How to Clone Your Boot Drive to SSD Without Having to Reinstall Windows or Any Other Programs

Learn how to clone your Windows boot drive from an old hard drive to a new solid state drive (SSD) without having to reinstall Windows or any other programs. If you want to speed up an older computer, upgrading to a new, faster SSD is easier than you think. No need to go through the pain of reinstalling everything--just clone your boot drive!

This step-by-step video will show you exactly what hardware and software you need to clone your boot drive, whether you are using a desktop or laptop computer. You'll learn how the majority of cloning software is free if you are upgrading to a new SSD, and how to connect your new SSD to the computer so the cloning process can happen.

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[karlkiltz]

03 June 2024, Finally got tired of waiting 5 minutes for my computer to boot up and after viewing your clear and concise video I will upgrade my noisy and slow HDD to an SSD. Thank you for this excellent video.

[klyiu]

Amazing. This video is long but it's exactly what I need - the step by instructions are delivered calmly in an structured approach. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. It's truly appreciated.

[limlim]

Hi Fred. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise with the world. 3 years after you posted this video, this video is still helping people. I am from Singapore, saw your video and I followed your steps and got the job done. This video is very detailed, covers every aspect of cloning hard disk.

The world needs more people like you!

[morhywaden]

An excellent demonstration by this gentleman. None of the slick "Hi Guys" then rattle through a demonstration leaving me breathless. Really impressed by his calm delivery.

[GLACIOUS]

This is a good teaching video. Those of you (not too many) who thought it was too long are (probably) not teachers. As a "Driver's Ed" instructor with 30+ years of experience it was just the right length with an appropriate amount of repetition. For my current skill level with computers it was a touch lengthy. For my 2008 skill level it was just what I needed. Plus, watching another teachers technique added to my own skills as a teacher. Thanks, Nerd Sidekick for your time and effort.

[montybates]

Great class. All of this worked for me quite well. I might add that it can take 4 - 6 hours to clone your old hard drive. That's how long it took mine anyway. I'd advise everyone to get the kit if they are upgrading a desktop. My next project will be a laptop so I hope it works as well! Thank you for making this video.

[yamelamadorfernandez]

This is about learning how to do it with ease and with a methodology that is based in throwing parallel explanations about cables, connectors, good closeups and a back screen explaining acronyms so if you teach others is more than understandable and very recommended that you do not asume people already know everything and give appropriate explanations and of course the video that could take 5min for advanced users is taking almost 30min but is like being in a classroom learning it with excellent explanations with s simple language and no rush or time crusade. For me it was excellent because I evaluated it as what it is, a learning video. Good job buddy.

[carlostommybaggs]

When SATA appeared in my life, I purchased a dual bay SATA drive dock by inateck. The new version of my device would cost around $50 US today and is available on amazon. You simply remove the dive from your PC and place it in Slot A on the dock. Put your new drive in slot B and press the device's offline cloning button and wait for the cloning process to complete. Then you install your shiny new drive. That's it, job done. The drive dock is also useful as it can turn any SATA drive into a plug in USBc drive, I also use it to backup PC system drives onto offline large capacity HDD's for safe storage elsewhere.
FYI; I am the I.T support for my entire family and I have never regretted buying this thing as it has removed hours of unnecessary messing about and uncertainty every time I have used it.

[Sradabaugh]

Just replaced a hard drive that had started to click as it loaded programs with a new Samsung SSD. Your method worked perfectly. Thank you.

[jonuthack]

This video is the best explanation of how to replace the old hard drive with a SSDrive. I'll take the plunge and try to exchange the stage coach speed of my desktop with that of a 'jetliner'. Well, maybe not a jetliner. Clearly spoken even for those with hearing problems. Thanks a lot

[clozano]

Awesome video, sir! No frills, just calm & smooth explanations. Thanks.

[larrymoran_THE_CODGER]

Thank you Sir. This video is definitely five stars out of five star rating.👍👍 Further, the video host is the closest thing to a "Mr. Rogers of Tech" as is possible. His calm, clear, and friendly presentation. I'm sure is reassuring to anyone without a lot of computer experience.😊 I have built several computers, but have never cloned a drive before, and this video will definitely assist me. Lastly, not that it's important, but I have a feeling that the host is either an active member or veteran of Military service, as am I.😉

[irieforall]

I have built 3 PC's this video is great for everyone. I learnt something, most SSD's come with free cloning, thanks for that.

[ultimategamingfriends]

10:39 even tho it was not a supposed to be a joke i was laughing when he said “in my case” that double meaning is so perfect haha

[smallworld]

Replaced my 256 ssd with a Samsung 2tb following your instructions and it worked like a charm. Thank you so much. The other videos on YouTube are super tedious in comparison...

[johncherish]

IMPORTANT NOTE: After cloning Windows OS you may need to re-validate your Microsoft OS and MS-Office as it will report that the Licence key isn't validated in most cases you will need to be online to allow the software to check the License validation server and validate don't forget this important step. With OS's like Linux this isn't necessary

[juztsteve]

Great tutorial video. Just one thing that I noticed was that it was quite a while into the video that you first mentioned anything about making sure that the power was disconnected from your computer. That is very important, especially for those that have little or no experience with this type of procedures. Like I mentioned, this is otherwise a very educational video. Keep up the good work!

[louietesta]

Very informative and impressive educational video, has to be one of the best I have ever seen. I could tell you had everything prepared and ready before hand, and knew exactly what you were going to say during the presentation.

Thank You for taking the time to make and share this great video.

[frozenhouse]

I've been working at a body shop for a bit now and extra tips I learned was if you're painting the door, it's better to take off the mirror and belt molding (the trim at the bottom of the window) for a better paint job in the end. The mirror can get in the way, and if you're unlucky, the clear coat could stick in that gap between the door and the belt molding.

[Packrat]

You talk nice and slow and speak clearly. I'm a tech since 2006 at residential only. I clone every disc as a safety measure. Things can sometimes go wrong.