How to Change Boot Drive to SSD Easily in Windows 10

User Case

“One of the latest Microsoft updates crashed my computer. As a result, I had to get windows reinstalled in the repair shop. When I got my computer (laptop) back, I found that Windows had been reinstalled on my HDD, not my SSD. I am looking to fix this now.

I've already cloned Windows onto the SSD. I've been following the steps in other tutorials that tell me I have to change the boot option in the BIOS at startup. However, when I go to boot priorities, the SSD does not appear. When looking under Hard disk drive BBS priorities, it also does not appear; the only option that appears is my hard drive.

I just wanna know how I can migrate Windows 10 to my SSD and how to change the boot drive to SSD. Any help would be appreciated.”

If you want to migrate Windows to your SSD, you'll need to clone your Windows 10 OS to SSD using special software. After the cloning process is complete, you'll need to change the boot drive settings in your computer's BIOS. If your computer doesn't boot up from the new SSD, it could be because the EFI system partition wasn't cloned, or because secure boot is enabled in the BIOS settings. Don't worry, though! This article will guide you through the steps to migrate Windows 10 to your SSD and how to make an SSD boot drive after cloning. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Make SSD a Bootable Drive?

When computers are having trouble loading larger files or running multiple applications, many users will choose to replace or upgrade their hard drives to SSDs. Compared with HDD, SSD runs faster, is more stable, and works with less noise. However, SSDs usually have smaller capacities and are more expensive than HDDs. So people usually choose to use SSDs as boot drives and HDDs for storing data.

1. Speed: SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, which means your computer will boot up and load programs much quicker.

2. Performance: With an SSD as the boot drive, your computer's overall performance will be improved, leading to smoother multitasking and faster data access.

3. Reliability: SSDs are more reliable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. This means there's less risk of mechanical failure, resulting in a more stable system.

4. Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can help prolong your laptop's battery life.

How to Install the SSD

Before migrating the Windows 10 operating system to the SSD, we need to install the SSD on the computer and make sure it can be recognized by the computer so that we can make an SSD boot drive.

Tools needed:

1. SSD disk (make sure it has enough capacity to hold all your system data)
2. SSD connection cables
3. Screwdriver
4. Windows 10/11 computer
5. Access to BIOS settings

Now, let's get your SSD set up and ready to go:

Step 1. First, unscrew and remove the case cover from your desktop. Then connect a SATA cable to the SSD and place the SSD into the SSD drive bay.

Step 2. Connect one end of the SATA cable to the SSD and the other end to a spare SATA port on the motherboard.

Step 3. Secure the SSD and replace the case cover on your desktop.

How to Migrate Windows 10 OS to SSD

If you're curious about how to make an SSD boot drive, keep reading to learn how to migrate your Windows 10 OS to the SSD. One option is to use reliable cloning software like AOMEI Backupper Professional. This software simplifies the process of cloning the operating system to an SSD in Windows 10, 8, and 7. Plus, it offers several advantages for a smooth and efficient migration process:

• Secure boot: After cloning, you can securely boot your system from the cloned SSD without reinstalling.
• Intelligent Clone: It not only supports cloning systems to SSDs with equal size or larger capacity but also allows users to clone Windows 10 to smaller SSD.
• SSD Alignment: This feature makes the reading and writing speed of SSD become faster.
• Live clone: It allows cloning tasks to run in the background, so users can use the computer normally during the cloning process.
• Different SSD types and brands: It supports various types of SSD, such as SATA/M.2/PCI-E, etc, and multiple brands of SSD like WD, Acronis, Crucial, etc.

The clone will delete all data on the destination disk, so please backup files to an external hard drive in advance. Next, you can follow the tutorial below to migrate Windows 10 OS to your SSD.

Step 1. Download AOMEI Backupper Professional, install, and launch it. Select Clone > System Clone.

Step 2. The source drive is selected by default, so you only need to select the SSD as the destination location. All partitions needed to boot the computer will be cloned including the EFI system partition.

Step 3. Tick SSD Alignment to optimize SSD performance. Then confirm your operations and click Start Clone to migrate Windows 10 OS to SSD.

Tip:

Sector by sector clone: If you tick this option, it will clone all sectors, whether used or not. Please make sure your target disk is the same as the source disk or larger than it.

How to Change Boot Drive after Clone in Windows 10

After completing the cloning process, you're ready for the final step: changing the Windows 10 boot drive to the SSD in the BIOS. This step ensures that your computer starts up from the SSD instead of the old drive. It's an essential part of making your SSD boot drive. Follow the specific steps outlined below to complete this process smoothly.

Step 1. Restart your computer. Then keep pressing F2/F8/F11/DEL to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Go to the boot option to change the boot order. Set the SSD as the first boot option.

Step 3. Press F10 to save the changes and exit BIOS. Then restart the computer and your Windows 10 will boot from the cloned SSD.

FAQs about how to make SSD boot drive

1. Can an SSD be used as a boot drive?

Yes, you can use an external SSD to boot your PC or Mac. The main reason people choose SSDs for booting is their speed. Many notice faster boot times when they switch from a traditional HDD to an SSD.

2. Is it better to boot from an SSD or HDD?

SSDs are usually faster and more dependable than HDDs, but they're also more costly. If you prioritize quick boot and load times, better overall system performance, and can afford the higher cost, then an SSD is the better choice. However, if you need more storage space at a lower price, an HDD might be preferable.

3. Why doesn't the BIOS show the SSD as a boot option?

The BIOS may not detect an SSD if the data cable is damaged or not connected properly. SATA cables, in particular, can sometimes come loose. Make sure your SATA cables are securely plugged into the SATA port connection to ensure proper detection by the BIOS.

Summary

Now that you've learned how to make an SSD boot drive in Windows 10, you're one step closer to boosting your computer's performance. Remember, it's crucial to clone your Windows 10 OS to the SSD using reliable software like AOMEI Backupper Professional to ensure a smooth transition. Once the cloning process is complete, don't forget to adjust the boot order in the BIOS to prioritize booting from the SSD, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of faster startup times and improved system responsiveness.

Besides, it also supports Disk Clone and Partition Clone, such as clone dynamic disk, cloning MBR to GPT, cloning GPT to MBR, etc. You can download it to enjoy more useful features. And if you are a Windows Server user, you can turn to AOMEI Backupper Server.