Migrating Windows 10 OS partition to SSD


  1. Posts : 22
    Windows 10 April update 1803
       #1

    Migrating Windows 10 OS partition to SSD


    So I just installed a new MX300 M2 275GB SSD into my Acer nitro 791g laptop and formatted as GPT. I want to migrate/clone my OS partition to the SSD, and wipe the C partition on the old HDD. The first 3 partitions are system reserved I believe with the 3rd being the recovery partition the laptop came with (Windows 8) and I'd like to delete or preferably replace it with my own recovery image.
    I have a few concerns though like what program to use, and how to avoid any errors on bootup (also the consequences of formatting C drive without cleaning the MBR etc). Also, would you recommend I merge the C drive with D or leave it be on its own? Since that would create fragmentation (files would present starting 214gb mark if I merge before it I guess?).
    Thanks.
    Migrating Windows 10 OS partition to SSD-computer-management.png
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Well, if you merged C: drive and D: drive first, then resulting partition would no longer fit onto a 275GB SSD. So that is out.

    I recommend Macrium Reflect Free:
    Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

    Create a Macrium Reflect rescue drive that the program offers to make for you. Or create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD of Kyhi's Recovery Tools which also contains Macrium Reflect:
    Windows 10 Recovery Tools - Bootable Rescue Disk - Windows 10 Forums

    Boot from the rescue/recovery USB drive or DVD that you create.

    Clone the 300MB EFI system partition and the C: drive partition to the SSD. After you clone those two partitions, under the Macrium restore menu is a utility to fix Windows boot problems. Run that utility. Select the Windows installation on the SSD to fix - ignore the Windows installation on the HDD. Then select the EFI System partition on the SSD to repair. After that is done, shutdown the computer, pull the cable from the old HDD and see if you can boot from the SSD. If you can, then you can reconnect the HDD and do with what you want to.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 22
    Windows 10 April update 1803
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hey, what about the 600MB partition will it be recreated on its own? Or do I just let it remain on the old HDD?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    hemingway59 said:
    Hey, what about the 600MB partition will it be recreated on its own? Or do I just let it remain on the old HDD?
    You don't really need it.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 22
    Windows 10 April update 1803
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Alright, I successfully cloned the EFI partition and Windows to the SSD. However, roughly 15-20sec after bootup, I get presented with a Windows 10 on volume 2 and volume 6 blue screen asking me to choose which one to boot.
    How do I get rid of it? And what do I do now about the old HDD partition with windows, do I format and merge it to the D drive or leave it be as separate?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    hemingway59 said:
    Alright, I successfully cloned the EFI partition and Windows to the SSD. However, roughly 15-20sec after bootup, I get presented with a Windows 10 on volume 2 and volume 6 blue screen asking me to choose which one to boot.
    How do I get rid of it? And what do I do now about the old HDD partition with windows, do I format and merge it to the D drive or leave it be as separate?
    Once you get into the Windows 10 running from the SSD, run MSCONFIG. Go to the boot tab. There you should be able to delete the extra boot menu entry.

    Make sure the computer boots with the HDD cable disconnected. Once you get the extra boot menu entry deleted, and you are sure the computer is booting from the SSD and not the HDD, then you can safely delete the old Windows partition on the HDD and expand the D: drive partition to fill the empty space.
      My Computer


 

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