How to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive Without Losing Data?
When you upgrade your computer storage or replace your old hard drive with a faster SSD, you may want to move your entire Windows 11 installation to the new drive. The challenge is doing this without losing data — preserving your files, installed apps, and system settings.
In this step-by-step guide, we will explain how to migrate Windows 11 to another drive safely and efficiently.
Why You May Need to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive
There are several common reasons why users want to transfer Windows 11 to a different disk:
- Upgrading from HDD to SSD for faster performance.
- Replacing a failing or old drive.
- Adding a larger storage drive to accommodate growing data.
- Moving Windows 11 to a new drive after reinstalling hardware.
Key Considerations Before Moving Windows 11 to Another Drive
Before starting the migration process, you need to prepare your system. Failing to plan can result in data loss or boot issues.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Backup Your Data | Create a full backup using Windows Backup, File History, or OneDrive. |
| Check Drive Space | Make sure the new drive has enough space for the Windows 11 installation, apps, and files. |
| Prepare Installation Media | In case of issues, create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool. |
| Check Drive Compatibility | Ensure the new disk uses a compatible format like NTFS and supports UEFI booting if necessary. |
Methods to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive Without Losing Data
There are multiple ways to migrate Windows 11 to a new drive. You can choose free tools, Windows built-in utilities, or third-party software.
Method 1: Move Windows 11 Using DiskGenius (Free)
DiskGenius is a powerful free tool that supports OS migration directly to another disk. This method works well for users who want a free and straightforward migration tool.
- Download and Install DiskGenius Free Edition on your Windows 11 computer.
- Connect your new SSD or HDD to the PC.
- Launch DiskGenius and click on “OS Migration” in the top menu.
- In the Migration Wizard, choose the target disk (the new drive).
- Confirm the process — note that this will erase all data on the target disk.
- Choose either:
- Hot Migration (migrate while Windows 11 is running), or
- Reboot to WinPE (recommended for more reliable transfer).
- Wait for the cloning process to complete.
- Once done, change boot order in BIOS/UEFI to boot from the new drive.
Pros and Cons of DiskGenius
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to use | May require reboot into WinPE |
| Simple interface | Target disk gets fully wiped |
| Preserves files, apps, settings | Some advanced features need Pro version |
Method 2: Use Windows Backup & Restore (Built-in)
Windows Backup & Restore (Windows 7 feature still included in Windows 11) allows you to create a system image and restore it to another drive.
- Open Control Panel and go to:Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
- Click “Create a system image.”
- Choose where to save the image — you can use an external drive.
- Select the drives to include (by default, Windows and boot partitions are selected).
- Start the image creation process.
- Once the backup is complete, connect your new drive.
- Boot from Windows installation media.
- Select “Repair your computer,” then System Image Recovery.
- Choose the image you created and follow the wizard to restore onto the new drive.
- After restoration, set the new drive as the boot drive in BIOS.
Pros and Cons of Windows Backup & Restore
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built into Windows 11 | Slower process |
| No need for third-party tools | Manual work required |
| Fully preserves data | Limited flexibility (can’t exclude files) |
Method 3: Use Paid Third-Party Software for Easier Migration
For users who prefer one-click solutions, paid migration software can make the process faster and more reliable.
| Software | Key Features |
|---|---|
| EaseUS Todo PCTrans | Transfers system, files, and apps |
| AOMEI Partition Assistant | Full OS migration, including MBR/GPT conversion |
| Paragon Drive Copy | Advanced partitioning and cloning tools |
| Samsung Data Migration | Optimized for Samsung SSDs |
How to Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans for Windows 11 Migration
- Install EaseUS Todo PCTrans.
- Connect the new drive.
- Select System Migration from the main interface.
- Choose the target disk.
- Start the process and wait until the migration completes.
- Change boot order to the new drive.
Pros and Cons of Paid Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and automated | Costs money |
| No manual work needed | Some tools are device-specific |
| Supports data filtering | May require reactivation of some software |
Important Post-Migration Steps
Once you successfully move Windows 11, there are a few things you should check to ensure the system is fully functional.
1. Verify Boot Order
- Enter BIOS/UEFI.
- Set the new drive as Primary Boot Device.
2. Check System Integrity
- Open File Explorer and confirm all files are present.
- Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to check for corrupted files.
3. Activate Windows (if needed)
- Sometimes hardware changes trigger reactivation requests.
- Go to:Settings > System > Activation
- If necessary, reactivate Windows using your product key.
Comparison of Best Methods to Move Windows 11
| Method | Cost | Ease of Use | Preserves Data | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DiskGenius | Free | Moderate | Yes | Moderate |
| Windows Backup | Free | Manual Work | Yes | Slow |
| EaseUS/AOMEI | Paid | Easy | Yes | Fast |
Common Issues When Moving Windows 11 to Another Drive
Sometimes, after transferring Windows 11, users encounter these problems:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Windows won’t boot | Boot order incorrect | Correct BIOS settings |
| Missing files | Incomplete migration | Double-check backup |
| Activation failed | Hardware change detected | Use correct license key |
| New drive not detected | Wrong format (exFAT/FAT32) | Reformat as NTFS |
Final Recommendations
To safely move Windows 11 to another drive without losing data, follow these rules:
- Always create a full backup before starting.
- Double-check that the new drive is properly formatted and connected.
- Use trusted tools like DiskGenius, Windows Backup, or EaseUS.
- After migration, thoroughly check that all files, apps, and settings are intact.
- Change boot order correctly to boot from the new drive.
If you want free migration, DiskGenius or Windows Backup is a reliable choice. If you prefer automation and minimal manual work, paid tools like EaseUS Todo PCTrans or AOMEI Partition Assistant offer the easiest experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move Windows 11 to another drive without reinstalling?
Yes, you can move Windows 11 to another drive without reinstalling by using tools like DiskGenius, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, or Windows Backup & Restore. These methods allow you to migrate your system, apps, and files directly to a new drive.
Will I lose my files if I move Windows 11 to a new drive?
No, if you follow the correct migration process using software like DiskGenius or EaseUS, all your files, settings, and applications will be preserved during the transfer.
What is the easiest way to move Windows 11 to an SSD?
The easiest way is to use dedicated migration software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans or AOMEI Partition Assistant. These tools offer a guided process that transfers Windows 11 to the new SSD with minimal user input.
Do I need to reactivate Windows 11 after moving it to a new drive?
In most cases, you won’t need to reactivate Windows 11 if you’re only changing the drive. However, if other hardware components (like the motherboard) change, Windows might ask for reactivation.
How do I change the boot order after moving Windows 11 to a new drive?
To change the boot order, restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or DEL during startup). Go to the “Boot” section and set the new drive as the primary boot device.
Is DiskGenius free for moving Windows 11 to another drive?
Yes, DiskGenius Free Edition supports OS migration, allowing you to move Windows 11 to another drive without purchasing the Pro version.
- How to Fix Bluetooth Audio Delay in Windows 11: Easy Guide - March 2, 2025
- How to Enable Hyper-Threading in Windows 11: Complete Guide - March 2, 2025
- How to Move Windows 11 to Another Drive Without Losing Data? - February 28, 2025