How to Backup SSD to External Hard Drive: 3 Easy Methods

Can I clone an SSD drive to an external hard drive on my Windows computer?

SSDs have gained popularity for installing Windows and running applications due to their fast speeds and high performance. They are an excellent choice for users who want to boost their system's efficiency and responsiveness.

On the other hand, external hard drives (HDDs) offer a more affordable alternative, providing larger storage capacity at a lower cost. Thanks to their ample space and budget-friendly pricing, HDDs remain a go-to option for many seeking reliable data storage.

Backing up your SSD to an external hard drive is crucial for protecting your important data from loss or corruption. In this guide, we’ll walk you through three easy and effective ways how to back up your SSD to an external hard drive.

How to Backup SSD to External Hard Drive

Here comes the main course: three methods to help you know how to backup SSD to an external hard drive Windows 11. To make a backup of your SSD, you can use Windows' built-in backup tool or other software like AOMEI Backupper Standard. Another option is to clone your SSD onto an external hard drive as a backup. This way, if your SSD breaks, you can switch it out without any downtime.

Prepare and Initialize Your External Hard Drive

Important: Your target drive, whether internal or external, must have at least the same capacity as the source SSD to clone a disk.

If you're working with a brand-new, unallocated drive, you'll need to initialize it first. Here’s how to get started:

1. Plug your external hard drive into your computer using its USB cable.

2. Right-click the Windows icon and choose "Disk Management

3. Right-click on it and select "Initialize Disk." Choose the disk type (MBR or GPT) for the external HDD.

4. If the drive shows as "New Volume". Right-click and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths." Assign a new drive letter to make it accessible.

5. After these steps, your external hard drive should be detectable and ready for use.

Method 1:  Create a Disk Image of SSD via AOMEI Backupper

The simplest method how to transfer data from an SSD to an external hard drive is by using a specialized disk backup tool. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a versatile backup and restore software that can easily back up your SSD to any external hard drive. It works on Windows 11/10/8/7 and offers various advanced backup options for disks.

You can quickly create backups of your entire SSD, ensuring that all your important files, applications, and system settings are safely stored on your external drive. The software’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to everyone, whether you’re a tech expert or just starting out.

Before the instruction on how to backup SSD to HDD in Windows 10, make sure your SSD and HDD are connected with enough space to make a backup and store.

Step 1: Install and open AOMEI Backupper. Select Backup >> Disk Backup.

Step 2: Choose separately the SSD and the external hard drive disk as the backup destination.

Step 3: In the last step, tap"Start Backup" to backup SSD to the external hard drive.

Extra settings: As mentioned earlier, users can easily set up automatic backups to transfer data from an SSD to an external hard drive. You have the option to select a Backup Scheme that suits your needs, such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or based on specific events, including when you plug in a USB drive.

Method 2: Make a Copy Clone of SSD with AOMEI Backupper

Creating a copy clone of your SSD is also an efficient and reliable method. AOMEI Backupper is the best solution equipped with advanced clone features to simplify the backup process. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, it allows users to create exact replicas of their SSDs, and store them on an external hard drive for safekeeping. If your SSD contains OS, try a professional version to conduct the clone operation. 

In this section, we'll delve into how to use AOMEI Backupper to clone your SSD, helping you seamlessly back up your data and preserve its integrity.

1: First, connect your SSD and external hard drive to your PC. Tap Clone >> Disk Clone in order.

2: Select the source SSD disk as the cloned source, as well as the external hard drive as the saving destination.

3: Click Start Clone to start the clone task.

Method 3: Backup Entire SSD Using Backup and Restore

Backing up your SSD to an external hard drive using Windows Backup and Restore is also a straightforward method. Whether you're looking to safeguard important files or create a complete system image backup, Windows Backup and Restore offers a convenient solution. In this section, we'll explore how to utilize Windows Backup and Restore to backup your SSD to an external hard drive.

Always remember to connect all your storage devices to the computer and make sure they are recognized.

1: Search this built-in feature of Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

2: Continue to select Set up backup >> select external hard drive >> Let me choose.

3: Check all the partitions on your SSD to be backed up and click Next. Confirm all your settings and click Save settings and run backup.

Reasons to Backup SSD to External Hard Drive

Whether you're upgrading your SSD, preparing for system maintenance, or protecting against unforeseen disasters, having a reliable backup ensures peace of mind and data security. Here are four compelling reasons to do so:

🚩Data Protection: By creating a backup of your SSD onto an external hard drive, you establish a copy of your important files and documents.  🚩Event Prevention: External hard drives offer a portable and reliable storage solution for event prevention. 🚩Flexibility and Accessibility: Storing SSD backups on an external hard drive provides flexibility and accessibility across multiple devices and platforms. 🚩Larger Storage Space: External hard drives usually provide much more storage than SSDs, making them great for keeping large amounts of data.

FAQs about Backing Up SSD to External Hard Drive

Q 1: How often should I backup my SSD?

A 1: Regular backups are crucial. Depending on your data usage, weekly or monthly backups are recommended to ensure you always have the latest data.

Q 2: Can I use the same external hard drive for multiple backups?

A 2: Yes, as long as the external hard drive has sufficient capacity. It’s advisable to organize backups by creating separate folders for each backup session.

Q 3: What happens if my external hard drive runs out of space?

A 3: You can delete older backups to free up space or use a new external hard drive. Ensure critical data is not lost when removing old backups.

Practical Tips for Backing Up SSD to External Hard Drive

Regular Schedule: Set a regular backup schedule to ensure your data is always up-to-date. Verify Backups: Regularly check and verify your backups to ensure they are complete and not corrupted. Secure Storage: Store your external hard drive in a safe location to protect it from physical damage or theft.

Conclusion

In summary, backing up your SSD to an external hard drive is essential to keep your data safe from potential loss or damage. By using the methods shared in this guide, you can protect your important files and system configurations. One of the best options is AOMEI Backupper, a dependable and flexible backup solution with advanced features. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, AOMEI Backupper offers everything you need to securely back up your SSD data. Trust AOMEI Backupper for your backup needs, and ensure your valuable data is always protected.