FrankK

I am running out of storage space on my laptop and have decided to swap out my hard drive with a 2TB Samsung SSD. I viewed a couple of Youtube tutorials about the process and decided to try it myself. Downloading Samsung's Data Migration software and using it to clone the hard drive data and programs to the SSD doesn't seem like a difficult process. Before I attempt this process, I am curious to know if anyone tried it and had any problems I should know about.

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

I have done it with smaller drives and have not had any issues. Save the standard hard drive if you ever have to go back and you should be fine.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I have used Acronis True Image software for 15+ years and have upgraded an SSD (operating system drive) 4 or 5 times. It is not free, but it is one of the premier backup programs.
You can download a 30 day free trial here:https://www.acronis.com/en-us/homecomputing/thanks/acronis-true-image-2020/
Mark

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I’ve been using Acronis about 10 years ago. I bought it and updated over the years but I still have the 2018 version.
It’s not hard to use. I always clone my hard drive, especially before a Windows 10 update.
It does Cloning, BackUps, creates Emergency startup disks, and more.
It has saved my butt a few times over the years.
The only thing to watch out for is knowing which is your Source Drive “C” and which is the Target.

Other Hogs will confirm Acronis or suggest others.

Sometimes, a Free, limited version comes with a new SSD drive.

FrankK

Very much appreciate your suggestions. Whenever I trying something new with my computer, I worry when it looks easy to do because I expect something to fail.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Another vote for Acronis to clone - works perfectly and seamlessly.

NikonRocks Loc: Sydney

Another vote for Acronis. Just a couple of days ago I replaced my 1TB laptop system drive with a 1TB SSD using Acronis to do the cloning. The whole process went beautifully. There are a number of ways by which the cloning can be done.
1). in situ - leaving HDD inside laptop and cloning to an external USB device where the SSD is mounted
2). using another PC - using spare ATA connections, if you have them, to speed up the process. ATA runs faster than USB.

In any case be aware that Acronis takes its time analyzing your selections before responding with the next step in the process. This can be off-putting at first leaving one to think nothing is happening and the program has got stuck. Be patient.

Also, you may be instructed to reboot your machine at the end of the initial analysis. If this happens then upon rebooting, Acronis boots up into a form of Linux to do the cloning. Just let it run to completion. Once the cloning has completed successfully, power off your laptop and swap over the HDD for the SSD. Make sure you don't come in contact with any of the gold-plated contact fingers on the drives lest static electricity damage your equipment.

Power on your laptop and you will be amazed at how quickly your device boots up. It will be as if you bought a new machine. Enjoy.

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

Amazon has 3 or 4 different priced Acronis. Which one are you referring to and does it clone programs as well as files?

tankdonovan Loc: Tennessee

Have you thought of using a "hard drive docking/cloning station"? Do a google search. Looks simple.

wayne2193 Loc: East Troy, WI

I have used the Samsung migration software on 3 different computers and it works like a charm. Go ahead and use it. It's easy to do.
Wayne

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

I tried Acronis when I was swapping out an HDD for a SSD and despite working with their tech support, I could not get the SSD to be a bootable drive. I eventually got my money back. I then used Samsung's Data Migration Software with one of their SSDs and it worked perfectly!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When I bought Samsung SSDs, they came with software and cable to clone the C drive. It was a no-brainer. The cable wasn't included with drives I bought later, though. And it looks like you have to download the software now. The software is smart enough to know if you're trying to clone to a non-Samsung drive, and it won't continue. There are lots of free programs that will let you clone a drive.

Go ahead and do it. In he unlikely event that it messes up, your C drive will be okay, and you can try again.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Ditto on Mark's experience using Acronis - highly recommend.

Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY

Another Acronis user for quite a number of years. But I have also used the Samsung tool which is easy and the price is right.

When I started with Acronis there was little competition for both backup and disk management. Since then many good tools are available in the OS. But I keep updating because I don’t have to learn a new tool.

wireloose

Done it many times, the Samsung software works like a charm, no need for Acronis though like others I’ve used that successfully with other brand SSDs