I possess both SSD and HDD in my laptop. I split the SSD and set up Windows 10 and Ubuntu 18 in it for dual booting. The SSD has a capacity of only 250GB, which is being used by both operating systems, while the HDD has a capacity of 1TB.
I now intend to transfer only the Windows 10 operating system to the HDD, while keeping Ubuntu 18 in the SSD, without losing any data.
Can you suggest a simple method to do this?
2 Answers
Introduction
Transferring the operating system from one drive to another is a common requirement. It may be necessary when you need to free up space on your primary drive or when you want to switch to a faster drive. In this blog post, we will discuss whether it is feasible to transfer the operating system from SSD to HDD and the easiest way to do it without data loss.
Can you transfer the operating system from SSD to HDD?
Yes, it is feasible to transfer the operating system from SSD to HDD. However, it is not as simple as copying and pasting files. The operating system is a complex set of files and configurations that need to be properly transferred to ensure that it works correctly on the new drive.
One of the main challenges when transferring the operating system is ensuring that all the drivers and system files are properly installed on the new drive. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of the operating system.
Another challenge is ensuring that all your personal data is properly backed up before the transfer. This is important because any data loss during the transfer can be disastrous.
The easiest way to transfer the operating system from SSD to HDD
The easiest way to transfer the operating system from SSD to HDD is by using a disk cloning software. Disk cloning software creates an exact copy of your existing drive, including the operating system, files, and configurations. This means that you can transfer the entire operating system to a new drive without having to reinstall it from scratch.
There are many disk cloning software available, both free and paid. Some popular options include EaseUS Todo Backup, Macrium Reflect, and Clonezilla. These software allow you to create a bootable USB or CD that you can use to transfer the operating system to the new drive.
The process of transferring the operating system using disk cloning software is straightforward. First, you need to connect the new drive to your computer and ensure that it is properly recognized. Then, you need to create a disk image of your existing drive using the disk cloning software. Once the disk image is created, you can transfer it to the new drive and make it bootable.
It is important to note that the process of transferring the operating system using disk cloning software can take several hours, depending on the size of your drive and the speed of your computer.
How to transfer Windows 10 from SSD to HDD
If you want to transfer Windows 10 from SSD to HDD, you can use the disk cloning software method we discussed earlier. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Download and install a disk cloning software, such as EaseUS Todo Backup, on your computer.
2. Connect the new HDD to your computer and ensure that it is recognized.
3. Open the disk cloning software and select the option to clone your existing drive.
4. Choose the SSD as the source drive and the HDD as the destination drive.
5. Configure the settings, such as the partition size and file system, as required.
6. Start the cloning process and wait for it to complete.
7. Once the cloning process is complete, shut down your computer and disconnect the SSD.
8. Boot your computer with the new HDD and ensure that Windows 10 is working correctly.
How to ensure data safety during the transfer
Data safety is critical when transferring the operating system from SSD to HDD. Any data loss during the transfer can be disastrous, especially if you have important files and documents on your computer. Here are some tips to ensure data safety during the transfer:
1. Back up all your personal data, such as documents, pictures, and videos, to an external drive or cloud storage before starting the transfer process.
2. Use a reliable and reputable disk cloning software to ensure that the transfer process is safe and secure.
3. Verify that the new drive is working correctly before disconnecting the old drive.
4. Keep a backup of your old drive in case something goes wrong during the transfer process.
Conclusion
Transferring the operating system from SSD to HDD is feasible, but it requires careful planning and execution. Using a disk cloning software is the easiest way to transfer the operating system without data loss. However, it is important to ensure data safety during the transfer process by backing up all your personal data and using a reliable disk cloning software.
Assuming that both operating systems have been installed in UEFI mode, which is the recommended way, the process is simple. Just copy or move the Windows system partition to the desired drive, and then boot into Ubuntu and execute the command “sudo update-grub” as usual.
It is essential not to modify the ESP (EFI System Partition) during this process.