I want to move my windows 10 to a bigger SSD. Is this easy?

[Bugal Jackson]

Is this typically painless to do? The said SSD mostly just contains the OS and a few select programs. I just did a fresh install a month ago so I don't want to re-install all over again this soon.

 

[geofelt]

It is trivially easy if the new ssd is Samsung.
Samsung has a free ssd migration app.
It copies the C drive to a new ssd and then you just boot to the new ssd.

 

[asoroka]

You can basically clone the old disk, restore it onto the new disk. Then resize the partition and file system (assuming the new disk is bigger).

Not especially difficult.

I would use clonezilla, but there are other programs out there.

 

[falling10]

It's not difficult if you have technical knowledge.

 

[geofelt]

It's not difficult if you have technical knowledge.

I do not think technical knowledge is even necessary.
Here is a link to the Samsung ssd migration app instructions:
https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/global.semi.static/Samsung_SSD_Data_Migration_User_Manual_(ENG)_v.3.1.pdf

Yes, you do need to know how to install a second ssd at least temporarily.
And.. the Samsung EVO line is one of the better performing and more reliable of the many ssd devices out there.
Likely worth the price premium.

 

[USAFRet]

Is this typically painless to do? The said SSD mostly just contains the OS and a few select programs. I just did a fresh install a month ago so I don't want to re-install all over again this soon.

Easy. Exactly like this:

Specific steps for a successful clone operation:
-----------------------------
Verify the actual used space on the current drive is significantly below the size of the new SSD
Download and install Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration, if a Samsung SSD)
Power off
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C and the new SSD
Power up
Run the Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration)
Select ALL the partitions on the existing C drive
Click the 'Clone' button
Wait until it is done
When it finishes, power off
Disconnect ALL drives except for the new SSD
This is to allow the system to try to boot from ONLY the SSD
Swap the SATA cables around so that the new drive is connected to the same SATA port as the old drive
Power up, and verify the BIOS boot order
If good, continue the power up

It should boot from the new drive, just like the old drive.
Maybe reboot a time or two, just to make sure.

If it works, and it should, all is good.

Later, reconnect the old drive and wipe as necessary.
Delete the 450MB Recovery Partition, here:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/4f1b84ac-b193-40e3-943a-f45d52e23685/cant-delete-extra-healthy-recovery-partitions-and-healthy-efi-system-partition?forum=w8itproinstall
-----------------------------

 

[johnbl]

you can also just mount the new ssd as a sub directory in the filesystem and use both drives.

you can google "how to mount a drive as an ntfs subdirectory"
or look at this:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-mount-hard-drive-folder-windows-10