Quick and easy step to transfer C drive to new SSD

Key takeaways

   • Transferring your C drive to a new SSD is a convenient way to move OS to another drive when you upgrade the hard drive or swap to a new device.

   • Cloning is the best and only way to move a C drive to SSD without reinstalling anything, which will make an exact copy of
      your OS and boot the PC on the new SSD successfully.

   • EaseUS Disk Copy is a professional disk cloning software with a simple operation to clone a C drive to a new SSD.

Is it possible to copy only C drive to SSD?

“I’m working to upgrade the primary HDD to a 2TB SSD for my HP desktop. I have a decent amount of software (Windows, Office, Photoshop, Steam / Xbox games, etc.) on my C drive.  Can I do a system restore without reinstalling software or losing my licenses? Will Windows be replicated from HDD to SSD work as a primary drive?” – post from Reddit

The C drive, also the system drive, is the main hard disk partition that contains the Windows Operating System, system-related files, settings, installed applications, logs, and other related data.

However, as it is used longer, the system disk (C drive) will store more data and gradually wear out. As your system drive is full and its storage reaches its limit, you must replace it with a new system disk to expand the capacity.

How to copy and transfer only the C drive to a new SSD if you don’t want to reinstall the operating system? Keep reading and catch the details of this easy task.

Pro tips to effectively move C drive to the other SSD

Before Upgrading to a new SSD, you are supposed to prepare enough to transfer data from old hard drive to new SSD smoothly and successfully. Here are some practical tips. Execute them and get ready now.

1. Clean up C drive – optional but effective

The time it takes to transfer largely depends on how much data is saved on your C drive. Moreover, while swapping a larger disk for a smaller SSD, you must ensure that the used space is less than the available storage on the SSD. To facilitate the process and make use of more storage space, remove these unnecessary, junk, and temporary files as well as applications.

2. Shrink C Drive Partition Volume

Since the HDD is usually larger than the SSD, you should shrink the C drive in disk management in advance if you clone a larger to smaller SSD. By shrinking it, you can decrease the partition space to create unallocated space on the disk.

The steps to shrink C drive.

   • Type Computer Management in the Windows search bar, and click Run as administrator.

   • Select Disk Management under the Computer Management window.

   • Right-click the C drive and select the Shrink Volume option.

   • It will automatically calculate the maximum space you can shrink, and you can also enter the specific size you want to shrink and click shrink to start.



Download SSD data migration software on a Windows computer

To simplify the process of moving the C drive to a new SSD, cloning is the best option, which will create an exact copy of your entire system on the target SSD, and you don’t need to reinstall the operating system and other applications.

EaseUS Disk Copy is one of the best cloning tools that allows you to copy a C drive to an SSD or HDD with simple clicks. It will clone Windows 10 to new SSD and migrate all system data to the SSD with the boot sector, ensuring you can boot your device from it effectively.

It has the following features to make it the perfect choice for a C drive cloning:

   • System clone and partition clone: It supports selecting only the system or a certain partition as the clone source.

   • Disk clone: This feature allows you to clone a whole disk, from HDD to SSD, a smaller SSD to a larger one, or vice versa.

   • Sector-by-sector cloning: Choosing to copy only used space can effectively utilize the space on the target disk.

   • Smart monitor disk size: It will automatically detect both source and target disk sizes, which is very useful when you clone a larger disk to a smaller one.

Download and use to start the C drive cloning to SSD with the following stepwise guide.

4 steps to clone C drive only to a new SSD of M.2/SATA/NVMe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to clone C drive, which involves four simple clicks. We tested and recorded the process, and below are the statistics.



Step 1. Launch EaseUS Disk Copy. Select Partition Mode from the left panel, and choose C drive as the source partition.


Image: EaseUS



Note: C drive is, by default, the system partition on most Windows computers, but there are cases when your system drive and boot drive are saved on separate partitions. e.g., the operating system is stored on the C drive while other system-related files are saved on the D drive. In this case, you must select both partitions to ensure the SSD is bootable.

Step 2️. Select the target partition you want to clone. Check and edit the partition layout, then click Proceed to continue.


Image: EaseUS



   • Autofit the disk means it will automatically adjust the partition size to make it work in the best status.

   • Copy as the source option will copy/clone the same partition layout from your source disk to the destination disk.

   • Edit disk layout allows you to manually resize or move the partition layout on the destination disk.

Step 3️. Click Continue if the program asks to erase data on the destination partition.


Image: EaseUS



Step 4️. The partition cloning or partition copying process is starting now. Wait for the process to finish. When the cloning process finishes, all data in your C drive has successfully migrated to the new SSD.



Can You Move the C Drive Without Using the Cloning Method?

EaseUS Disk Copy makes it simple to clone your C drive to a new SSD. However, if you want to avoid cloning, Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7) can help you do it effectively. It consists of two major actions:

   • Create a system image on another disk.

   • Install SSD and restore the system image on it.

This manual method requires more steps and time than direct cloning, and you must reinstall programs and reset other settings from scratch.

Since Windows OS lacks a built-in disk/partition migration utility, third-party cloning software is the only way to move OS to a new drive without reinstalling everything. Why not try this convenient method without risking data loss?

The Final words

These are all about how to move the C drive to the new SSD. Our detailed guide covers preparations, the best data migration tool, step-by-step instructions, and post-transfer optimization, resulting in a smooth transition and optimal functionality.

Use EaseUS Disk Copy and take the plunge to enjoy the exceptional speed and responsiveness an SSD brings to your computing experience.

Transfer C drive to new SSD FAQs

1. Can you transfer data from an old SSD to a new SSD?

Yes, data can be transferred from an old SSD to a new SSD. It can be completed by cloning all data of the old SSD onto the new one using an SSD cloning software, ensuring that all files and data are transferred seamlessly without reinstalling.

2. How do I replace my SSD without reinstalling Windows?

To replace your SSD without reinstalling Windows, you can follow these steps:

   • Back up your important data to an external storage device or cloud service.

   • Connect the new SSD and ensure that the new SSD is recognized.

   • Use disk cloning software, EaseUS Disk Copy, to clone the old SSD onto the new one.

   • Once the cloning process is complete, shut down your computer.

   • Disconnect the old SSD and ensure that the new SSD is properly connected.

   • Start your computer; it should boot up with all your data on the new SSD.

3. Will I lose Windows if I replace my SSD?

If you replace your SSD without performing a backup or cloning, you will likely lose your Windows installation. Windows is typically installed on the primary storage device, usually an SSD. However, if you back up your existing SSD or clone it to the new one, you can keep your Windows installation and dat

NOTE: WindowsNewsInfo Group does not endorse any particular software to use in conjunction with your Windows installation! - System Admin

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With Microsoft PC Manager, users can easily perform basic computer maintenance and enhance the speed of their devices with just one click. This app offers a range of features, including disk cleanup, startup app management, virus scanning, Windows Update checks, process monitoring, and storage management.

Microsoft PC Manager key features:

   • Storage Manager- easily uninstall infrequently used apps, manage large files, perform a cleanup, and set up Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files.

   • Health Checkup feature -scans for potential problems, viruses, and startup programs to turn off. It helps you identify
      unnecessary items to remove, optimizing your system's performance.

   • Pop-up Management - block pop-up windows from appearing in apps.

   • Windows Update - scans your system for any pending updates.

   • Startup Apps - enable or disable startup apps on your PC, allowing you to optimize your system's startup performance.

   • Browser Protection - rest assured that harmful programs cannot alter your default browser. Also enables you to change your default browser.

   • Process Management - allows you to conveniently terminate any active process, ensuring optimal system performance and resource utilization.

   • Anti-virus protection - Fully integrated with Windows Security. Safeguard your PC anytime.

Microsoft PC Manager is a free tool optimized exclusively for Windows 10 (version 1809 or newer) and Windows 11.

Download: Microsoft PC Manager 3.3.19.0 | from Microsoft Store

Download: Microsoft PC Manager 3.8.10.0 Beta (offline setup)

View: Microsoft PC Manager Home Page

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Windows 11   Windows 10   Windows 8.1

Back up the registry manually

1. Select Start, type regedit.exe in the search box, and press Enter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

2. In Registry Editor, locate and click the registry key or subkey you want to back up.

3. Select File > Export.

4. In the Export Registry File dialog box, select the location to which you want to save the backup copy, and then type a name for the backup file in the File name field.

5. Select Save.

Restore a manual backup

1. Select Start, type regedit.exe, and then press Enter. If prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

2. In Registry Editor, click File > Import.

3. In the Import Registry File dialog box, select the location to which you saved the backup copy, select the backup file, and then click Open.

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ANDROID owners have been urged to delete three dangerous apps that have been masquerading as messengers in the Google Play store.

Cyber researchers at ESET have rung the alarm on a trio of nasty apps that aim to steal Android owners' personal information - and even their banking credentials.


While Google is generally very good at detecting and removing malicious apps - some do slip
through the cracks Credit: Getty

These apps are posing as messaging services and offer basic, but functional services as bait.

At surface level, they work and appear legitimate - but they're not.

Behind the scenes, they are hiding open-source XploitSPY malware.

Hackers have been advertising these apps - and others that are similar - on websites and on the Google Play store.

While Google is generally very good at detecting and removing malicious apps - some do slip through the cracks.

The apps exist to steal contact lists, camera files, location, download data, as well as your WhatsApp and Telegram.

Android owners have been urged to check their devices for these three apps:

   ► Dink Messenger

   ► Sim Info

   ► Defcom

If you have downloaded one of these apps, it is advised to delete them immediately.

They have since been removed from the Google Play store, but may still be lurking on your phone.

They form part of a targeted campaign, which began in November 2021, to distribute malware onto Android phones primarily in India and Pakistan, according to ESET.

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The affected Microsoft products include a wide range of software, encompassing Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Developer Tools, Azure, Browser, System Center, Microsoft Dynamics, and Exchange Server.

In a recent announcement, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), operating under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, highlighted significant vulnerabilities in various Microsoft products. These vulnerabilities pose serious risks, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive information, bypass security measures, and even trigger denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on targeted systems.

The affected Microsoft products include a wide range of software, encompassing Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Developer Tools, Azure, Browser, System Center, Microsoft Dynamics, and Exchange Server.

CERT-In cautioned that these vulnerabilities could empower attackers to exploit elevated privileges, gain access to confidential data, evade security protocols, execute remote code, perpetrate spoofing attacks, or orchestrate DoS incidents. The warning underscores the urgent need for users to take proactive measures to safeguard their systems.

Specifically addressing vulnerabilities within Microsoft Windows, CERT-In identified shortcomings in access restrictions within the proxy driver and deficiencies in the implementation of the Mark of the Web (MotW) feature as key areas of concern.

To mitigate these risks, users are strongly advised to promptly implement the necessary security updates outlined in the company's update guide. By doing so, they can effectively fortify their systems against potential threats.

In addition to the Microsoft vulnerabilities, CERT-In also alerted users to security flaws in Android and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could similarly result in the unauthorized access of sensitive data, execution of arbitrary code, and initiation of DoS attacks.

According to the advisory, versions including 'Android 12, 12L, 13, 14', as well as 'Mozilla Firefox versions before 124.0.1 and Mozilla Firefox ESR versions before 115.9.1', are susceptible to these vulnerabilities.

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