How to Clone SSD to Larger SSD in Windows (Full Guide)

Upgrading to a larger SSD doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, cloning your current SSD is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to move everything—your operating system, programs, files, and settings—without starting from scratch. Whether you’re running out of space or simply want better performance, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, no tech expertise required.

Prepare for Cloning Your SSD

Before jumping into the cloning process, make sure you have everything ready to go. Here’s a quick checklist to keep things smooth and simple:

• A Target SSD: Choose a drive with enough space to hold everything from your current SSD. Double-check that your motherboard supports the new drive’s form factor (2.5" or M.2) and interface (SATA or NVMe).
• An Adapter or External Enclosure: If your PC doesn’t have an extra drive bay or M.2 slot, you’ll need a SATA-to-USB adapter or an NVMe enclosure to connect the new SSD externally.
• Basic Tools: A screwdriver is essential for opening your computer and swapping the drives.
• SSD Cloning Software: You'll need reliable software to handle the cloning process. One solid option is AOMEI Cloner, which is purpose-built for this kind of task.

Why use AOMEI Cloner for SSD cloning? AOMEI Cloner makes the SSD cloning process straightforward, efficient, and accessible. Here’s what sets it apart:

✅ Beginner-Friendly Design

AOMEI Cloner features an intuitive interface with step-by-step instructions, making it easy for anyone—whether you're tech-savvy or not—to complete a successful clone.

✅ Flexible Cloning Options

Choose from multiple cloning modes to fit your needs:

• System Clone to transfer only your operating system (including drivers and boot files) to a new SSD or HDD.
• Disk Clone to duplicate your entire drive, including the OS, apps, and files.
• Partition Clone to copy specific partitions only.

✅ Smart Clone Technology

Only the used sectors are cloned, which speeds up the process and minimizes the time it takes to complete the transfer.

✅ Broad Compatibility

Supports a wide range of storage devices and brands, including SSDs from Samsung, WD, Crucial, Kingston, and more. It also works with HDDs, NVMe drives, USB storage, and even dynamic disks.

How to Clone Your SSD to a Larger SSD (Step-by-Step)

Using AOMEI Cloner is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to clone SSD to larger SSD—no need to reinstall Windows, apps, or reconfigure your settings. Just follow these simple steps:

💡 Quick Tip: Before you begin, connect your new SSD to your computer using a compatible interface—SATA, M.2, or a USB adapter/enclosure.

Step 1. Head to AOMEI’s official website and download the latest version of AOMEI Cloner. Follow the installation wizard's instructions, then launch the software.

Step 2. In the main menu, click "Clone" on the left sidebar, then select "Disk Clone" to create a full copy of your existing drive.

Step 3. From the list of available disks, choose your current SSD (the one you’re replacing) as the source. Click Next to continue.

Step 4. Now, choose your new, larger SSD as the target and click Next. You’ll see a warning that all data on this drive will be erased. If you’re ready, click OK to proceed.

⚠️ Important: Back up any data on the new SSD before continuing, as it will be completely overwritten.

Step 5. To make full use of your new SSD’s extra space, click "Edit Partitions". Choose either:

• "Add unused space to all partitions" (automatic resizing)
• "Manually adjust partition size" (custom layout)

Step 6. Check the box labeled "SSD Alignment" at the bottom of the window. This helps optimize your SSD’s performance and longevity.

Step 7. Double-check all your selections, then initiate the cloning operation by selecting "Start Clone". The time required will vary based on the size of the data being copied.

Step 8. Once the cloning is complete, you can boot from the newly cloned SSD:

• Power off your computer.
• Remove the original SSD and install the newly cloned SSD in its place.
• Power on your PC. It should boot directly from the new drive.

👉 Troubleshooting Tip:

If your system doesn’t boot from the new SSD, enter your BIOS/UEFI settings and make sure the new SSD is set as the primary boot device.

The End

Running out of storage or looking to boost performance? Upgrading to a larger SSD is a smart, future-proof solution—and cloning your current drive makes the transition effortless. With user-friendly tools like AOMEI Cloner, you can transfer your entire system without the hassle of reinstalling anything. Just follow this step-by-step guide to safely clone your SSD and enjoy a faster, more spacious setup with zero data loss.