How To Transfer Data From One SSD To Another

In simple terms, transferring data from one SSD to another means moving files or Windows to another SSD. Whether you want to move from SATA to NVMe for faster boot speed or upgrade to a larger SSD for more storage space, transferring data between SSDs is a must.

There are different ways to transfer data from one SSD to another. This article covers 3 methods to copy data from one SSD to another, just move on!

Key Takeaways

Most SSDs will recommend software to help transfer over your data, including the operating systems and installed programs, but for a cure-for-all solution, try professional SSD cloning software – EaseUS Disk Copy.
Manually copying and pasting will transfer only personal files, not system files or installed programs. Use your mouse to select the files, right-click, and copy.
Windows Backup and Restore can also allow you to back up or transfer files from old SSD to new one.

Method 1. Clone SSD to SSD Without Losing Data

Best for: All users (beginners to pros), bootable disks, and large-scale data migrations.

Cloning is the most efficient way to transfer all data, including the operating system and installed programs, from one SSD to another. Select a safe and reliable disk cloning program and set the new SSD as the first boot drive when you finish the SSD cloning. You can then boot your computer from the new SSD.

Some SSDs will have software to help transfer your data, such as Samsung SSD, Western Digital SSD, and Intel SSD. These SSDs have their cloning solution to transfer data and Windows. For SSDs with no cloning solution, to enjoy a safe and smooth SSD cloning process, you must use third-party SSD cloning software because Windows lacks built-in features.

This is where EaseUS Disk Copy, a safe and reliable cloning software for all SSD brands, comes in handy.

EaseUS cloning software lets you move all data from one SSD to another without losing data or reinstalling Windows OS. It enables you to migrate the OS from the first SSD to the new one and sector-by-sector clone SSD drives. It also provides SSD alignments for peak performance and helps transfer data from one SSD to another with only one slot.

EaseUS Disk Copy offers an effortless way to duplicate an entire disk or a specific partition, saving time and eliminating the need to reinstall software or reconfigure settings. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to transfer SSD to another SSD using EaseUS Disk Copy:

Step 1. Download and install EaseUS Disk Copy from its official website.

Step 2. Connect the New SSD. Install the new SSD internally or connect it to your PC via a USB-to-SATA adapter.

Step 3. Select Source and Target SSDs.

Open EaseUS Disk Copy > Disk Mode > Select your old SSD as the source.
Select the new SSD as the target.

Step 4. Adjust Partition Sizes. (Optional)

“Autofit the disk” will make some changes by default on the target disk layout to make it work at its best status.
“Copy as the source” doesn’t change anything on the target disk, and the disk layout is the same as the source disk.
“Edit disk layout” will let you manually resize/move the partition layout on the destination disk.

Step 5. Start Cloning. Click Proceed and wait for completion (Time depends on data size).

Step 6. Boot from the New SSD. Swap the SSD drive, restart your PC, enter BIOS/UEFI (press F1/F2/DEL/Esc), and set the new SSD as the boot drive.

Method 2. Copy Files from SSD to Another SSD

Best for: Transferring personal files (not OS or apps). Time-consuming for large data volumes.

If your SSD only contains simple files and data, you can also complete the data transfer between 2 SSDs by copying and pasting manually. The copy-and-paste method is the most direct way to transfer files between 2 drives. You can simply copy and paste them in Windows File Explorer. Here is the guide on how to transfer data from one SSD to another on PC:

Step 1. Connect the New SSD. Connect the new SSD via USB-to-SATA cable to your PC or install it internally.

Step 2. Copy Files from the Old SSD.

Open File Explorer and go to the source SSD.
Choose the files and folders you want to transfer.
Copy (Ctrl + C) files.

Step 3. Paste files to the new SSD.

Go to the new SSD.
Paste (Ctrl + V ) files.

Note: Steps to Check for Hidden Files: Some files, such as AppData, may be hidden. To unhide them:

Open File Explorer.
Click View > Show > Hidden items.
Manually copy necessary hidden folders from one SSD to another.

Method 3. Backup & Restore Data from One SSD to Another

Best for: Basic backups (not full clones). Requires reinstalling drivers and apps.

If you prefer a Windows built-in solution to transferring files between SSD drives, try Backup and Restore (Windows 7). This works well if you also want to transfer data from one SSD to another laptop.

Using Windows Backup and Restore

Connect the new SSD via USB-to-SATA cable to your PC or install it internally.
Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Click Create a system image and choose the new SSD to save the backup.
Choose what drive to backup, confirm the backup settings, and click Start backup.
Replace the old SSD with the new one and use a bootable USB to restart your PC.
Restore the system image: Enter your language > Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > System Image Recovery > Select a system image > Select whether to “Format and repartition disks” > Click Finish.

If you do not want to replace your old SSD, it will be much easier: directly back up files from the old SSD to the new one.

To Sum Up

Upgrading to a new SSD can significantly boost your PC’s speed and storage capacity, but transferring data between SSDs can be tricky. This article covers 3 ways to transfer data from one SSD to another safely and efficiently, using manual methods, free tools, and paid solutions.

If you want a hassle-free and data loss-free solution, try EaseUS Disk Copy. It lets you move everything from one SSD to another without losing data or reinstalling anything. EaseUS SSD cloning software can help you move data from one SSD to another easily and quickly. Try it now!

FAQs on How to Transfer Data from SSD to Another

1. Can I transfer data from SSD to another SSD?

Yes. You can use cloning software to copy everything from the old SSD to the new one, manually copy and paste files, or backup and restore data from one SSD to another.

2. How do you transfer data from one external SSD to a new one on a Mac?

Use Time Machine to create a full backup of your external SSD and restore it to a new SSD or clone with Disk Utility to make an exact copy of your external SSD onto the new SSD. For simple file transfers, you can also try drag-and-drop.

3. How do I transfer the operating system from one SSD to another?

You can clone the SSD or perform a clean installation to transfer the operating system from one SSD to another. Cloning lets you migrate the OS from the old SSD to the new one, such as SATA SSD, M.2 SSD, or NVMe SSD. You will not lose your data or reinstall apps after cloning. Performing a clean installation can also move Windows from one SSD to another, but you need to reinstall all necessary apps and drivers.

4. How to transfer files from old SSD to new computer?

The easiest way to transfer files from the old SSD to your new PC is to clone it. Plug your old SSD into the PC via the SATA-to-USB cable and plug into the USB port on your new PC. Then, run disk cloning software like Clonezilla or EaseUS Disk Copy to clone the old SSD to the disk on your new PC.