Transfer Windows to another PC or disk, without reinstalling and losing data

Both when we change the internal disk of the computer and when we buy a new PC, the problem remains of transferring all the files and programs from one PC to another, without having to reinstall Windows and transfer the files manually.

For all users who often encounter this problem, we will show you how in this guide Transfer Windows to a new PC or a new disk without having to reinstall it and, certainly, without losing personal data saved on your computer.

READ ALSO -> Fast Ways to Transfer Files Between Windows and Mac Computers

1) Physically move the disk or main drive

The easiest way to move a Windows installation is to move the old computer’s main drive to the new PC, either by connecting it to the same SATA cable or by physically moving the NVMe drive.

The new computer disk (if present) can be used as a secondary disk by connecting it to another free SATA cable coming out of the motherboard. The drive with Windows already installed is detected and used to boot the computer by loading Windows (if you have problems booting, make sure you set the right disk to boot in the BIOS or temporarily detach the other disk).

As already seen, it is possible install Windows on an assembled PC in this simple mode if the system is Windows; Unfortunately, the existing Windows installation will include the drivers of the old computer and not the new one, therefore many compatibility errors may occur.

So it will be necessary Log into Windows Safe Modeuninstall the old drivers and install the new ones, perhaps using specific programs (more on this later).

Furthermore, it must be considered that the hard disk of the old computer could be more damaged and slower than the one included in the new one which it would be a shame to relegate to a secondary role.

2) Clone old disk to new disk (via software)

A better solution, especially in the case of disk replacement, is to move the entire system by cloning the hard disk, thus moving all the files and keeping Windows running. The only important thing to check is that the space on the new disk is sufficient to contain the data on the old one.

The best program to clone old disk to new disk is AOMEI Backupper Standard, to try for free. After installing it on the PC to be cloned, connect the disk to which the cloning is intended (perhaps using a USB adapter or an HDD case), open the program, press on Aperturewe select Disk clone, we confirm the disk from which to clone, we set the second disk as the destination and confirm the cloning, thus copying every system file and every personal file present on the old PC; you can also select from the same program Clone partitionso as to choose what to bring on the second disc.

We talk about this program in the ad guide Aomei Backupper for File Backup, Cloning and Synchronization.

As a valid alternative we can also use EaseUS Todo PCTranswhich has cloning features similar to those seen on the AOMEI program, although limited only to partitions.

To learn more we can read our ai guides best free programs to clone disk as system image and how Clone a hard disk with exact copy to another disk.

3) Clone old disk to new disk (via hardware)

Another very effective method for cloning old disks to new disks involves using a docking station with cloning functioncapable of physically performing the cloning between the disk present in slot 1, passing all the partitions and data onto the disk present in slot 2. For the cloning to be successful, the destination disk must have the same or greater capacity than disk 1 , otherwise we will run into errors.

These devices are very simple to use and even the use of a PC is not required (offline cloning). After purchasing one, all we have to do is connect the disk to be cloned indicated as slot 1, insert the new disk into slot 2, connect the power socket and press the clone button. The operation can last several hours but, by operating offline, we can waste all the time necessary to complete it.

With these devices it is possible to clone from large disks (3.5″) to small disks (2.5″), from HDD to SSD, from SSD to SSD, from SSD/HDD to M.2 and from M.2 to M .2, choosing from time to time the most suitable model based on the discs in our possession.

The best docking stations with cloning support are the following:

• ICY BOX: USB 3.0 Dual SSD and Hard Drive Docking Station, SATA Clone Station.
• Salcar USB 3.0: 2-bay clone docking station optimized for 2.5 and 3.5 inch HDD/SSD hard drives (SATA I/II/III), USB 3.0 cable and 12V PSU 3A, 2 x 10 TB.
• Alxum: USB C to SATA HDD Hard Drive Docking Station with Offline Clone Function for 2.5 and 3.5 inch SATA SSD Hard Drives, External SATA Dual Bay Dock Support 2 x 18TB.
• FIDECO Docking Station: USB 3.0 SATA HDD Docking Station for 2.5 and 3.5 inch SATA HDD/SSD, Dual Bay, Offline Cloning Support and 2 x 16TB Hard Drives.
• MAIWO 2 bay M.2: USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) docking station compatible with latest generation NVMe/AHCI SSD and with duplicator and reader function.

Other models can be viewed in Amazon store.

4) Restore system drivers

In the case of transferring Windows to a new computer the problem of wrong drivers on the cloned system still remains.

At this point, if possible, you can certainly use programs for uninstall old and obsolete drivers e reinstall the drivers of the new computer using the discs delivered by the shopkeeper or a free program such as IObit Driver Booster.

With this program we will immediately solve any compatibility problems with possibly missing or corrupt drivers, even if most devices are already compatible with Windows 10.
It is better to always launch it even if there are no obvious driver problems, so as to have everything updated to the latest version.

5) Fix startup problems

One of the most common problems when cloning a disk is the failure to recognize the boot files, which are necessary to start Windows correctly.

In these cases we can solve using the Installation DVD for your Windows version in our possession.
By booting the disk (which is automatic by starting the PC from the DVD player or USB stick changing the boot order) of Windows, the sectors and space reserved for startup on the new disk or SSD drive will be checked, so as to be able to restore correct system startup.

The item to use in the settings screen Advanced options in this case it is Startup Repair. In this regard, I refer you to reading the guide on Ways to repair Windows and create recovery disk.

Conclusions

To conclude, given that when you transfer Windows from one PC to another (or if you change the computer’s motherboard) the purchase license is no longer recognized, you must remember to write down the product key code, to be used on the new PC.

If the code has been lost or you don’t remember, there are some programs to recover your Windows activation code and we can always read the guide on how move the Windows license and deactivate the product key from the old PC.

For further information we can read the guide to ways to transfer files and programs from one PC to another.