How to Upgrade to M.2 SSD without Reinstalling Windows

M.2 SSD is popular for its size and capacity, it takes up less space and consumes less power on a computer. If you want to upgrade your computer by replacing the old HDD with an M.2 SSD, this article will tell you how to do it without reinstalling Windows.

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Jean

Updated on Jan 12, 2024

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While building your PC, one of the crucial decisions revolves around installing a faster storage medium for efficient and effective performance. Mostly, computer systems are equipped with typical 2.5-inch SATA devices. However, Solid State Drive (SSDs) have evolved over a period, and there are various options to choose from. One such type that is used globally is M.2 SSD. If you are not aware, M.2 SSD, formerly known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is designed to offer high-performance storage in sleek devices such as tablets, laptops, and more. The M.2 SSDs are compatible with multiple protocols and applications like USB, SATA, Wi-Fi, and more. There are various types of M.2 SSDs that you can use if your motherboard comes with the required connectors. It is advised that you should check your motherboard documentation before purchasing an M.2 SSD. Here in this article, we have explained the benefits of using M.2 alongside options of upgrading HDD/SSD to M.2 SSD. Follow the article to the end for a detailed guide.

Upgrade to M2 SSD without reinstalling Windows

Should I Install OS on M.2 SSD?

Nearly all the latest computer systems and motherboards come with M.2 SSD compatibility because of the multiple advantages. Digital users have shifted their focus from traditional SSDs to M.2 SSDs. Some of the major advantages that you get from installing an operating system in M.2 SSD are:

Simple Installation: One of the major benefits of using M.2 SSD as a boot drive is a simple installation. You do not have to stack multiple cables to make your motherboard and computer system compatible with the M.2 SSD. You can easily plug the storage device into the slot and start using it without any hassle.

Quick Booting and Efficient Performance: As soon as you install M.2 SSDs, your computer system will boot in a fraction of seconds, and the performance will elevate drastically.

Enhanced Storage Capacity: If compared with mSATA cards, M.2 SSDs offer enhanced storage capacity with lightweight and portable designs. Even though the storage capacity is better, the minimal design makes it easier to carry the device to different locations.

Reduced Latency: The latest interface that M.2 SSDs use offers reduced latency and enhanced performance that hoists the operating system experience.

How to Upgrade HDD/SSD to M.2 SSD Without Reinstalling Windows

After installing their Windows on the former storage, many users wish to upgrade their HDD/SSD to M.2 SSD. If you have set up your computer system but wish to use M.2 SSD, you can clone the disk and use M.2 SSD without reinstalling the Windows. Since cloning the disk can be a daunting task, you can use the EaseUS Disk Copy to clone your disk. You can clone your disk in just three to four steps and use the M.2 SSD without reinstalling Windows. You can simply download the software and select the source and target disk. Not only this, but you also get various disk layout options. Some of the features of the EaseUS Disk Copy are:

EaseUS Disk Copy

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Step 1: In "Disk Mode", select the HDD that you want to clone.

select the hard drive that you want to clone

Step 2: Select the SSD as your destination.

select the SSD

Step 3: Edit the disk layout and then click "Proceed" to continue.

As the destination is an SSD, you are suggested to tick "Check the option if the target is SSD".

confirm the message

A warning message tells you that the data on the SSD will be erased. Click "OK" to continue if you do not have important data on the destination disk.

check the diak layout

Step 4: Wait for the process to complete.

click proceed to start the cloning process

Conclusion

You can simply install your operating system on M.2 SSD, or you can upgrade your older HDD/SSD into M.2 SSD. However, it is advised that you must check out the compatibility of your motherboard before purchasing M.2 SSD. Since the price of the storage device is inclined towards the premium side, you must check for all the drivers and technical support that are essential for a hassle-free booting process.

EaseUS Disk Copy

EaseUS Disk Copy is a well designed and very easy-to-use HDD/SSD cloning and migration tool, a tool which should be ideal for anyone wanting to quickly and easily migrate an existing system disk to a new disk (or newly installed SSD drive) with the minimal of configuration required.

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  • Updated by

    Jean

    Jean is recognized as one of the most professional writers in EaseUS. She has kept improving her writing skills over the past 10 years and helped millions of her readers solve their tech problems on PC, Mac, and iOS devices. …
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