How to Replace SSD In PC Without Losing Data in 2024

Learn how to replace your SSD in a PC without losing data or reinstalling the Windows OS in 2024. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely upgrade your storage and keep your data intact.

Can I replace SSD myself on my PC without losing data?

Yes, you can upgrade your PC's SSD without losing data or reinstalling Windows. This step-by-step guide covers everything step-by-step.

You'll learn how to:

• Choose a new SSD
• Install the new SSD
• Set up SSD
• Clone SSD
• Optimize New SSD
• Reset Old SSD or HDD

Follow the tutorial to securely replace your SSD without data loss. If you've successfully swapped your SSD following this guide, don't forget to share this tutorial with others who may benefit from it. The complete process is straightforward, and with the right steps, anyone can upgrade their SSD/HDD without losing data.

1. Prepare a New SSD, Set It Up in the PC Correctly

The first step is to ensure you have a suitable replacement SSD. This section will walk you through selecting, installing, and setting up your new SSD.

Select a new SSD:

When selecting a new SSD, ensure its storage capacity exceeds the amount of data currently stored on your existing drive. This will ensure you have sufficient space to transfer all your files.

Types of SSDs you can choose from:

• SATA SSD: Compatible and reliable for most PCs, but slower than newer models.
• NVMe SSD: Offers significantly faster performance via the PCIe interface.
• M.2 SSD: A compact form factor that supports SATA and NVMe interfaces.
• PCIe SSD: Offers even faster speeds than NVMe M.2 SSDs, usually found in high-end systems.

Popular SSD brands:

• Samsung
• Crucial
• Western Digital
• Intel

Install the new SSD

The next step, after purchasing your SSD, is to install it. The installation method depends on the type of connection your PC supports. You can typically install the SSD using a connection cable, an SSD slot, or an external SSD enclosure. For desktop users, it's important to consult the user manual, as component placements can vary. Also, check that the SSD is compatible with your motherboard.

Necessary tools for SSD installation:

• The screwdriver is set to unscrew.
• The SSD that you want to install. (We're installing an M.2 SSD).

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Disconnect your PC from the power sources and then open the case. Unscrew the side of your case.

Step 2. Locate M.2 slot. Maybe behind your GPU, as mine is on the Z490 Unify.

(Image Source: tomsguide.com)

Step 3. If the motherboard has integrated heatsinks, remove one before installing an M.2 SSD. Unscrew it and set it aside temporarily.

(Image Source: tomsguide.com)

Step 4. Locate your M.2 SSD slot, remove the screw, and insert the SSD diagonally.

(Image Source: tomsguide.com)

Step 5. Screw it back in. The M.2 drive has a small semicircular hole, so you'll see where the screw goes.

Step 6. Once physical installation is done, reassemble hardware parts. Follow the same steps in reverse order.

Set up SSD

Now, you need to initialize your SSD to match the partition style of your current drive. The partition style of your SSD should align with the source HDD/SSD. For instance, if your old HDD uses MBR (Master Boot Record), your new SSD should also be set to MBR.

You can check and adjust this configuration using your PC's Disk Management settings. Follow the steps to set up and initialize the new SSD:

Step 1. Right-click the Start menu and select Disk Management.

Step 2. Ensure the SSD is shown as Online. If it appears as Offline, right-click the SSD and select Online.

Step 3. Right-click the new SSD and select Initialize Disk.

Step 4. In the Initialize Disk window, select the SSD and choose the appropriate partition style (MBR or GPT) based on your current drive.

Step 5. Click OK to begin the initialization process. Afterward, right-click the SSD and choose New Simple Volume.

Step 6. Follow the instructions in the New Simple Volume Wizard to allocate space.

Note: If the target SSD is already installed on your PC, make sure to back up your data and clean the drive before proceeding with the setup to avoid any data conflicts.

2. Replace SSD in PC/Laptop: Clone OS, Data, or Entire Disk to New SSD

To change the SSD in your PC or laptop without losing data, you'll need reliable disk cloning software like EaseUS Partition Master. This disk management tool makes SSD replacements, cloning your OS, transferring files, or upgrading to a larger SSD easy. EaseUS Partition Master offers all the essential features you need. You can also perform additional tasks, like converting MBR to GPT for Windows 11, resizing partitions, and more.

Key Features of EaseUS Partition Master:

• Clone the Operating System: Transfer Windows without reinstalling.
• Clone-specific data or files: Ideal for moving essential files only.
• Clone the entire disk: A complete solution for transferring everything from your current drive.

Download and install EaseUS Partition Master and follow the steps to clone your current disk to a new SSD:

Step 1. Select the source disk.

• Click the "Clone" from the left menu. Select the "Clone OS Disk" or "Clone Data Disk"  and click "Next".
• Choose the source disk and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the target disk.

• Choose the wanted HDD/SSD as your destination and click "Next" to continue.
• Read Warning message and confirm "Yes" button.

Step 3. View the disk layout and edit the target disk partition size. 

Then click "Continue" when the program warns it will wipe out all data on the target disk. (If you have valuable data on the target disk, back up it in advance.)

You can select "Autofit the disk", "Clone as the source" or "Edit disk layout" to customize your disk layout. (Select the last one if you want to leave more space for C drive.)

Step 4. Click "Start" to start the disk cloning process.

3. Configure the New SSD as the Boot Drive If You Replaced an OS SSD

If you're simply swapping out a data SSD or HDD with a new SSD, feel free to skip this section and move to the bonus tip. However, if your purpose is to replace your old OS disk and migrate the operating system to the new SSD, you should configure the new SSD as the boot drive. This step will be required after migrating the OS to a new SSD.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Restart your PC and press F2/F12/Del keys to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Once inside the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot or Boot Order section using the arrow keys on your keyboard.

Step 3. In the Boot Order section, you'll see a list of available drives. Select your new SSD and move it to the top of the list to set it as a primary boot device.

Step 4. Save the changes, exit BIOS, and restart the PC. Wait and let the PC boot up.

4. Bonus Tips for Changing SSD in PC, You Can't-Miss

It's important to optimize your new SSD for the best performance and properly reset your old SSD or HDD for future use. Here are some essential tips and best practices:

To Optimize Your New SSD:

• Enable TRIM: TRIM helps your SSD manage unused space efficiently, improving performance and longevity.
• 4K Align SSD: Proper 4K alignment ensures the SSD reads and writes data efficiently, reducing wear and boosting speed.
• Back-up SSD Data: Regularly back up important files to ensure data safety in case of failure.
• Set the Correct File System: Ensure your SSD partitions are formatted with the proper file system (e.g., NTFS for Windows or APFS for macOS).
• Check for Firmware Updates: Updated firmware can enhance performance and security.
• Disable Disk Defragmentation: SSDs don't need defragmentation, so disable this feature to avoid unnecessary wear.

To Reset Your Old SSD or HDD:

• Format Old Data SSD or HDD: Formatting it will clear out existing data and prepare it for new uses.
• Wipe the Drive Before Giving It Away: If you want to sell your old drive, wipe the entire drive to protect your privacy.

If you find these tips useful, please share them with others.

The Final

Swapping the SSD on your PC or laptop doesn't have to be a challenging or complex task. With the right preparation, tools, and a reliable software solution like EaseUS Partition Master, the process becomes seamless. EaseUS Partition Master provides everything you need to clone your OS, transfer data, and manage your drives efficiently.

FAQs about Replacing SSD

Do you have more queries about replacing SSD? Check out the FAQs below!

1. Will I lose my data if I change my SSD to a new one?

You won't lose your data if you properly clone your current SSD to the new one. Reliable disk cloning software like EaseUS Partition Master can eliminate the risk of data loss.

2. How do I know if I need to change my SSD or not?

When your SSD performs poorly, crashes frequently, runs out of space, or is nearing the end of its lifespan, you should consider replacing it.

3. How to install an SSD with an existing HDD on a PC?

To install an SSD alongside an existing HDD:

• Connect the SSD to an unoccupied SATA port or M.2 slot.
• Ensure the SSD is recognized by the BIOS.
• Format the SSD using Disk Management.
• Transfer the operating system and essential files to the SSD (optional).
• Use the HDD for storage and the SSD for the OS and applications.