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Timothy1525's avatar
Timothy1525
Iron Contributor
Mar 07, 2025

Clone to the new drive or reinstall?

Hi all,

I recently bought a new SSD drive (Samsung 990 Pro 2TB) and I want to install my system on it. Since I already have used my machine for a while but on another SSD (Kingston KC2000 1TB). I don’t want to do complete install of all the software, games, files, drivers and so on, that’s why I think cloning would be better but I’ve done that.

Is it good idea to clone my whole Windows ssd to the new ssd? What problems may it occur or will it be flawless? Just asking because I don’t want to waste my time instead of clean install and I will be glad to know your experience with it.

configuration
deployment

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  • RyderNova's avatar
    RyderNova
    Iron Contributor
    Mar 18, 2025

    1. Steps to clone to a new drive: Download and install a reliable cloning tool (Macrium Reflect, Acronis True Image, Todo Backup, etc.).
    Prepare the new drive and make sure its capacity is greater than or equal to the used space of the old drive.
    2. Connect the new drive: Connect the new drive to the computer (via USB adapter or directly to the motherboard).
    3. Run the cloning tool: Open the cloning tool and select “Clone Disk” or similar option.
    Select the source drive (old drive) and destination drive (new drive).
    4. Start cloning: After confirming that the settings are correct, start the cloning process.
    Wait for the cloning to complete (time depends on the amount of data).
    5. Replace Drive: Shut down the computer, remove the old drive and install the new drive.
    Boot the computer, enter BIOS/UEFI setup, and make sure the system boots from the new drive.
    6. Check the system: After booting, check if the system is running properly.
    Run chkdsk and sfc /scannow to check system integrity.
    7. Steps to reinstall Windows 11: Create installation media:
    Download the Windows 11 ISO file and create a USB installation media using Media Creation Tool or Rufus.
    8. Connect the new drive: Install the new drive to the computer.
    9. Boot from the installation media: Insert the USB installation media and restart the computer.
    Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup and set the USB device as the first boot item.
    10. Start the installation: Select the language, time and keyboard input method, click “Next”.
    Click “Install Now” and enter the product key (if required).
    Select “Customize Installation”.
    11. Delete old partitions: In the drive selection screen, delete all old partitions.
    Select the new drive as the installation target and click Next.
    12. Complete the installation: Wait for the installation process to complete and the system will reboot automatically.
    Follow the prompts to complete the initial setup (create user accounts, configure privacy settings, etc.).
    13. Install drivers and software:
    Install the necessary drivers (graphics card, chipset, network adapter, etc.).
    Reinstall required applications.
    14. Activate the system: If the system is not activated automatically, manually enter the product key to activate Windows.

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