How do I transfer Windows 8.1 onto an SSD from an HDD from a prebuilt PC?

[Morgonday]

I have a 500GB Samsung 850 Evo and I was wonder how to transfer only windows to it from the HDD. I have a prebuilt computer that I have upgraded so the only 2 things that I have from the original build are the HDD and RAM, so I do not have a windows disk nor do I know my product key. I was wonder how could i get my OS onto the SSD without those two things. I've looked into cloning but everywhere I've looked seems to say that its a bad idea, so if that's untrue i am willing to do that. What would be my best option?

 

[Ubrales]

Cloning is your best option and a good option! I have done cloning over ten times on different computers; sometimes just to change the SSD from one brand to another.

 

[USAFRet]

Assuming your current data size is somewhat smaller than 500GB, the included Samsung Data migration software will do exactly what you seek.

 

[Morgonday]

Cloning is your best option and a good option! I have done cloning over ten times on different computers; sometimes just to change the SSD from one brand to another.

What program do you recommend? I was looking at Paragon before, is that a good choice?

 

[USAFRet]

Cloning is your best option and a good option! I have done cloning over ten times on different computers; sometimes just to change the SSD from one brand to another.

What program do you recommend? I was looking at Paragon before, is that a good choice?

Samsung Data Migration, Easus Todo, Macrium Reflect, Casper (not free, but good)

 

[Ubrales]

Cloning is your best option and a good option! I have done cloning over ten times on different computers; sometimes just to change the SSD from one brand to another.

What program do you recommend? I was looking at Paragon before, is that a good choice?

Here are some options for cloning:

Backup before you do anything. Backup to an external drive.

For cloning (making an exact copy of the entire disk) you need to connect the hard disk to your present computer OR to a different computer and then use a cloning software. There are a few good free cloning software that you can download and run.

There is Acronis (free download from WD's website).

Samsung data migration (CD comes with the Samsung SSD and will work on Samsung SSDs).

Clonezilla: http://clonezilla.org/

Apricorn (this is what I use): http://www.apricorn.com/products/software/ezgig.html
(Needs ‘Drivewire’ - $35) - http://www.apricorn.com/media/uploads/DriveWire_Manual_rev7_14.pdf

EaseUS: http://www.easeus.com/backup-software/ (I have used this) - look for the clone option.

After you clone the hard disk, use the newly cloned hard disk in place of the old hard disk.

Make a backup of the new setup.