I'm transferring your operating system.
I'm transferring your operating system.
I own a compact 500GB SSD for my OS and apps, but it’s filling up quickly. I’m considering switching to a bigger drive, possibly an M.2 model, and moving my operating system there. Anyone has done this before? Do you know the process or any tips for doing it smoothly? It would be helpful to keep my SSD for games while expanding storage.
Clone your current SSD to the new M.2 SSD using a cloning tool like Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup. Copy all partitions, including hidden system ones, to ensure proper booting. After confirming everything works on the new drive, format the old SSD so it functions as a game storage device. Open Disk Management, select the old SSD partitions, right-click and choose "Delete Volume." Create a fresh simple volume using the full SSD capacity. You're all set!
Windows allows native cloning via xcopy, though partitions lacking drive letters won't work. Hidden partitions must be accessed for Windows to start, which means you'll need external tools. I previously used the Samsung drive copy utility for transferring data between 970 EVO and 990 Pro, but I'm unsure about its exclusivity or alternatives. I prefer the method suggested by Blazepoit5, as they have positive reviews.