Question How to move my Windows 11 from one SSD to another ?

[USAFRet]

the easier / faster one

Similar difficulty for either.
Both include going inside the case and physically disconnecting things.


Clone:
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C drive, and the new NVMe.
Follow the steps above, to include disconnecting the old C drive at the end of the process.

Clean install:
Disconnect ALL drives except the new NVMe.
Boot from a USB that you created with the MediaCreation tool from MS.
Install on the new drive.


The easiest thing to do is one of 2 things:
1. Leave the OS where it is.
2. Find a local computer shop, and have them do this.

 

[mdd1963]

M.2 NVME slots can be disabled from within the BIOS, which would eliminate your having to remove one if you choose to do a fresh install to the new NVME drive....(Installing Windows takes 3-5 minutes these days if using a most recent installer created with MS Media Creation Tool, vice using one created 3 WIn11 versions ago, which will need 30 min wasted time for updates..)

 

[SkyNetRising]

M.2 NVME slots can be disabled from within the BIOS

Not every BIOS supports that. Probably most - don't.

 

[Seltop]

Not every BIOS supports that. Probably most - don't.

How can I check if mine does?

 

[Lafong]

Your manual might have a BIOS section that shows the choices.

Or not.

You might find BIOS details at the Gigabyte website if you want to wade through it.

I think this is a review of your motherboard BIOS options below.

The GIGABYTE Z390 Aorus Pro WIFI Motherboard Review: A Sturdy $200 Surprise

www.anandtech.com

You might be able to move your system to the new drive through imaging as well as cloning. I haven't followed this thread closely. You might find imaging just as intimidating as cloning.

But if you are highly nervous about fiddling with hardware or BIOS settings, you are a candidate for a competent repair shop to do the move. There may or may not be one within 100 miles of your location. That's for you to determine.