TWO options:
1) CLONE, or
2) Windows 10 Upgrade
1) CLONE from HDD to SSD:
a) attach SSD via USB (or put both into a desktop computer)
b) use Machrium Reflect Free (use the "VERIFY" option if it's there... pretty sure I used that two years ago)
c) attach SSD to laptop
d) test SSD
e) Keep HDD as backup, or format and use some other way (if formatting you should create a BACKUP IMAGE of Windows such as Acronis True Image or similar... ask later if needed)
Windows 10 Upgrade (now):
a) upgrade from within Windows, then
b) Create a W10 Install disc (
http/windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install ). Recommend the USB thumb drive method.
c) Swap in the SSD
d) Insert USB thumb drive and BOOT to it (may need to change BIOS boot order)
e) Finish install
f) Add any missing drivers
g) Other programs etc
*Note:
Once you UPGRADE to Windows 10 you can then do a CLEAN INSTALL using the install media to a drive with NOTHING on it. Microsoft has your computer listed now and knows it qualifies for W10. So you do NOT have to CLONE to the SSD and then upgrade with this method.
(Do NOT enter any keys into the clean install done after upgrading. Microsoft gets your key from their database for the upgrade you already applied. You should have a password and e-mail though. It can be done without but it's used for several programs so a good idea.)
Other:
A new version of the W10 install media is coming sometime in November which allows you to boot to it and simply type in your Windows 7/8 key and avoid the UPGRADE prior to the clean install. Not sure of the date. Probably just as easy to do the method I already mentioned though note some laptops can't get the upgrade to work (almost finishes then rolls back to Windows 7/8).
The clean install method would work fine. You just can't do it yet prior to doing the UPGRADE of W7/W8.