How to Migrate or Clone Windows 10 HDD or SSD Without Software & Without Data Loss

 If you are planning to upgrade your hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) on your Windows 10 PC, you may be wondering how to migrate or clone your data without losing any of your files. In this article, we will show you how to migrate or clone your Windows 10 HDD or SSD without software and without data loss.

Step 1: Create a Windows 10 System Image Backup

Before you begin the migration or cloning process, it is essential to create a Windows 10 system image backup. This backup will serve as a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the migration process. Here are the steps to create a system image backup:

Connect an external hard drive or USB drive to your Windows 10 PC.

Type "backup" in the Windows search bar and select "Backup settings" from the results.

Click on "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Click on "Create a system image" on the left side of the window.

Choose the location where you want to save the backup and click "Next".

Select the drives that you want to back up and click "Next".

Confirm the backup settings and click "Start backup".

Step 2: Connect the New Drive

Connect your new hard drive or SSD to your Windows 10 PC using a USB-to-SATA adapter or a dock. Make sure the drive is recognized by your PC and has enough storage capacity to accommodate all the data on your current drive.

Step 3: Boot Your PC from the Windows 10 Installation Media

To start the migration process, you need to boot your PC from the Windows 10 installation media. Here are the steps to do it:

Insert the Windows 10 installation media (DVD or USB drive) into your PC.

Restart your PC and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup (usually F2 or Del).

Go to the "Boot" menu and change the boot order to boot from the installation media first.

Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 4: Start the Migration or Cloning Process

Once you have booted your PC from the Windows 10 installation media, you can start the migration or cloning process. Here are the steps to do it:

Choose your language, time zone, and keyboard settings, then click "Next".

Click on "Install now".

Accept the license terms and click "Next".

Click on "Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)".

Select the drive that you want to migrate or clone and click "Next".

Wait for the migration or cloning process to complete.

Step 5: Restore Your Data

After the migration or cloning process is complete, you can restore your data from the system image backup you created earlier. Here are the steps to do it:

Connect the external hard drive or USB drive where you saved your system image backup.

Type "backup" in the Windows search bar and select "Backup settings" from the results.

Click on "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Click on "Restore my files" on the left side of the window.

Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your files.

Conclusion

Migrating or cloning your Windows 10 HDD or SSD without software and without data loss may seem like a daunting task, but with these steps, it can be done easily and safely. Remember to create a system image backup before you begin the migration process, and always make sure you have enough storage capacity on your new drive. With these precautions in mind, you can upgrade your drive and continue using your PC without any interruption or loss of data.