Are you looking to move from HDD to SSD but hesitant as you have important data you don’t want to lose? Well, there is no need to hesitate. Read this article, where I have explained how you can easily and safely transfer data from HDD to SSD.
Let us get right into it.
Methods to Transfer Data from HDD to SSD
There are many methods using which you can move data from HDD to SSD. We have selected the top methods based on their effectiveness and ease of use with minimal risk. Let us take a look.
Method 1: Transfer Data from HDD to SSD by Copy and Paste option
The easiest method of data transfer is by using the copy-and-paste option. Here is how you can do it.
- Open the File Explorer.
- Go to This PC.
- Right-click on the HDD Drive and select the option Copy.
Note: The Cut option can also be used but I will advise you to use Copy so that you don’t lose your data if the transfer is interrupted unexpectedly.
- Open the SSD and click on Paste.
After the data transfer, check if all the data is transferred correctly. In case, your OS was booting using your Hard Disk Drive and you want to format it for repurposing or disposal, you should verify bootability using the SSD before proceeding with the format. We will discuss the process, after explaining all the transfer methods.
Method 2: Create a Disk Image
To preserve the entire disk structure and data integrity while transferring data creating a disk image is a reliable option. There are many free software for creating disk images. Choose one that you find suitable. Here we are giving an example of Disk2vhd.
- Download and Extract Disk2vhd.
- Run the disk2vhd64 executable .exe file.
- Select the disk you want to copy and select the destination save location.
- Click on Create to begin the process.
- After successful creation, a message will display.
After this, you can Mount the created Virtual Disk Image. This can be done by right-clicking on the VHD or VHDX file and selecting the option Mount.
Copy and paste all the data from the Virtual Disk to the SSD to complete the transfer process.
Method 3: Use Robust File Copy for Windows (Advanced Users)
In case you have basic knowledge and are comfortable with using the Command Prompt, you also have the option of using robocopy command in the command prompt. The steps for the same involve.
- Create partitions on your SSD to recover data to.
- Press Windows + R. Type cmd and press Windows + Shift + Enter to enter the command prompt as Administrator.
- Enter the command robocopy [source] [destination] /E /COPYALL /R:0 /W:0 Replace [source] with the path to HDD and [destination] with the path to SSD.
Unable to Transfer data from HDD to SSD?
You may sometimes be unable to transfer your data, as your HDD is corrupt, damaged, inaccessible, or not showing in the file explorer.
So, how do I recover data from such an HDD and transfer it?
Use Yodot File Recovery to recover and transfer data from an HDD to an SSD. Unlike the other mentioned methods, this method is also applicable for transferring data from a damaged HDD.
With its advanced scanning option, you will find and transfer lost and deleted data. Also since it works in the read-only mode it is very safe. So what are you waiting for? Install and try it today.
Steps for Yodot File Recovery to Transfer Data from HDD to SSD
- Download and install Yodot File Recovery.
Note: Do not install the software on the drive from which you want to transfer data.
- Run the application, you will see 3 options: File Recovery, Photo Recovery, and Hard Drive Recovery. Select the option file recovery.
- There will be two options: Deleted File Recovery and Lost File Recovery. Select the option Lost File Recovery.
- Select the Drive from which you want to transfer your data and click Next.
In the next screen select the option Skip.
- The scanning process will begin and after completion, all the data will be organized and displayed.
- Select all the data and click on Next.
- Select SSD as the destination Output Folder and click on Next. The transfer process will begin.
Verify Bootability
To verify whether the system can boot using the SSD follow the following steps.
- Enter the command bcdedit /enum
- Identify the GUID identifier corresponding to the SSD.
- Enter the command bcdedit /default {GUID}
Note: Replace {GUID} with the Identifier for SSD.
Reboot the system and check it is loading.
Hard Disk Drive vs Solid State Drive (Why should I move files from HDD to SSD)
There are benefits of using SSD over HDD. Let’s take a look.
- Speed: HDDs are comparatively slower than SSDs with a typical read/write speed of 80 to 160 MB/s, whereas SSDs based on their types and quality can have a read/write speed of 200 to 5000 MB/s.
- Heat: HDDs generate more heat as they have moving components that generate heat due to friction between them. During operation, the temperature in HDDs on average for normal operations is 30-60°C while for SSDs it is 20-40°C.
- Noise: Due to the spinning platter, HDD generates noise also with an average noise level of 25 to 40 dB, whereas in SSD there is no such mechanical movement and hence it is virtually silent with a noise level close to 0 dB.
- Power Consumption: HDD performs the mechanical operation of spinning the disk platter and generates waste heat. Due to this, additional cooling is also required. SSDs on the other hand require less power for operation.
Taking, all these factors into account opting for an SSD can be a good choice.
Conclusion
The top 3 methods to safely transfer data from HDD to SSD are discussed in this article. I would advise you to always create a backup of your data before trying any methods. This is to ensure that your data remains safe in case of unexpected events.
