When it comes to operational speed, longevity, and data security, SSDs outperform HDDs. Consequently, SSDs are gaining increasing popularity as the preferred choice for primary storage. If a computer is equipped with an HDD, individuals might opt to upgrade to an SSD. Similarly, for those already using an SSD, upgrading to a larger capacity one could be a consideration.
What’s the process for moving data from the old drive to the SSD? If the data you’re transferring includes documents, images, videos, and similar files, a simple “copy and paste” could suffice. However, this method is only practical for smaller data quantities. If you have several gigabytes of data to relocate, utilizing a dedicated disk cloning tool is essential.
Best free SSD clone software for Windows
To clone an SSD on Windows, it’s important to rely on trustworthy software. Consider experimenting with AOMEI Backupper Standard, which is renowned as the top-notch free disk cloning software.
◉ 2 Clone Types
The Disk Clone feature enables you to replicate an entire disk onto another. If you want to duplicate a particular partition to another partition, you can use the Partition Clone function. Furthermore, in more advanced versions, the System Clone feature empowers you to transfer only OS to another drive.
◉ 2 Cloning Methods
By default, the program initiates an Intelligent Clone, which duplicates only the utilized sections from the source disk. An alternative choice is the Sector By Sector Clone, which replicates both the utilized and unused areas from the source disk. Prior to opting for the Sector By Sector Clone, ensure that the destination disk possesses a capacity equal to or greater than that of the source disk.
◉ Supported Storage Devices
AOMEI Backupper enables you to clone HDDs, SATA SSDs, NVMe SSDs, USB thumb drives, and SD cards. Its compatibility extends to renowned disk brands such as Samsung, SanDisk, Crucial, Seagate, WD, and various other popular manufacturers.
◉ Hot Clone/WinPE Clone
Irrespective of your PC’s operational state, you can execute the cloning process. AOMEI Backupper facilitates the creation of a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD for hard drive cloning, bypassing the need to initiate Windows. Once your computer is booted from the bootable media, AOMEI Backupper will initiate automatically.
Steps to clone SSD to another SSD
Remember that the Standard edition is exclusively designed for cloning disks without an operating system. If you intend to clone a system disk, you have two options: either opt for the Professional edition or employ the backup and restore approach, which involves creating a disk image of the original drive and subsequently restoring it onto the new drive.
I will guide you through the process of utilizing the Standard edition to clone an SSD lacking an installed operating system. First of all, ensure you connect the target SSD to your computer and safeguard essential data through backup. Subsequently, adhere to the provided instructions:
Step 1. Begin by downloading the software from the official website and then launching it after installation.
Step 2. On the left panel, choose “Clone,” and then select “Disk Clone” to proceed.
Step 3. After selecting the source SSD from which you wish to duplicate data, click “Next.”
Step 4. Choose the target SSD where the cloned data will be stored, and then click “Next.”
Step 5. Optimize SSD performance by checking “SSD Alignment.” Finally, initiate the data migration process from the old SSD to the new one by clicking “Start Clone.”
Step 6. The duration of the cloning process depends on the amount of data on the source disk. When the progress reaches 100 percent, click “Finish.”
You are now equipped with the knowledge of how to clone an SSD on Windows 11/10/8/7, employing the top-tier free disk cloning software, AOMEI Backupper Standard. With this utility, you can seamlessly duplicate an entire disk or a designated partition, and seamlessly move data across different disk formats. Moreover, this software’s user-friendly interface ensures that the cloning process is a straightforward endeavor.
In addition, it retains its position as the premier free backup software, catering to diverse data backup needs. This tool accommodates the backup of singular files, entire operating systems, or local/external disks. What’s more, you can establish a backup schedule to automate the process. Don’t hesitate to try it out firsthand!
