On this page, we covered the complete process of how to prepare SSD disk, migrate Windows OS to a new SSD, and make SSD as the boot drive in Windows 10/8/7, etc. Follow to learn how to make Windows bootable on your new SSD without any issues.
Applies to: All levels of Windows users, designed for beginners.
How to Change Boot Drive to SSD in Windows 10
'I want to install a solid-state drive for my desktop computer, but all my data and Windows 10 is already installed on my 1TB hard drive. Is there any way could help me transfer Windows 10 to the SSD, setting SSD as boot drive, and then use the 1TB hard drive for data storage?
So how do I change boot drive to SSD in Windows 10, making SSD as the boot drive? Help me, please. Thanks in advance.'
Nowadays, more and more people choose to upgrade their system hard drive to SSD (short for solid-state drive) due to its faster reading and writing speed and higher stability. However, compared with traditional HDD, SSD usually obtains smaller c. In order to achieve a high-performance in Windows PC, combining faster SSD and larger HDD is an excellent choice.
Optane Memory is designed to be used as a caching drive in tandem with a hard drive or a slower SATA-based SSD, while the Optane 900p (an add-in card) / 905P are standalone drives, and the Intel.
Usually, people would prefer to use SSD as boot drive while having the HDD with a larger capacity to store personal data, files, and applications. To do that, you need to migrate the Windows system from HDD to SSD and then set SSD as the boot drive.
We will discuss these two questions in details among the following parts:
Read carefully and follow to effectively make your SSD bootable on Windows 10/8/7, etc. without any issue. Even beginners can do it.
Part 1. Prepare SSD
The first thing to get started is to prepare your SSD. Whether it is a new or an old disk, there are some must-do jobs that must be done in advance.
Tools: ①. An SSD disk (with equal capacity to the used space on your system drive); ②. SSD connection cables; ③. A screwdriver;
Let's start getting your SSD ready:
1. Install SSD to PC
Use the screwdriver to remove computer case > Connect SSD to PC correctly via connection cables.
2. Enable SSD in BIOS
Restart PC > Press F2/F8/F11/DEL to enter BIOS > Enter Setup > Turn on SSD or enable it > Save the changes and exit.
After this, you can restart PC and you should be able to see the disk in Disk Management. Now, you can continue with the tutorials in Part 2.
External Ssd CardPart 2. Migrate Windows 10 OS to SSD
If you need to fresh install Windows, follow this link for a detailed guide: Install Windows 10 on SSD. If you prefer to switch your current Windows OS to SSD, follow the tutorial steps in the following.
Tools: System clone or system migrate software - EaseUS Partition Master
To migrate OS to a new SSD, you can do it with a manual clone or by using a magic partition manager for help. To move OS to SSD successfully, we highly recommend you try EaseUS Partition Master.
Any levels of users can migrate Windows system and boot partitions to the SSD at once with its highlighted feature called 'Migrate OS to SSD/HDD'.
Tutorial: Migrate OS from HDD to SSD
Make sure the SSD is empty with no partitions and data on it, or else you need to clear them all. Now follow the next steps and learn how to migrate OS to SSD.
Note: Why does minecraft. The operation of migrating OS to SSD or HDD will delete and remove existing partitions and data on your target disk when there is not enough unallocated space on the target disk. If you saved important data there, back up them to an external hard drive in advance.
Step 1. Run EaseUS Partition Master, select 'Migrate OS' from the top menu.
Step 2. Select the SSD or HDD as the destination disk and click 'Next'.
Warning: the data and partitions on the target disk will be deleted. Make sure that you've backed up important data in advance. If not, do it now.
Then click 'Migrate' to continue.
Step 3. Preview the layout of your target disk. You can also click the disk layout options to customize the layout of your target disk as you want. Then click 'Proceed' to start migrating your OS to a new disk
Note that it's not the end yet. After OS migration, you still have the last move to take. It is to change boot drive in Windows 10 from the old disk to the new SSD. You can learn the detailed steps in the next part.
Part 3. How to Set SSD as Boot Drive in Windows 10
Whether you've manually installed Windows 10 system to SSD or automatically migrated the system to SSD with third-party software, you need to set installed SSD as the boot drive so as to boot up the PC from the SSD.
Here are the steps to make SSD the boot drive on windows 10:
Step 1. Restart PC and press F2/F12/Del keys to enter BIOS.
Step 2. Go to the boot option, change the boot order, setting OS to boot from the new SSD.
Step 3. Download fortnite skins for free. Save the changes, exit BIOS, and restart the PC.
External Ssd Card
Wait patiently to let the computer boot up. After this, you can successfully use the new SSD as your OS disk.
Bonus Tips after Setting SSD as Boot Drive
If you are not a computer expert, we highly recommend you use a professional system clone or migration software to copy the Windows 10/8/7 to SSD rather than do it manually, which can avoid boot failure due to boot partition loss.
Suppose you have successfully migrated the system to SSD (whether it is our product or not), and correctly set the boot order in BIOS, there are still some issues that you may encounter.
Here we have collected some top concerned issues and you may follow the links to help yourself out:
#1. Cloned SSD won't boot
#2. How to Make Use of Old OS Disk
After migrating OS to SSD, you can use the EaseUS Partition Master to create a bootable disk. Nintendo animal crossing series games. Then boot the PC from the bootable drive, enter EaseUS Partition Master, and then delete the old system partition on your own.
#3. How to optimize SSD performance
![]()
If you have further questions, you can either use the search feature on our website or contact our technical support team through [email protected] to help you resolve problems immediately.
FAQs
If you have some further questions, check the FAQS and answers here. We may have answers for you.
1. What is an SSD boot drive?
A boot drive contains the Operating System and OS relative files that help to load the system. It also may contain some users data, such as the user profile, installed programs, application files, etc.
Therefore, an SSD boot drive is a disk that contains your OS, OS data, and some personal data. Also, Windows and Mac computers should be able to load and boot up from the SSD boot drive.
2. Does cloning a drive make it bootable?
It depends. If you cloned a data drive, it's not bootable but only accessible for data storage.
If you cloned an OS disk, it can be bootable if you remember to change the boot order, setting the computer to boot from the new disk.
3. How do I transfer my OS from HDD to SSD?
To transfer Windows OS from HDD to SSD, you can use the EaseUS Partition Master with its Migrate OS to HDD/SSD feature for help. It's listed in Part 2 on this page.
Feb 26, 2021 • Filed to: Answer Hard Drive Problems • Proven solutions
When you open up Windows and go to 'This PC', the drives displayed there are the first things you see, right? What sets them apart? Each drive has a drive letter. These letters help you identify your SSD from other drives; they also help your Windows recognize and access the SSD.
So, what happens when errors hide the SSD from Windows? Problems abound, of course: Running applications in your Windows becomes an issue while moving files between your drives are next to impossible. These occur because the drive letters that guide your OS in executing the actions are missing. Use the solutions below to fix this.
![]() ContentWhy SSD Is Not Recognized?
Since it's already been established that SSDs can fall victim to errors, the obvious step to take is to determine what those errors are. Don't worry about fixing them for now. That will be delved into a little later. Know the errors so you can identify them when you see them, alright?
It's going to be quite ironic-and hilarious-if you plug in a brand-new SSD into your PC and see it doesn't work, won't it? The fix is simple, fortunately. You just have to initialize the SSD so it becomes usable.
The problem here could be as simple as your PC running on outdated drivers. And remember, the SSD you're connecting to your PC may be more recent than the Windows installed in it, which could make updated drivers a necessity for you to be able to even detect the SSD. You can use Windows' native 'Device Manager' to update your drivers. If it comes to it, you could even use a third-party driver updater tool, but that should be your last option.
This issue is common with both HDD and SSD. Your Windows might be a little less efficient sometimes as it fails to assign a drive letter to a partition or drive. The error is mostly caused by file system issues or even with the SSD itself. Another simple way out of this issue is to assign a drive letter yourself using 'Disk Management.'
Did you check the connection to make sure you inserted the SSD's USB cable properly into your USB port? Make sure it's pushed in there so it's snug. Better yet, examine the cable and make sure it's not damaged. That's a likely problem too.
This problem thus has nothing to do with your Windows. It's either a hardware issue (USB cable) or a result of you being too hasty when you plug in the cable.
What's The Difference Between SSD and HDD?7 Solutions to SSD Not Showing up in Windows 10
The errors listed up there are only a few of the many that could be wreaking havoc on your SSD, so it's time to get to work. It's time to teach you amateurs how to get yourselves out of the mess you put yourselves in. Why only 7 solutions, though?
Well, 7 is a lucky number, isn't it? As pervasive as the errors affecting your SSD are, you might not need to go beyond these 7 solutions to fix the problematic SSD.
1 Fix Faulty Hardware
There's no single way to go about fixing your SSD if it's a hardware issue. Only the most effective methods will be discussed here. Do you see the error in the image below?
It's an error that pops up when your SSD is physically damaged, making it inaccessible to Windows. You can fix it by doing this:
SMART Attributes/Command Prompt/Properties
SMART is a native tool in Windows that analyzes and checks your SSD's parameters via some minor operations. If, after you analyze your SDD, you see results that show 'Caution' or 'Bad' or 'Unknown', it's highly possible your SSD is on the verge of failing. This makes it incumbent on you to back up your data before the worst happens. Use the SMART tool by doing this:
1. Press these keys: 'Windows' + 'S', then type 'command prompt'. Once the command prompt opens up, right-click on it, and choose 'Run as administrator.'
2. Type this command in command prompt again: wmic diskdrive get status
If you see the 'Bad' and 'Caution' warning signs in the results, you know what to do, don't you? But if the results look anything like the picture below, close command prompt and move on to the next step.
3. The 'chkdsk' command can solve your problem here, particularly if the problem stems from a minor error. Launch 'command prompt' again and select 'Run as administrator.'
4. Type this command and hit 'Enter' to execute it:
CHKDSK [volume [[path] filename]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/C] [: size]]
In the command up there, [/F] will try to fix any system errors while [/R] will rectify any bad sector.
5. If both SMART and command prompt fail to do the needful, type these keys: 'Windows' + 'E'. Go to your SSD and right-click on it.
6. Select 'Properties', click on 'Tools' and then select 'Check'. Reboot your PC once the process concludes.
A word of caution: Don't put all your eggs in one basket and expect these solutions to always work. Sometimes, the hardware damage may be so great the best solution is to take it to an expert or replace the drive itself.
2 Configure BIOS settings
1. Restart your PC and press the 'F2' key (though this may vary depending on the computer brand or manufacturer) and press 'Enter' to get into 'Config.'
2. Choose 'Serial ATA' and press 'Enter.' You'll see 'SATA Controller Mode Option'. Select 'IDE Compatibility Mode.'
3. Save the changes you made and restart your PC to get into BIOS, which should now be able to detect your SSD.
3 Update SSD drivers
Just like any component of your PC, you can't expect your SSD to function properly if it's running on outdated drivers, can you?
1. Press the 'Windows' key and type 'Device Manager' in the start-up menu's search field. Click on it or hit 'Enter' to launch it.
2. Go to the 'Disk drives' category and expand on it, then right-click on every item under it and click on 'Update driver.' Once the update is through, reboot your PC.
4 Initialize New SSD Drive
1. Press the 'Windows' + 'R' key. The 'Run' window will pop up. Type this command in its search bar: diskmgmt.msc.
2. Once you hit the 'Enter' key, 'Disk Management' and another prompt will open up. The latter will ask you to initialize the SSD to proceed. Choose either 'MBR' or 'GPT' depending on your system's motherboard and click 'OK.'
3. Go back to 'Disk Management' and right-click on the 'Volume' of your SSD. Select 'Initialize Disk'.
4. Once that's done, right-click on the SSD volume again and select 'New Simple Volume'. Follow the set of instructions you'll be given from there to assign a drive letter, type in a volume name, and define file system (whether exFAT or NTFS). Click on 'Next' and your SSD will become accessible in 'File Explorer.'
5 Repair by Disk Management
1. Once more, start-up 'Disk Management' and ascertain if the volume of your SSD is unallocated, has turned RAW, or is free. If either of these is the case, formatting the drive should easily repair the problem.
2. If your SSD is new, there's probably no data in it, so you can safely format it. Right-click on the volume of your SSD and click 'Format.'
3. A smaller window will pop up asking you to input particular details. You can label the partition and change the file system here.
4. The last message will pop up, warning you about data loss. Click on 'OK' to format.
6 Assign or Change SSD Drive Letter
1. Go to 'This PC' and right-click on it, then choose 'Manage'. In the 'Storage' menu, select 'Disk Management.'
2. You will see all the SSD partitions. Go over them and pick out the one without a drive letter. Right-click on it and choose 'Change Drive Letter and Paths.'
3. Click on 'Add', then choose any drive letter from the tiny dropdown menu. Click 'OK' to end and complete the process.
7 Recover SSD Data (Recoverit Data Recovery)
Quick question: What happens when you realize the SSD you formatted still had files you need? Well, if shock doesn't freeze your mind, the first thing you'll start pondering on is how to get all that data back, isn't it?
Ponder no more, because Wondershare Recoverit data recovery software is here to save your files. As one of the leading data recovery software currently in the market, Recoverit prides itself on its ability to dig through a hard drive and recover files and data that were believed to be gone for good.
The software not only delves into each sector of a formatted or corrupt SSD, but it also executes the same function with excellent results on HDD. Recoverit was developed to cater to both Windows and macOS (there are separate versions for either operating system).
Don't fret about complex procedures or clicking multiple buttons to make Recoverit work. 3 steps are enough to get the job done. Follow them below:
Step 1: Choose a Location
Step 2: Scan the Location
Step 3: Preview and Recover Data
So, a quick recap on how to use Recoverit: Select your SSD, scan it, preview your files and restore them to a new location.
SSDs are more complex than HDDs, so it wouldn't be wise to use any average data recovery software on them. Disregard what you hear about other data recovery software and give Recoverit a spin
The features it comes loaded with means neither the capacity nor the model of your SSD will matter. The software will scan it thoroughly, then recover your files and keep them for you anywhere you want. Recoverit is surprisingly simple to use, yet it's shockingly powerful; enough reasons to use it if the need arises.
How to Protect Your SSD Drive and SSD Files?
Can it be safely assumed that your computer now uses an SSD? If your computer is still running HDD, it honestly belongs in a retirement home (along with you).
Come on, it's 2019! If you haven't upgraded your PC's storage to an SSD, what are you waiting for? Of course, getting the drive means you also have to know how to maintain it.
As durable as SSDs are, common sense should tell you to be mindful of where you place your PC-and thus, your SSD-lest you expose it to extreme heat or cold. Then again, not everyone has common sense, lol.
Make a note of this right now: Don't expose your SSD to either heat or cold for extended periods, and that entails both the summer and winter seasons.
If your PC's power cuts out or runs down while you're writing onto the drive, the data could be lost or the drive itself could end up in the funeral home. Always make sure your PC is plugged into a power source that's more reliable than a lottery number.
Even though SSDs were built to be strong, filling them up with files can eventually slow them down because they will be harboring half-filled blocks; such blocks are slower to write than empty blocks. Here's a little tip: Try not to fill up more than 75% of your SSD or you'll be trading performance for capacity.
This tip might seem counterintuitive because the whole propose of an SSD is for you to write data to it, right? Yes, but the more you erase data from your SSD, the more you exhaust its write cycle (the measure of endurance for an SSD).
Here's a simplified explanation: Your SSD is an eraser on a pencil that slowly wears away as you use it until it can't erase anymore; that's when it has reached its life expectancy. But don't let this trouble you. Your SSD will serve you for many years to come, but the less you format it or erase data from it, the longer it lasts.
It's ok to defragment mechanical hard disks but not SSDs. For one, it can spawn more extra writes that eat away at the lifespan of the SSD.
Closing Words
SSDs are justifiably more expensive than HDDs, but you still have to take care of them to extend their lifespan even further. Just because they are very capable and efficient pieces of hardware doesn't mean you should subject them to anything which can damage them. If this happens, in the end, your files will suffer more than anything else.
If, for some unavoidable reason, you do end up losing your files from your SSD, make use of Recoverit Data Recovery and get everything back. The more time you waste, the more your files remain in jeopardy, so be quick about it, yeah?
What's Wrong with Drive
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |