How to Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot: A Complete Guide

Cloning an M.2 SSD is an efficient way to upgrade your storage or back up important data without the hassle of reinstalling your operating system and software. However, the task becomes slightly more complex when your computer only has one M.2 slot. This guide will help you understand how to clone an M.2 SSD with only one available slot, providing you with a step-by-step approach to ensure the process goes smoothly. Whether you are upgrading to a larger SSD or simply want to back up your current data, we’ve got you covered.

Now, let’s dive into some important considerations before you start cloning.

Tips for Cloning an M.2 SSD with Only One Slot

Before jumping into the actual cloning process, it's essential to prepare properly. The following tips will help ensure that the cloning procedure goes as smoothly as possible, minimizing the risk of mistakes.

1. Use a USB-to-M.2 Adapter or External Enclosure

Since your system has only one M.2 slot, the first thing you’ll need is a way to connect your second M.2 SSD. A USB-to-M.2 adapter or an external M.2 enclosure is crucial. This allows you to connect the second SSD via a USB port, essentially turning it into an external drive you can clone.

2. Choose Reliable Cloning Software

Selecting the right disk cloning software is critical. Software like AOMEI Backupper offers an intuitive interface and efficient cloning capabilities. This tool will allow you to clone your entire drive, including the operating system, applications, and data, to the new SSD without issues.

3. Ensure SSD Compatibility

It’s important to verify that the target SSD is compatible with your system. Check the physical size, interface (SATA or NVMe), and other specifications to make sure the SSD will work properly once you’ve completed the cloning process.

4. Backup Your Data

Although cloning is typically safe, it’s always recommended to back up any important files before proceeding. This precaution ensures you won’t lose any critical data if something goes wrong during the cloning process.

These tips will help ensure the cloning process is efficient and that your data is safe throughout.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clone M.2 SSD with Only One Slot

Once you’re prepared, the cloning process itself is fairly straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you clone your M.2 SSD, even when you only have one available slot.

Step 1: Set Up Your Equipment

Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need:

• USB-to-M.2 adapter or external M.2 enclosure to connect the second SSD.
• A reliable cloning software like AOMEI Backupper is installed on your computer.
• Both the source SSD(the drive you're cloning from) and the target SSD(the drive you're cloning to).

Once you have everything in place, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Connect the SSDs

1. Install the Source SSD: Insert your source M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot on your motherboard.
2. Connect the Target SSD: Use the USB-to-M.2 adapter or external enclosure to connect the second M.2 SSD to your computer via a USB port.

At this point, both SSDs should appear in Disk Management or File Explorer. If you don’t see them, double-check the connections or restart your computer.

Step 3: Launch the Cloning Software

1. Open your cloning software(e.g., AOMEI Backupper).
2. Select Disk Clone from the Disk menu to begin the cloning process.

3. In the software, choose your source SSD(the drive you are cloning) and target SSD(the drive to which you are cloning).

Take a moment to ensure that you’ve selected the correct drives before proceeding to avoid any accidental data loss.

Step 4: Start the Cloning Process

Once you’ve confirmed your selections, click Start Clone to initiate the process. Many cloning programs will give you the option to perform a sector-by-sector clone, which is highly recommended if you want an exact copy of your data, including your operating system, applications, and system files.

The cloning process will begin and could take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your data and the speed of your drives. Be patient and let the software do its work.

Step 5: Wait for the Cloning to Complete

During the cloning process, the software will show a progress bar so you can track the status. Once the cloning process is complete, you will receive a notification. At this point, the data from your source SSD has been fully copied to your target SSD.

Step 6: Swap the SSDs (If Upgrading)

If you're upgrading to a new SSD, it’s time to swap the old drive with the newly cloned SSD:

1. Power off your computer.
2. Replace the old source SSD with the newly cloned target SSD in the M.2 slot.
3. Turn your computer back on, and it should boot from the new SSD with all your data and settings intact.

If you're not upgrading, you can keep both SSDs connected, and the new one will serve as additional storage.

Conclusion

Cloning an M.2 SSD with only one available slot is entirely feasible with the right approach and tools. By using a USB-to-M.2 adapter or external enclosure, and reliable cloning software like AOMEI Backupper, you can easily clone your SSD and transfer all your data seamlessly. Whether you’re upgrading your storage or creating a backup, this guide provides all the information you need to complete the process confidently and without error.