Use this checklist before cloning Windows to a new SSD. The goal is not only to complete the copy, but also to keep a safe rollback path.

Before connecting the new SSD

  • Back up irreplaceable files separately.
  • Confirm the new SSD can hold the used space on the old drive.
  • Check the old drive for file-system and hardware warnings.
  • Save your BitLocker recovery key if encryption is enabled.

Before starting the clone

  • Confirm the source and destination by model and capacity.
  • Connect reliable power to the laptop.
  • Close applications that constantly write data.
  • Create Windows recovery media.
Critical check: the destination SSD will normally be overwritten. Confirm it contains nothing you need before proceeding.

After the clone

  • Boot from the new SSD before erasing the old one.
  • Open representative files and applications.
  • Check Windows activation, encryption, and partition capacity.
  • Keep the original drive unchanged until the new setup has been stable.