How to Transfer Windows to Another Drive

Quick Tips

• Transferring your operating system is a process that either requires a backup or third-party software.
• Disk Genius is a free tool that allows for easy migration of Windows.
• You can also create a backup of Windows on your target drive via system image, then reinstall the operating system on it.

Perhaps your old hard drive is starting to slow down and fail, or maybe you’re looking to migrate your files to a disk with much more space. There are plenty of reasons to migrate Windows from one drive to another, and just as many solutions.

In this article, we’ll be covering easier ways of how to transfer Windows to another drive to get this job done.

How to Transfer Windows to Another Drive Depends on Purpose

If you’re looking to clone Windows along with all the content on your hard drive, the process will differ slightly from simply migrating the operating system alone. In fact, the former option doesn’t come with any real support from Microsoft, while the latter does. To clone your entire hard drive to another, you’ll need the help of third-party tools.

Just remember that in both cases, the drive and partition you’re copying your files to need to be either the same size or bigger than the one you’re copying from.

Migrate Windows via Third-Party Software

If you’re looking to move your OS or your entire drive’s contents to another, you’re in luck. There are plenty of software options available out there. Unfortunately, most of them will cost you. For our demonstration, we’re going to be using a free (yet still very reliable) program called Disk Genius. Don’t be fooled by the dated interface. Under the hood, Disk Genius is very powerful. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download Disk Genius from its website. The download is free, but you can pay for more powerful versions.

2. Install the software anywhere but the drive you’re planning to migrate to, as this would erase all your data.

3. Open the software and you’ll see a list of all your connected drives and their partitions.

4. Click on the “OS Migration” button in the top panel. A new window will pop up with the best possible option and its free space.

5. Ensure you have enough free space and click the OK button.

6. A warning window will pop up reminding you that all existing data on the target drive will be overwritten. If you’re sure, click OK.

7. A new window will pop up, showing the two disks. You can choose whether your machine will boot from your new disk on startup or enter the BIOS first.

8. Click “Start” and the process will begin.

9. Once done, you’ll be prompted to restart your machine. Hit the “Yes” button.

Once you’ve migrated your OS, you may be prompted to reactivate your copy of Windows. Depending on your setup and agreement, you might be able to do this by entering your details. If your system detects different hardware, you may be required to contact Microsoft directly.

Backup via System Image

Windows can back up your current system as a system image should things ever go wrong. You’ll need to create the image first on your target drive. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and choose “Files backup” from the sidebar.

2. Click the “Add Drive” button and choose your target drive.

3. Follow the steps and your drive will begin the backup process.

With your system image in place, it’s time to use it to reinstall Windows. Here’s what to do:

1. Shut down your machine and attach the drive with the system image.

2. Boot into your machine’s BIOS. This varies by manufacturer but it is typically done with one of the Function keys.

3. Choose your target disk to proceed.

4. You’ll also need your Windows 10 or 11 install disk in the machine. When the option pops up to install Windows, choose the “Repair your computer” option at the bottom.

5. Choose “System Image Recovery” from Advanced options.

6. Your disk should be shown. Follow the steps and Windows will begin to install on your new drive.