What program to use and how to completely copy OS to new drive

[Benji_13]

Hello. This is my first post and I am not entirely sure on whether or not this is the correct place to put it.

My laptop currently has a 256gb M.2 SSD in it. As I am getting fairly close to filling it up I have been planning to get a new 500gb SSD (probably a Samsung 960 Evo). I haven't been able to work out how to transfer my current operating system and personal files over to my new drive though. What I would most like would be a program that would allow me to make a backup of all my personal files, programs and settings. Then I could just install windows on the new drive and copy my programs, settings ect over. Provided that I can reinstall windows with the same disc that came with my laptop. Is that possible? If it's not than a program that I could use to make a perfect working copy of my drive would be good. I'm only planning on doing this once so I am ok with free trials as long as there is no size limit or anything.

TL;DR Is it possible to use an OEM windows disc more than once and what is the best backup/clone software for swapping over SSDs?

Thanks.

 

[Paul NZ]

Get Samsung migration off their site

 

[mamasan2000]

http://www.disk-partition.com/free-partition-manager.html
How-to
http://www.disk-partition.com/help/migrate-system-wizard.html

 

[Phil1989]

macrium reflect. works like magic. and for your question, you can reuse your installers and product keys. just make sure to call the microsoft for your license reactivation and transfer (must have the product key on hand though).

 

[USAFRet]

This was written for desktops, but mostly like this:
(this will clone everything over to the new drive, not backup some stuff and new install on the new drive)
-----------------------------
Verify the actual used space on the current drive is significantly below the size of the new SSD
Download and install Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration, if a Samsung SSD)
Power off
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C and the new SSD
Power up
Run the Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration)
Select ALL the partitions on the existing C drive
Click the 'Clone' button
Wait until it is done
When it finishes, power off
Disconnect ALL drives except for the new SSD
Swap the SATA cables around so that the new drive is connected to the same SATA port as the old drive
Power up, and verify the BIOS boot order
If good, continue the power up

It should boot from the new drive, just like the old drive.
Maybe reboot a time or two, just to make sure.

If it works, and it should, all is good.

Later, reconnect the old drive and wipe as necessary.
Delete the original boot partitions, here:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/4f1b84ac-b193-40e3-943a-f45d52e23685/cant-delete-extra-healthy-recovery-partitions-and-healthy-efi-system-partition?forum=w8itproinstall
-----------------------------

 

[Benji_13]

Thanks guys but I think I forgot to mention someone. I'm using a laptop with one m.2 port so I can't have both SSDs in at the same times. How do I copy my stuff from one ssd to another short of buying an m.2 to USB adaptor?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks guys but I think I forgot to mention someone. I'm using a laptop with one m.2 port so I can't have both SSDs in at the same times. How do I copy my stuff from one ssd to another short of buying an m.2 to USB adaptor?

Well...if you only have one m.2 port, you don't have a lot of options.
2 x m.2 drives would require 2 x m.2 ports...even if one of them is an external USB adapter thing.

 

[Benji_13]

I don't plan on having 2 m.2 drives in my laptop. I have 1 and intend to replace it with another. I just want to know what the best way to transfer all my files over would be.

 

[USAFRet]

I don't plan on having 2 m.2 drives in my laptop. I have 1 and intend to replace it with another. I just want to know what the best way to transfer all my files over would be.

Right.
But to actually connect 2 x m.2 drives...you'll need some sort of adapter for the second one. If only for the time it takes to clone over.

With SATA drives, it is much easier. an applicable cable is $9
https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Adapter-External-Converter-Portable/dp/B06WVDK9QD

To do this with a m.2 drive, you'll need some sort of USB -> m.2 adapter.
This would probably work:
https://www.amazon.com/Cablecc-22pin-Combo-Adapter-Converter/dp/B00S6AHQBM
$18.50.

 

[Benji_13]

I don't plan on having 2 m.2 drives in my laptop. I have 1 and intend to replace it with another. I just want to know what the best way to transfer all my files over would be.

Right.
But to actually connect 2 x m.2 drives...you'll need some sort of adapter for the second one. If only for the time it takes to clone over.

With SATA drives, it is much easier. an applicable cable is $9
https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Adapter-External-Converter-Portable/dp/B06WVDK9QD

To do this with a m.2 drive, you'll need some sort of USB -> m.2 adapter.
This would probably work:
https://www.amazon.com/Cablecc-22pin-Combo-Adapter-Converter/dp/B00S6AHQBM
$18.50.

Okay, thanks. I'll use macrium reflect and an adapter.