By Roxanne / Last update January 14, 2025

Can I move my Windows 10 to another drive? The answer is yes! Transferring Windows 10 to another drive is a common dilemma for users upgrading to a faster or larger drive. One Reddit user posted:

 

How to transfer Windows to another drive and keep files?

I just bought a new M.2 SSD with 128GB of storage; however, my OS is still on my old HDD. Can I transfer it over without reinstalling all my files?

- Question from Reddit

The good news is that it’s entirely possible to move your Windows 10 installation to another drive efficiently. Whether you’re upgrading to an SSD for faster performance or a larger drive for more space, we’ve got you covered. Below are detailed methods for a smooth transition.

How to Move Windows 10 Installation to Another Drive

This section will introduce two methods to move Windows to another hard drive or SSD. Before you start, please make the following preparations:

  • ✅Choose a hard drive with sufficient capacity: Please reserve 30% to 40% of free space for the system disk when selecting a new disk.
  • ✅Set the new hard drive's disk type to GPT or MBR (mainly to keep the same disk type as the OS disk).
  • ✅All data on the target disk will be overwritten during the Windows move process. If there is important information, please back it up in advance.
  • ✅Choose a suitable Windows migration tool: Many users on Reddit or other forums have suggested using some professional cloning tools, such as Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla, but it may be troublesome for users unfamiliar with computer operations. It is recommended that you choose a simpler Windows migration tool, such as AOMEI Backupper Professional. If you don't want to install third-party software, you can choose the Windows System Image Tool.

Then follow the specific method to move the Windows 10 installation to another drive:

Method 1. Use AOMEI Backupper to Move Windows to Another Drive

  • Operation Difficulty: 🔺
  • Suitable users: All users, especially for computer novices
  • Supported features: Windows installation, system, data, and all programs can be migrated through disk or system cloning

Disk cloning is the most effective way to efficiently transfer Windows 10 installation, which simplifies the whole process and increases the success rate of migrating Windows 10 OS. AOMEI Backupper provides 3 data transfer methods:

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8/7/XP
Secure Download
  • Disk cloning- It directly transfers the entire disk, including Windows system and non-system partitions.
  • System cloning- It automatically selects system-related partitions and transfers only Windows installation to the new hard drive.
  • System restore- If you want to transfer Windows to another drive through backup and restore, it includes free system restore. It also allows restoration to a smaller disk and does not require a bootable USB.

The cloning process simplifies the entire procedure, and there is no need to reinstall Windows and programs during this operation. Let’s see how to use this tool to successfully transfer Windows and all files from drive C to another new disk:

Step 1. Select the “Clone” tab on the main interface and click “System Clone” to transfer only the Windows 10 installation.

System Clone

Step 2. Select the source drive where Windows 11 or Windows 10 is currently installed and click “Next”.

Step 3. Select the connected target disk to which you want to migrate Windows. Click Next to continue.

Select Destination Partition

Step 4. Please confirm the operation and start cloning.

  • In addition, when moving Windows to another SSD, you can click SSD alignment to speed up the target drive.
  • If you want to move Windows to a larger or equal-sized drive, you can check the Sector-by-sector cloning option to copy all sectors.

Start System Clone

After cloning is complete, press DEL, F2, F12, etc. to enter the BIOS menu and set the new hard drive as the first boot option.

Change Boot Order

Method 2. Use the Windows System Image Tool

  • Operation Difficulty: 🔺🔺
  • Suitable users: For users who are proficient in computer operation and do not want to install any software
  • Supported features: Mainly create a recovery USB drive by creating a system image backup

The system image feature of Windows 10 allows you to migrate Windows to another drive without using third-party tools. But you need to prepare the USB in advance and create a system backup containing all the files required for startup:

Step 1. Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security -> Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. Select Create System Image on the left side of the pop-up interface.

Create a System Image

Step 3. Select the backup destination. You can choose an external drive to save the backup.

Select Destination Path

Step 4. Select the drive that contains the Windows required to run by default, confirm the settings, and click Start Backup.

Add Additional Drives

Step 5. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer and create recovery media to boot the target drive.

Step 6. Press the Windows + S keys, enter the recovery drive, check "Back up system files to the recovery drive" and click "Next" to continue.

create a recovery drive

Step 7. Once created, shut down the computer and remove the old OS drive from the computer, connect the recovery USB drive and external hard drive to the computer, and enter the BIOS.

Step 8. Navigate to "Repair your computer" > "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "System Image Recovery" in the Windows installation screen.

select System Image Recovery

Step 9. Select the correct system backup image from the target external hard drive and click "Next" and successfully transfer Windows to another drive through System Image Recovery.

restore Windows 10 operating system

Step 10. Check "Format and repartition disk" and click "Next".

Conclusion

Transferring your Windows 10 installation to another drive doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these methods, you can ensure a smooth migration without data loss or system issues. Whether you choose a third-party migration tool, use Windows' built-in system image feature, or clone the entire drive, upgrading to a faster or larger drive is now easier than ever.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8/7/XP
Secure Download

FAQs About Moving Windows 10 Installation to Another Drive

1. Can you transfer Windows 10 from one SSD to another?

Yes, you can use tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant, Macrium Reflect, or Windows’ system image tool to transfer Windows 10 between SSDs without reinstalling the OS.

2. Is it OK to move the Windows folder to another drive?

No, manually moving the Windows folder can cause serious boot errors. Use dedicated tools for OS migration instead.

3. How to install Windows on another drive without losing data?

Create a system image or use an OS migration tool to safely install Windows on another drive while preserving your data and settings.