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How to Move Windows 10 to Another Drive [Step-by-Step]
Everything you need to move your OS to another drive
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
In case you want to free up some space on yourprimary hard disk, or you simply bought another hard drive, you might consider moving your entireWindows 10operating system to a new space.
However, this is not such an easy task, and it requires you to know what you are doing to prevent data loss. In this guide, we have detailed the steps you need to follow to make the process successful the first time you try.
How to migrate Windows 10 to another drive?
1. Use the system image
- Press theWindowskey, typecontrol, and click theControl Paneloption.
3.Click the dropdown next toView byand select theLarge iconsoption.
4.Now, chooseBackup and Restore (Windows 7).
5.ClickCreate a system image.
6.Tick the radio buttonOn a hard diskand select your drive.
7.Now, click theNextbutton.
8.Next, select theStart Backupoption and wait for the process to finish.
9.Finally, you will get a prompt to confirm if you want to create a recovery image disk. You can choose eitherYesorNofor this.
The first thing you need to do to move Windows 10 to another drive is create a system image. This will essentially create a backup of your PC to the new hard drive.
It is important to note that this method will only work if the external hard drive is the same size or larger than the primary drive. If it is lower, this process is bound to fail.
After creating a system image, you can proceed to stage 2 below.
With this, you have successfully moved Windows 10 to an external drive. As we have mentioned earlier, this method works if you use a disk of the same or larger size as your original disk.
If you want to use a smaller disk, you might need toclone the disk using a specialized tool.
2. Use a third-party tool
We have come to the end of this detailed guide. You now have everything you need to move Windows 10 to an external drive.
If you need a list of thebest partition manager softwareto partition the new drive, check our excellent guide for the top options that are currently available.
Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.
More about the topics:external hard drive,external USB drive,Windows 10 Guides
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
