How to Migrate Windows To New NVMe (3 Working Solutions)

Updated by

Cici 

Updated on Nov 16, 2024

Migrating your Windows to an NVMe drive can significantly enhance your system's performance and hence is beneficial for users who want faster boot-up time, access time to data and efficient functioning in general. However, migrating an entire window system, including all the files, settings, and applications users have on their computer, may seem almost stressful. But to address this problem, we have put together this detailed guide for you to follow.

In this guide, you will learn how to clone Windows to a new NVMe drive using three effective methods. All solutions provide detailed, illustrated guide to assist you in moving your data over so that you can take full advantage of NVMe without the inconvenience. EaseUS will guide you through the process of migrating Windows safely and effectively to your new NVMe drive.

How to Migrate Windows to New NVMe - 3 Working Solutions

There are various ways to migrate Windows to a new NVMe disk, all with advantages and simplicity of use. In this section, we will discuss three efficient ways to move your Windows system, starting with the most user-friendly and dependable choice.

Solution 1: Migrate Windows via EaseUS Partition Master (for Beginner)

EaseUS Partition Master Professional makes migrating Windows to an NVMe SSD easy. A disk management-specific tool simplifies and speeds up migration. Users can save time and avoid data loss by transferring their operating system, files, settings, and apps directly to the NVMe drive with EaseUS Partition Master.

For users unfamiliar with complex configurations, EaseUS Partition Master is faster and safer than manual transfer. Unlike typical cloning tools, it provides precise disk resizing during migration to optimise NVMe space. Here are the steps: 

1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, go to the Clone section, click "Migrate OS" and click "Next" to continue.

2. Select the target SSD you want to migrate Windows OS to, and click "Next".

3. Click "Yes" to confirm the you want to exceute the operation. 

4. Click "Start" to start migrating your OS to the new SSD.

5. When the process completes, you'll see a confirming message, asking "if you want to start up computer from the clone target disk".

Tick "Adjust the order to boot from the clone target disk" and click the respective button through your demands. 

• Reboot Now means to reboot your PC and configure the computer to boot OS from the new disk immediately.
• Done means you want to make the changes later. 

 

In addition to OS migration, EaseUS Partition Master offers several other features that can help streamline the migration process and enhance your system management, such as:

• Partition resizing to adjust partitions before or after migration
• Disk clone feature to clone Windows to SSD for free
• System optimization tools to enhance system performance post-migration
• SSD format tool to format a drive

Users who want to upgrade to an NVMe disk will find EaseUS Partition Master a dependable option with its simple UI and robust feature set. EaseUS Partition Master is especially advised if you want a quick, easy tool to manage your Windows transfer.

Solution 2: Using Command Prompt (for Advanced Users)

Command-prompt migration is also an efficient and versatile approach for people who have expertise with command-line operations. Advanced users who prefer greater control will find this method appropriate. This method allows you directly manage the migration process. To prevent mistakes that can compromise the integrity of your data, follow the given steps precisely.

Step 1. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). This will allow access to system-level commands for the migration.

Step 2. Type wbadmin start backup -backupTarget:D: -include:C: -allCritical and press Enter.Replace “D:” with the drive letter to create a full system image of your Windows installation.

Step 3. Launch the disk management tool to prepare the NVMe drive.

Step 4. In Command Prompt, type diskpart and press Enter to open the disk partition tool. Use list disk to view all disks, then find and select the NVMe drive with the required disk

Step 5. Type clean to remove existing partitions, then convert GPT to prepare the NVMe for installation in GPT format.

Step 6. Restore the system image to the NVMe Drive. Type: wbadmin start recovery -version:MM/DD/YYYY-HH:MM -item Type: Volume -items:C: -recoveryTarget:X: (adjust date/time and target drive).

Step 7. Restart, enter BIOS, and set the NVMe as the primary boot device. Boot from NVMe and ensure all data and settings are transferred correctly

Ensure that Windows works smoothly and confirm that all data and settings have been transferred successfully once your system starts from the NVMe disk. You can format your old disk now if you want to use it for extra storage.

Solution 3: Utilize the Built-In Backup and Restore Functionality

You can also use Windows' built-in Backup and Restore utility to move Windows to your new NVMe disk. This technique makes use of Windows' built-in system backup capabilities to produce a complete system image and transfer it to your new drive. Here's how:

Step 1. Go to "Control Panel" > "Backup and Restore," then select Create a system image on the left.

Step 2. Select a drive with enough space to store the backup, then click Next.

Step 3. Ensure C: or your Windows drive is selected for backup, then confirm by clicking Start Backup.

Step 4. Use Disk Management to format and set up your NVMe drive if it's not already configured.

Step 5. Boot from a Windows installation disk or recovery drive, select Repair your computer, then Restore from a system image to transfer the backup onto the NVMe drive.

Restart, enter BIOS, and change the boot drive in BIOS, ensuring the system boots from the new NVMe. The built-in Backup and Restore option has proven to be simple and dependable for users who want Windows' native tools for transferring their OS to a new NVMe disk.

Do the three solutions solve your problem? If it works, share the article to help more people.

Conclusion

Converting any Window into a new NVMe drive may sound difficult, but it is possible if the right tools and methods are employed. In this article, we've explored three reliable solutions: EaseUS Partition Master, Command Prompt, and Windows Backup & Restore. Each method presented here provides varying degrees of difficulty, from the most straightforward EaseUS Partition Master to the radical use of Command Prompt.

In this article, we have focused on the most reliable methods, but the main aim is to migrate Windows properly to the new NVMe drive and ensure that it boots correctly. Among all the four options, EaseUS Partition Master is the most efficient and easiest for most users. It makes migration easy, has a simple wizard-like layout, and includes more useful features for partitions and data.

If you need easy and safe software to copy Windows to a new NVMe drive, EaseUS Partition Master is worth a try. Not only will it help you avoid any potential migration issues, but it will also make your overall drive management experience positive.

FAQs About How to Migrate Windows to New NVMe

Here are the solutions to your Windows NVMe drive migration questions. Our most frequently asked questions can help you through the process.

1. How do I migrate Windows to New M.2?

Built-in Windows Backup and Restore makes migrating Windows to an M.2 drive easy. Create a whole system image and restore it to the new M.2 drive with this utility. Here are the steps for you to follow:

• Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore.
• Create a system image from the left pane.
• Start a backup to an external drive or network location.
• Shut down the computer and install the M.2 disk after the backup.
• Boot from Windows installation or recovery media.
• Select Restore from a system image and select the earlier backup after Repairing your computer.
• Restore Windows to the M.2 disk using the prompts.

2. How do I get my computer to recognize my new NVMe SSD?

Your computer may not always identify a new NVMe SSD right away. Make sure that the SSD is correctly coupled to the motherboard and that the required drivers are fitted to fix this.

• Open Device Manager and check for any missing drivers.
• If drivers are missing, download and install them from the SSD manufacturer's website.
• Open Disk Management to initialize and format the new NVMe SSD.

3. Is it better to install OS on NVMe or SSD?

Usually, installing NVMe is a better choice, as your computer may not always identify a new NVMe SSD right away. Make sure that the SSD is correctly coupled to the motherboard and that the required drivers are fitted to fix this.