The M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) is a faster and more efficient version of a traditional SSD. It’s also known for its compact size and extensive storage capacity. However, if you want to upgrade your computer’s storage, you may want to clone an existing SSD to the new M.2 SSD. Cloning allows you to transfer all your files, applications, and the operating system to the new drive without having to reinstall everything from scratch.
Cloning an SSD to an M.2 SSD is an excellent way to improve your computer’s performance, especially if you’re running out of storage space on your old SSD. However, the process of cloning an SSD to an M.2 SSD can be a bit tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. There are several steps involved, and you need to ensure that you’re doing everything correctly to avoid losing your data. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of cloning your old SSD to a new M.2 SSD.
How to Clone SSD to M.2?
Cloning an SSD to an M.2 drive means creating an exact copy of the SSD’s content onto an M.2 drive without any data loss. This process is essential when upgrading the system’s storage or replacing a faulty SSD with an M.2 drive. Cloning the SSD to an M.2 drive can be done in three ways:
Method 1: Through third-party cloning software
1. Acquire a reliable third-party cloning software such as EaseUS, Macrium Reflect, or Clonezilla.
2. Connect the M.2 drive to the system (via an M.2 slot or an adapter).
3. Run the cloning software and select the SSD as the source disk and the M.2 drive as the destination disk.
4. Choose the cloning method – sector-by-sector or standard. The sector-by-sector is slower but more thorough, while standard is quicker but skips free spaces.
5. After confirming all the disk details, run the cloning software, and wait for it to finish the cloning process.
Method 2: Through Windows’ built-in cloning tool
1. Connect the M.2 drive to the system (via an M.2 slot or an adapter).
2. Press the Windows key + R to open the run command and type “diskmgmt.msc.”
3. Right-click on the SSD’s partition and select “Copy.”
4. Right-click on the unallocated space of the M.2 drive and select “Paste.”
5. After the cloning process is complete, right-click on the M.2’s partition and select “Mark Partition As Active.”
6. Restart the system, and it should boot from the M.2 drive.
Method 3: Through the SSD manufacturer’s cloning software
1. Check if the SSD manufacturer provides cloning software for their SSDs.
2. Download and install the cloning software.
3. Connect the M.2 drive to the system (via an M.2 slot or an adapter).
4. Run the software and select the SSD as the source disk and the M.2 drive as the destination disk.
5. Choose the cloning method, sector-by-sector, or standard.
6. Confirm the disk details and run the cloning software, and wait for it to finish the process.
In summary, cloning an SSD to an M.2 drive requires third-party software, Windows’ built-in cloning tool, or the SSD manufacturer’s cloning software. With any of these methods, users can get an exact copy of the SSD without data loss, making it an effortless process to upgrade or replace storage media.
FAQ
1. What is the process of cloning an SSD to M.2?
Answer: The process of cloning an SSD to M.2 is copying all the data, system files, and applications from your existing SSD to a new M.2 drive.
2. What are the things needed to clone an SSD to M.2?
Answer: You will need a cloning software, a compatible M.2 drive, and an adapter if your computer does not have an M.2 slot.
3. Is it necessary to clone an SSD to M.2?
Answer: No, it is not necessary, but it is beneficial for faster read and write speeds that M.2 drives offer compared to traditional SSDs.
4. Which cloning software can be used for cloning SSD to M.2?
Answer: There are many cloning software available, but some popular ones are Acronis True Image, Samsung Data Migration, and EaseUS Todo Backup.
5. Can all SSDs be cloned to M.2?
Answer: No, not all SSDs can be cloned to M.2. M.2 drives have different sizes, interfaces, and protocols. It is best to check if your SSD is compatible with your chosen M.2 drive before cloning.
Conclusion
In summary, cloning your SSD to M.2 is a seamless and efficient way of upgrading your computer’s performance. It saves time and effort instead of the traditional method of reinstalling the operating system and transferring files manually. With the steps highlighted in this article, you can easily clone your SSD to M.2 without any hassle. Now, you can experience the high-speed performance of an M.2 drive and maximize your computer’s potential.
