Upgrade/Clone 128GB SSD to 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or Larger SSD Free
Quick Overview
This guide provides methods to upgrade a disk from 128GB to 256GB, or from 128GB to 512GB/1TB SSD for free (cloning a small SSD to a larger SSD) using the free tool IM-Magic Partition Resizer. This tool allows you to clone the disk without reinstalling the Windows 10/11 operating system, even if it's an OS disk.
The case: Upgrading to larger SSD required
As my 128GB SSD becomes crowded with more applications and data, its capacity is no longer adequate. Consequently, I have purchased a 256GB Samsung SSD and plan to replace the 128GB SSD with it. To avoid the hassle of reinstalling all my programs and Windows 10, I intend to clone the 128GB SSD to the 256GB SSD. Is there a detailed guide available for this process? How can I ensure the task is completed successfully?
The key: Free disk cloning software IM-Magic Partition Resizer to upgrade 128GB SSD to 256GB, or 256GB SSD to 1TB SSD etc.
You can clone/duplicate a 128GB SSD onto a 256GB SSD, transferring everything, including the operating system, from your current 128GB SSD to the new, larger 256GB SSD. This free tool Partition Resizer allows you to replace the 128GB SSD without needing to reinstall anything.
Before SSD to SSD clone operation:
- Install the New SSD: Install the new 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD into your computer. There is no need to initialize the new SSD, as it can be directly used as a target disk in Partition Resizer. We do not recommend initializing the disk first, as it will clone the disk with the same properties during the cloning process if it is not initialized. However, if you prefer, you can initialize it under Disk Management or use a free tool like Partition Resizer.} (Also read: how to initialize a new disk)
- Backup Important Data on Target SSD if It Contains Data: If there is data on the target 256GB SSD, back it up in advance using the free tool Partition Resizer or manual data transfer. The cloning process will erase all data on the target SSD. (You don't have to delete all partitions first since the data and partitions will be deleted during the process of cloning. Do backup data first.)
- Deleting All Partitions Involved: If you're using a previously used SSD as the target disk, the software Partition Resizer will ask to remove all disk partitions and data for cloning. You need to confirm this deletion. [Please back up the data on the target disk to another location before cloning. For example, if Disk B (1TB SSD) has 600GB of data, you need to back up the 600GB of data to another location first.]
- Prepare for Laptop Cloning: If you need to clone the SSD on a laptop, you might require a USB-to-SATA adapter to connect the new SSD.
- Download and Install Cloning Software: Free download, install, and run the free cloning software IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful cloning process, avoiding potential data loss and ensuring your new SSD is ready for use.
Download and Use Free Cloning Sofware
IM-Magic Partition Resizer, the free and easy to use disk cloning software is a great option, compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, XP, and Vista. Its "Migrate OS Wizard" feature can easily and securely clone the entire existing SSD (including hidden partitions and the OS partition) to a new, larger SSD and make the new SSD boot correctly. Additionally, it can clone a larger HDD to a smaller SSD (e.g., clone a 1TB HDD to a 500GB SSD). Its user-friendly and intuitive interface makes the process straightforward and easy to manage.
What's more, this free tool can also help manage disk space without losing data. It can resize volumes, move partitions or unallocated spaces, merge adjacent volumes, copy disks or partitions for backup, and convert disks, all without losing data.
A. Example Guide for Cloning a 128GB SSD OS Disk to a 1TB SSD
If the 128GB SSD contains the c drive (operating system runs on it), you may go with the following steps.
Step1. Download, install Partition Resizer, click Tools tab in the software, and go to 'Migrate OS Wizard'.
Step2. Select the destination disk (preferably an empty disk with all its partitions removed using either Disk Management or Partition Resizer, or ensure there is enough unallocated space on the target disk).
Note: Here in this step you may resize the target disk if needed by dragging c drive border in the software.
A message will appear explaining steps you need to take if you plan to use both the cloned C drive disk and the old C drive SSD on the same computer.
Note: HERE ARE SOME MUST-DO ITEMS
- If you remove the old 128GB SSD from your PC, then nothing needs to be done. Just replace your disk with the new disk. (IF YOU CLONED TO A GPT DISK, YOU STILL NEED TO CHANGE THE BIOS SETTING FROM LEGACY TO UEFI.)
- If you keep both the old 128GB SSD and the larger SSD (256GB or 1TB) on the same PC, you must restart your computer and enter the BIOS to select the boot order.
- If you want to keep the cloned 1TB disk on your PC and use the 128GB disk as a non-OS boot disk, you may format the 128GB disk or remove all data from it. (First, change the BIOS boot order to boot from the 1TB SSD, then format the 128GB disk.)
B. Cloning a 128GB SSD NON-OS Disk to a 256GB SSD
If it's a 128GB NON-OS SSD, you can start cloning it to another disk 256GB SSD by the following steps.
Notes: Here are some tips for cloning a NON-OS disk to another SSD.
- You should insert the target disk 256GB to computer at first, no matter it's an internal or external SSD.
- Download the install the free cloning software to your PC
Step1. Right click the disk you want to clone at the head of the disk in the software IM-Magic Partition Resizer, go to 'Copy disk' option.
Step2. Select the source disk and the target disk. For example, select disk A and disk B to clone disk A to disk B.
Step3. Confirm the deletion of all partitions and data on the target disk since it asks for a completely unallocated disk as a target disk.
Step4. Click 'Apply Changes' to start the cloning in the software.
Cloning Examples
Example 128GB SSD to 256GB SSD:
The source disk is a 128GB SSD with 3 volumes, and the new disk is a 256GB SSD with only one volume. How can you clone the disk?
Solution: The cloning process will be the same regardless of the source and target disks selected. The data and volumes on the target disk will be deleted, and the software will clone the exact volumes from the source disk, resulting in a target disk with 3 volumes.
Example: Source disk 128GB SSD (Containing the OS), target disk 512GB SSD
Here are the steps to clone a 128GB SSD to a 512GB SSD using IM-Magic Partition Resizer, shortened for brevity:
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Download and Install: Download and install IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
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Connect SSDs: Connect both the 128GB (source) and 512GB (target) SSDs to your computer.
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Open Software: Launch IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
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Select Source Disk: Select your 128GB SSD as the source disk.
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Clone Disk: Choose the "Migrate OS Wizard" option under TOOLS.
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Select Target Disk: Select the 512GB SSD as the target disk. Confirm data deletion on the target disk.
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Start Cloning: Begin the cloning process and wait for it to complete.
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Shut Down: Shut down your computer once cloning is finished.
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Replace SSD: Replace the 128GB SSD with the 512GB SSD if needed.
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Boot from New SSD: Boot your computer, enter BIOS/UEFI, set the 512GB SSD as the primary boot drive, and save the settings.
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Verify: Boot up and verify that everything works correctly on the new SSD.
By following these steps, you can successfully clone your 128GB SSD to a 512GB SSD using IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
Example: clone 256gb to 512gb ssd
To clone a 256GB SSD to a 512GB SSD using IM-Magic Partition Resizer in 5 steps:
- Download and Install: Download and install IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
- Connect SSDs: Connect the 256GB (source) and 512GB (target) SSDs to your computer.
- Open and Select Source: Open the software and select the 256GB SSD as the source disk.
- Clone Disk: Choose the "Disk Clone" option, select the 512GB SSD as the target, and confirm data deletion.
- Start Cloning and Verify: Start the cloning process. Once done, boot from the 512GB SSD and verify the data.
It's the same steps if you want to clone 256 to 1tb ssd.
FAQs
Question1: Can I clone my SSD to a new SSD?
Answer: YES, all you need to do is to connect your disk to PC, and use a free cloning software to clone your ssd to a new one.
Question2: Can I change 128GB to 256GB windows 10?
Answer: Yes, to clone a 256GB SSD to a 512GB SSD using IM-Magic Partition Resizer in 5 steps:
- Download and install IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
- Connect both SSDs to your computer.
- Select the 256GB SSD as the source disk.
- Choose "Disk Clone" and select the 512GB SSD as the target.
- Start the cloning process and verify the data on the 512GB SSD.
Question3: Can you clone a smaller SSD to a larger one?
Answer: Yes, you can clone a smaller SSD to a larger one. Use tools like IM-Magic Partition Resizer to copy all data, including the OS, from the smaller SSD to the larger SSD. Ensure both SSDs are connected, select the source and target disks, and start the cloning process.
Question4: Can you clone two different size hard drives?
Answer: Yes, you can clone two different size hard drives. Tools like IM-Magic Partition Resizer allow you to copy all data from a smaller to a larger hard drive. Connect both drives, select the source and target disks, and initiate the cloning process to transfer all data, including the OS.
Question5: clone 128gb ssd to 256gb samsung
To clone a 128GB SSD to a 256GB Samsung SSD:
- Download and install IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
- Connect both SSDs to your computer.
- Select the 128GB SSD as the source disk.
- Choose "Disk Clone" and select the 256GB Samsung SSD as the target.
- Start the cloning process and verify.
Question6: Clone 128gb ssd to 256gb price
To clone a 128GB SSD to a 256GB SSD for free:
- Download and install IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
- Connect both SSDs to your computer.
- Select the 128GB SSD as the source disk.
- Choose "Disk Clone" and select the 256GB SSD as the target.
- Start the cloning process and verify.
Also read:
- how to clone mbr to gpt disk ssd
- how to clone larger disk ssd or hdd to smaller SSD
- clone encrypted hard drive
- clone c drive windows 10 ssd
- clone bootable usb