How to Upgrade SSD Without Losing Data on PC & Laptop

Are you looking for a way to upgrade SSD drive on your PC? This article will tell you how to upgrade SSD without losing data with the help of SSD cloning software - EaseUS Disk Copy.

If your desktop PC or laptop is preinstalled with a small SSD, such as a 250G SSD, your computer will run slowly after a long use. Under such circumstances, upgrading your SSD holds significant importance if you don't want to buy a new PC, but how about your data on your old SSD when changing SSD? Don't worry. This article from EaseUS will tell you how to upgrade SSD without losing data and provide detailed information about SSD upgrades. Let's move on!

What You Need to Do Before Upgrading SSD

If your computer is suffering from insufficient storage space, you might need to have an SSD upgrade for a better and smoother experience. However, before upgrading SSD, you must prepare a few things:

1️⃣Get a new SSD. You need to buy an SSD with enough capacity. Generally speaking, a 500GB SSD is enough for future OS updates and data storage. If you are a content creator or gamer, a 1TB SSD is preferred. Moreover, you should pay attention to SSD's specifications compatibility. You should consider the SSD's form factor (e.g., 2.5-inch, M.2, U.2), and interface (e.g., SATA, PCIe NVMe).

2️⃣Backup data. Prior to any hard disk upgrade, it is vital to back up files to prevent any potential data loss risks. This can make sure your data remains safe and accessible even though something goes wrong during the hardware upgrade process. To this end, you can try Windows built-in backup tools, like Backup and Restore (Windows 70 and professionals free backup software, like EaseUS Todo Backup.

3️⃣Prepare all necessary tools. You will need a screwdriver to open the laptop or desktop backup case. In addition, you will also need a USB-to-SATA cable, M.2 to USB cable, or hard drive enclosure to connect the new SSD to your PC.

4️⃣Download SSD cloning software. Cloning is the best and most effective way to upgrade SSD on PC without losing data, as cloning can help transfer everything from one hard drive to another, including the installed Windows and saved data. Unfortunately, Windows has no preinstalled cloning features. Under such circumstances, you must use third-party disk cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy, a professional and easy-to-use SSD cloner.

How to Change SSD Without Losing Data

It should not be a daunting task to upgrade SSD without reinstalling Windows or losing data if you choose the right way and perform carefully. In this part, you will learn how to replace SSD without losing data:

Part 1. Transfer Data from Old SSD to New One

Transferring installed OS and data is the key concern when swapping SSD if you do not want to clean install Windows. As mentioned above, this is no longer the case with the help of cloning. In this regard, professional disk cloning software - EaseUS Disk Copy - can help.

It is a dedicated cloning tool to transfer data from one SSD to another and upgrade HDD to SSD without losing data. It is a practical tool that lets you transfer SSD to new SSD and clone SSDs of different sizes. In addition, it can also let you transfer data from laptop to external hard drive with just several simple clicks. Here is how to clone an old SSD to a new SSD:

Part 2. Replace Old SSD with New SSD

After successfully cloning the old SSD to the new SSD using EaseUS SSD clone software, it is high time you replace the old SSD with the new one. Follow these steps to do so:

Step 1. Power off your PC. Shut down and unplug it from the power source.

Step 2. Open the PC's casing. Use the right tools to open the casing, depending on your desktop or laptop. For detailed guidance, refer to the manufacturer's manual or online resources.

Step 3. Remove the old SSD. Access the SSD bay and find the old SSD on your PC. Unscrew it from its slot and gently remove it.

Step 4. Install the new SSD. Take the new SSD and align it with the SSD slot. Use screws, if necessary, to secure the new SSD.

Step 5. Put the casing back. Once the new SSD is installed, close your PC's casing using the screws or clips.

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Part 3. Boot from the New SSD

After replacing the SSDs, the last step is to boot from the new SSD. If you use a laptop, your computer can recognize the SSD directly, so there is nothing to do. This will be different if you use a desktop PC. Here is how to go for it:

Step 1. Plug in your computer and power it on.

Step 2. Press the BIOS key on keyboard to access the BIOS setup screen. The BIOS key varies depending on the PC's manufacturer (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).

Step 3. Go to the Boot section via the arrow key on your keyboard.

Step 4. Move the SSD to the top of the boot order list using the arrow key.

Step 5. Save changes before quitting the BIOS setup screen.

Step 6. Reboot the PC, and your PC is able to boot from the new SSD.

If your PC cannot boot from the cloned SSD, refer to the following article:

To Wrap Things Up

That is all about how to upgrade SSD without losing data. This article tells you how to upgrade SSD on PC without losing data by cloning your old SSD to a new one and everything you should consider before and after SSD cloning. Following the steps in this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of an upgraded SSD on your PC while keeping your valuable data.

Compared with clean install Windows, cloning is a better way to save your from reinstall Windows and all programs. EaseUS Disk Copy is a reliable and efficient SSD cloning software that can help you upgrade SSD without reinstalling Windows. Just download and try it!

FAQs on How to Replace SSD Without Losing Data

1. What is the best way to replace my SSD Drive without losing any data?

Cloning is the best way to replace SSD without losing data. You must use third-party cloning software, such as EaseUS Disk Copy or Clonezilla, to help you.

2. If I replace my SSD will Ilose everything on Windows PC?

Does changing SSD lose data? The answer is yes. If you replace your SSD, you cannot access the data on your old SSD, and if it is your boot drive, you will also lose your Windows. Cloning can help you avoid such issues.

3. How to upgrade SSD without reinstalling Windows?

To change SSD without reinstalling Windows, just clone it. Connect the new SSD to your PC and use SSD cloning software to clone your old SSD to your new one. Cloning can help you transfer your data and Windows from one hard drive to another.

4. Can you install a new SSD without cloning?

Yes, you can. However, if it's a brand new or an empty drive (without an OS), then you would have to install the operating system on it and all applications.