose important files. In this article, we will look at how to clone an M.2 SSD to a larger M. 2 SSD with M.2 SSD cloning software to avoid reinstalling the OS. In addition, we will cover effective ways to clone an M.2 SSD with only one slot.

Preparations for Cloning M.2 SSD to M.2 SSD

Before diving into the cloning process, make sure you have the right tools and conditions:

1. Check the number of SSD slots on your PC

By opening the laptop or desktop PC case with a screwdriver, you can see the number of SSD slots. If your PC doesn't have enough slots for other SSDs, prepare an external USB to M.2 SSD converter/adapter and additional USB cable.

Also, you can clone the drive via an external USB HDD, but this article will discuss the simpler method.

2. Choose the right SSD

Make sure the new M.2 SSD is compatible with your device. The M.2 SSD must have the same length as the SSD slot in your PC.

Please purchase the right M.2 ssd according to the specification. In addition, the capacity of the new M.2 SSD should be two to three times larger than the old one.

3. Installing a New M.2 SSD into a Laptop/PC

When the PC only has one SSD slot, please connect the new M.2 SSD via USB adapter.

When there are two SSD slots: Open the M.2 slot and slide it in.

4. Initialize the new SSD and backup important data

To ensure the M.2 to M.2 cloning process runs smoothly, you need to initialize the SSD via Disk Management first. In addition, the cloned SSD will overwrite the data of the old one, so please backup files in advance.

Steps to Clone M.2 SSD to Larger M.2 SSD

How to transfer my operating system or M.2 SSD to M.2? Windows doesn't provide a built-in data migration tool. This part will introduce the reliable M.2 cloning software - AOMEI Backupper to help you easily upgrade and clone M.2 SSD to M. 2 SSD.

The tool supports the cloning of all information including the Windows operating system, installed programs, personal files, and so on. During the cloning process, you can edit the partitions to resize the larger M.2 SSD to ensure it shows the full capacity.

Step 1. Start AOMEI Backupper Professional and select Clone > Disk Clone.

Step 2. Select the smaller M.2 SSD as the source disk and click Next to continue.

Step 3. Select the larger M.2 SSD as the destination disk, and then click Next to continue.

Step 4. You can edit partitions on the larger M.2 SSD, add unused space to all partitions or resize partitions manually.

Step 5. AOMEI Backupper provides SSD 4K alignment, you can tick SSD Alignment to optimize the target M.2 SSD, and then press Start Clone to securely clone the M.2 SSD to a larger M.2 SSD in Windows 11/10/8/7.

Additionally, you can choose to clone sector by sector. However, this will clone all sectors and will consume more time. For cloning M.2 SSD using only one slot, you can also backup M.2 SSD by this method.

How to Boot from the Cloned M.2 SSD

Some users have reported problems with cloned SSDs not booting. When your cloned M.2 SSD is an OS disk, you need to set it as a boot drive. Follow the steps below to boot from the new M.2 SSD:

1. Remove the old SSD: If the new SSD is externally attached, install it in the internal slot.

2. Enter BIOS setup: Reboot the computer and press the appropriate key (e.g. F2, Del) to enter BIOS.

3. Set Boot Priority: locate the boot menu and set the new M.2 SSD as the primary boot device.

4. Save Changes and Exit: Save the changes and reboot the computer to boot from the cloned SSD.

Conclusion

Cloning an M.2 SSD to a larger one is an effective way to boost storage without losing data or reinstalling your OS. Whether you have one or two M.2 slots, the process is straightforward with proper preparation and reliable cloning software. Now that you understand the steps, you can easily upgrade your SSD and enjoy enhanced performance.

FAQs About Cloning M.2 SSD to Larger M.2 SSD

To address common concerns, here are answers to frequently asked questions:

1. How do I clone an M.2 SSD to a larger M.2 SSD on a laptop PC?

Use a USB-to-M.2 adapter to connect the new SSD externally if your laptop has only one M.2 slot. Then, use cloning software like AOMEI Backupper to perform the cloning process.

2. Do I need to format an NVMe SSD before cloning it?

No, formatting is not required. The cloning process will overwrite the target drive’s existing data, so ensure the target SSD is empty or contains no important files.

3. How to Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot?

An external USB-to-M.2 adapter or docking station connects the new SSD. After cloning, replace the old SSD with the new one and adjust the boot priority in the BIOS.