Cloning copies an entire hard drive, including Windows, programs, settings and files, onto another drive so the new one boots exactly like the old. It’s the fastest way to upgrade to a bigger drive or an SSD without reinstalling Windows. Windows 10 doesn’t include a cloning tool, so you’ll use your SSD maker’s software or a free utility. This guide covers what you need, the cloning steps, swapping drives, fixing boot problems, and alternatives.
Quick Answer
- Connect the new drive (inside the PC or with a USB adapter).
- Install a cloning tool, such as your SSD maker’s migration software or the free Clonezilla.
- Choose the old drive as the source and the new drive as the destination, and start the clone.
- Swap the drives (or change the boot order) and start Windows from the new drive.
What You Need
- A destination drive at least as large as the used space on the old drive (many tools can clone to a smaller SSD if the data fits).
- A way to connect it: a second internal slot (M.2 or SATA), or a USB-to-SATA or USB-to-NVMe adapter for laptops.
- A backup of important files, in case you pick the wrong drive.
- Your BitLocker recovery key if the drive is encrypted; you may want to suspend BitLocker before cloning.
Cloning Tools
| Tool | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSD maker software | Often free with their drives | Samsung, Crucial, WD and others provide migration or cloning tools for their SSDs; easiest option |
| Clonezilla | Free, open source | Boots from USB; text-based menus; very reliable |
| Commercial backup suites | Paid or trial | Guided interfaces and extra features; check current free-edition status, as some have been discontinued |
Download tools only from official websites.
Step-by-Step Clone
- Clean up first: run Disk Cleanup and empty the Recycle Bin to reduce what needs copying.
- Connect the new drive. If it’s brand new, it may need initializing in Disk Management; most cloning tools handle this.
- Open the cloning tool and choose Clone disk or Migrate OS.
- Select the source (your current Windows drive, usually Disk 0) and the destination (the new drive). Double-check sizes and models; the destination will be erased.
- Choose partition options: let the tool resize partitions to use the whole new drive.
- Start the clone and wait. It can take from 20 minutes to several hours.
Swap Drives and Boot
- Laptop with one slot: shut down, replace the old drive with the new one, and start the PC.
- Desktop or two slots: enter the BIOS/UEFI (often F2, F10, F12 or Del at startup) and set the new drive first in the boot order, or disconnect the old drive for the first boot.
- Once Windows starts from the new drive, check This PC for the new capacity.
If the New Drive Won’t Boot
- Boot mode mismatch: make sure the BIOS uses the same mode (UEFI or Legacy) as before.
- Clone the whole disk, including the small EFI and recovery partitions, not just C:.
- Run Startup Repair from Windows installation media.
- Storage driver mode: keep the same SATA/RAID/AHCI setting in the BIOS.
After Cloning
- If there’s unallocated space, extend C: in Disk Management (right-click C: > Extend Volume). A recovery partition in the way may need a partition tool.
- For SSDs, confirm TRIM is on: run fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify (0 means on).
- Keep the old drive untouched for a week as a backup, then wipe or reuse it.
- Resume BitLocker if you suspended it.
Alternatives to Cloning
- Clean install: install Windows fresh on the new drive and copy files; slower but gives a clean start.
- System image: create one with Backup and Restore (Windows 7) in Control Panel and restore it onto the new drive from recovery.
For moving to an SSD specifically, see how to transfer Windows to a new SSD.
If you want a second drive that stays in sync all the time, set up a mirrored drive in Windows 10 instead.
Done with the old external drive? See how to wipe an external hard drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Windows need reactivating?
No, if the motherboard stays the same. The digital license is tied to your PC.
Can I clone while using the PC?
Many Windows-based tools clone while Windows runs; bootable tools like Clonezilla require restarting from USB.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Summary
- Connect the new drive and back up.
- Use an SSD maker tool or Clonezilla to clone the whole disk.
- Swap drives or change the boot order.
- Extend partitions and keep the old drive as a temporary backup.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.