Got a new SSD & Need Help

[Kevin98712]

So I just recently got a new ssd because I wanted to see how cool they are and wanted an upgrade from my hdd. I already have my os and games on my pc since it's almost a year old, but I was wondering if I could transfer my os onto the ssd without doing a fresh windows install ? (if nothing works out I'll just do a fresh install on the ssd)

Thanks in advance !

 

[USAFRet]

Prelim questions:

What OS?
How large is the SSD?
ow large is the original HDD?
How much space is used on the HDD?
Laptop or desktop?

 

[Kevin98712]

Prelim questions:

What OS?
How large is the SSD?
ow large is the original HDD?
How much space is used on the HDD?
Laptop or desktop?

Windows 7
SSS Size 120 GB
Original HDD is 1 TB but i only have ~400 GB used on it
And Desktop

 

[USAFRet]

"Original HDD is 1 TB but i only have ~400 GB used on it"

This is the main issue.

Personally, I almost always recommend a clean install on a new SSD. OS and applications.

But you have a couple options:
1. Reduce the size of current used space to under 100GB or so. This means reinstalling all the stuff any, though.
2. This purports to move 'only' the OS. http://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/
Not free, and I personally have never used it
3. Clean install on the new SSD.

 

[leonetu]

Fresh install is the way to go. With all your software it's most certain you will not be able to fit all, even after thinning it down, into your new SSD. Suggest backing up all important data in the 1TB, then fresh install OS in the SSD, then format the 1TB and install all non-critical, GB-eating programs there. You can opt to partition the 1TB to your liking, separating progs and data in each partition. Your OS and some key progs will load fast. I did the same and keep my SSD filled only op to 75-85% of its capacity.