If you are feeling stressed that your computer is slow to start up or that apps take a long time to start up, the most effective solution is to migrate (replace) your PC’s storage from an HDD (hard disk) to an SSD (solid state drive). You can experience a dramatic increase in speed compared to adding more CPU or memory. Here, we will introduce the overall process of migrating from HDD to SSD.

Step 1: Prepare what you need First, purchase a new SSD with a capacity greater than that of the currently installed HDD. In recent years, faster M.2 NVMe SSDs have become mainstream, but older PCs may only support 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, so be sure to check the specifications of your PC beforehand. You will also need an “HDD/SSD clone stand” and a “USB connection conversion cable” to copy (clone) the entire contents of your old HDD to your new SSD.

Step 2: Copy data with cloning software Connect the new SSD to your PC with a USB cable, etc., and use dedicated cloning software (Macrium Reflect, EaseUS Todo Backup, etc.) to copy the entire data on the old HDD, including the OS (Windows, etc.), to the new SSD. Depending on the amount of data, it may take several hours.

Step 3: Physical replacement work Once the data has been copied, turn off your PC and unplug all cables. Open your PC case, remove the old HDD, and install the new SSD. Note that laptops may require disassembly, so be aware of the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Step 4: Startup confirmation Reassemble and power on your PC. If Windows boots up safely and quickly, the replacement is a success! You’ll be impressed by the speed at which your PC runs, which has become surprisingly comfortable.