“I want to install OS onto my new Samsung SSD drive. But when trying to clone my HDD (Seagate 2TB) to my new Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD with Samsung Data Migration, it tells me that there is not enough space, Can I just clone OS to Samsung 850 EVO SSD drive?”
In fact, many users want to perform Samsung Data Migration OS only due to not enough space, but Samsung Data Migration will migrate all of their data, including their current operating system, application software, and user data, from the existing storage device (e.g.: HDD) to a new Samsung SSD.
Need need to worry. You can transfer OS only by using a powerful Samsung SSD cloning software. But if your target SSD can hold everything on the original storage device, Samsung Data Migration is worth trying. I'll introduce you to both of them in detail.
Solid-state drive (SSD) has become more and more popular in the past few years. Compared to traditional hard disk drive (HDD), its smaller size, rapid processing capacity, from 128GB to 8TB, and faster read & write speed makes it a better boot drive for many users.
Thus, if your computer takes a long time to boot or has a low response in daily use, an SSD drive will be your best choice. Among the famous SSDs like Toshiba OCZ SSD, Samsung 850 EVO SSD, SanDisk SSD, Seagate SSD, etc. Samsung SSD drives own a large number of users due to its excellent performance and good reputation.
What's more, you don't need to waste time reinstalling Windows and programs as it comes with your new Samsung SSD after OS migration.
Try this method if your Samsung SSD is larger than the original disk. If not, check content in the next part.
Step 1. Shut down your PC and connect your Samsung SSD with the USB-to-SATA or M.2 cable, depending your disk slot.
Step 2. Start your PC. Install and run Samsung Data Migration. Click Start in the lower right corner.
Step 3. Verify the source disk you want to move from and select the new Samsung SSD as the target disk. The target disk will be overwritten, so please make sure you have chosen the right target disk.
Step 4. Click Start and hit Yes at the warning message. Wait for the cloning progress to be completed.
Step 5. Click quit to exit the software. Then turn off your PC, replace the original drive with the new one, and boot up from the new one.
Except for Samsung Data Migration, you can also use the best alternative cloning software - Qiling Disk Master Professional. Its System Clone feature only includes the operating system, installed program, data, etc. on the system partition.
In addition, it has a user-friendly GUI, which makes it easy to complete the Samsung SSD OS migration job. And the process will be running in the background.
Before you start, connect the Samsung SSD drive to your PC, and download Qiling Disk Master to have a try if you use Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista. For server users, try the Qiling Disk Master Server. Prepare a connector if your computer has only one slot.
(PS: The Clone features in the free trial version can be demonstrated only, to transfer OS to Samsung SSD and boot from it, please upgrade now and you can enjoy a 20% discount.)
Step 1. Install and run Qiling Disk Master Professional, on the main window, choose Clone > System Clone in turn.
Step 2. Select the new Samsung SSD as the destination disk to save the OS from your hard drive. It will automatically select the system partition and system reserved partition. Then click Next.
Step 3. Click Proceed to clone OS to Samsung SSD drive. Make sure the SSD Alignment option is checked, since it can improve the reading and writing speed as well as extend SSD’s lifespan.
#1: Shut down your computer, replace the hard drive with the SSD, then boot from it;
#2: Restart the computer to boot into BIOS or UEFI BIOS to set up the first boot device is the cloned SSD, then boot from it.
Although Samsung Data Migration does not allow you to only transfer OS to Samsung SSD, you can still use Qiling Disk Master to finish Samsung OS migration within 3 steps. It clones only used sectors by default, thus you don't need to worry about insufficient disk space issues anymore. It supports expanding the size of system partition and boosts SSD disk performance.
Meanwhile, Qiling Disk Master is also a comprehensive PC backup tool that can backup all important data on your new SSD in the future. In its Tech or TechPlus edition, you can deploy image to multiple computers at the same time. For differences, check the edition comparison page. Rush into this tool and discover more!