If you intend to replace your computer hard drive by purchasing a larger one, most likely you would like to be able to transfer all the contents of the current drive, including the operating system, to the new memory drive. Windows, unfortunately, makes this a little more complicated than you might hope for. This article explains how to transfer a Windows installation from one hard drive to another using AOMEI Backupper, to create the current disk backup and clone the whole system to a new hard drive.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Install AOMEI Backupper
Step 1. Visit the website https://www.backup-utility.com/download.html using your computer's internet browser
This is the web page from which you can download the installation file of AOMEI Backupper, a program that can perform a complete backup of a hard drive and create an exact copy of a memory unit.
Step 2. Click the Download Freeware button
It is blue in color and placed in the center of the page.
Step 3. Click the Download now button
It is located in the center of the pop-up window that appears. You will need to provide your email address. At this point the program installation file will be downloaded to your computer.
Step 4. Run the installation file
By default, all files you download from the web should be stored in your computer's "Downloads" folder. Most internet browsers allow you to run the EXE file directly from the program window. Double click the "BackupperFull.exe" file to install the AOMEI Backupper program.
Step 5. Click the Install Now button
It is blue in color and will appear as soon as you have run the AOMEI Backupper installation file. The program will be automatically installed on your computer.
Part 2 of 3: Back Up Your Hard Drive
Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper program
It features a blue icon with a green and orange circle inside. It's always best to back up your hard drive in case something goes wrong.
Step 2. Click on the Backup option
It is placed along the left side of the AOMEI Backupper program window.
Step 3. Click on the Disk Backup item
A hard drive image will be created that you can use to fully restore your system.
Step 4. Click on the Step 1 option
The first step is to select the hard drive to back up.
Step 5. Click on the hard drive you want to backup, then click on the Add button
You can also select multiple discs at the same time. All chosen units will appear highlighted in green. At the end of the selection, click on the "Add" button located in the lower part of the window.
Step 6. Select the folder in which to store the image file created by the backup procedure (optional)
By default, the backup file will be stored in the C: / folder. If you need to select a different folder, click on "Step 2" and choose the directory you want.
Step 7. Click the Start Backup button
After selecting the disk to be backed up and the folder in which to store the resulting image file, click on the orange "Start Backup" button, located in the lower right corner of the program window. If a problem arises during the hard drive cloning process, you can restore your entire system using this backup file.
Alternatively, you can create a system image using a feature built into all newer versions of Windows. Search the web for more information
Part 3 of 3: Clone the Hard Drive
Step 1. Turn off your computer
Before installing a new hard drive in your computer or any other hardware device, make sure the computer is turned off and unplugged from the power supply. Also, make sure your work area is clean, tidy and has a protective surface against static electricity.
Step 2. Install the new hard drive
In order to install a new disk inside the computer, the motherboard must have a free slot for the data bus connection. Connect the power and data cables to the hard drive. The first will come from the computer's power supply, while the second from the motherboard.
Read this article for more information on how to install a new hard drive inside a computer. If there is no free slot in the computer case for the new hard drive, you can purchase an external USB adapter to temporarily install the new drive in order to migrate the system
Step 3. Turn on your computer
After completing the installation of the new hard drive, press the power button on the computer.
Step 4. Launch AOMEI Backupper program
It has a blue icon with a green and orange circle inside it and should be present in the Windows "Start" menu.
Step 5. Click on the Clone tab
It is listed on the left side of the program window.
Step 6. Click on the Disk Clone option
It is the first item in the "Disk Clone" menu.
Step 7. Select the hard drive you want to clone and click the Next button
You will see a list of all hard drives on your computer. Select the one you want to clone and click on the "Next" button. It is orange in color and located in the lower right corner of the program window.
Step 8. Select the new hard drive you have installed and click the Next button
If the new disk was installed successfully, it should appear in the AOMEI Backupper program window. Click on the corresponding item to select it, then click on the "Next" button located in the lower right corner of the window.
If there is any data on the new disk, remember that it will be deleted
Step 9. Select the "Edit partitions on the destination disk" option
You will be given some options on how to partition the new hard drive. In this case it is recommended to choose "Fit partition to entire disk".
If you are moving the operating system to a new SSD, you should select the "Align partition to optimize for SSD" option. In this way the SSD will be used to the best
Step 10. Click the Start Clone button
This will copy all the contents of the old computer hard drive to the new one.
