iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes. Samsung Data Migration clones an operating-system drive to a supported Samsung SSD, transferring Windows, applications, and user data. It is not a general-purpose backup utility: the target drive is erased, and the tool has compatibility and partition limits. Samsung now integrates Data Migration into Samsung Magician; check Samsung’s current support information for the exact drive and software requirements before you begin.
What Samsung Data Migration clones
Samsung describes Data Migration as a way to migrate an existing operating system, applications, and user data from a source drive to a supported Samsung SSD. The source must have an operating system installed; the utility is not intended to clone a data-only drive. Samsung’s current software page identifies Magician as the place to access Data Migration. Samsung’s software and downloads page
In the configuration described in Samsung’s documentation, the utility copies the Windows C: volume and can copy up to two additional volumes. The System Reserved partition is copied automatically. Some files, including page and hibernation files, may not be copied, so the amount of used space on the clone can differ from the source by several gigabytes.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThis is a migration, not a substitute for keeping a separate backup. A successful clone gives you a migrated drive; it does not provide a second, independent copy of your files after you reuse or erase the original.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
Check compatibility before connecting drives
Confirm the exact target model
Data Migration works only with Samsung SSD models listed as supported for the applicable software version. Samsung’s older user manual lists models including the 870 EVO and 980 series, but that list does not establish eligibility for every current release or every drive sold under the Samsung name. Check the live Samsung software page and applicable requirements for your exact model. OEM storage devices supplied through computer manufacturers or other channels may not be supported.
Match the drive interface and connection
The target must physically and electrically match the computer or be connected through a suitable adapter: for example, a SATA-to-USB adapter for a compatible SATA drive or an M.2-to-USB enclosure for a compatible M.2 drive. These are not interchangeable; check the SSD’s interface and form factor, not just the connector shape. Samsung warns that some portable USB adapters can prevent the feature from working properly, so an external connection is not guaranteed to work. See Samsung’s support instructions.
Rank #2
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology.Computer Platform:PC.Encryption : Class 0 (AES 256) TCG/Opal v2.0, MS eDrive (IEEE1667), Environmental Specs - Shock : 1,500 G & 0.5 ms (Half sine).
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance with 870 EVO, which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds, Accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- INDUSTRY DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 2,400 TBW
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: 870 EVO has been compatibility tested for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices. Interface- SATA 6GB/s, compatible with SATA 3GB/s and SATA 1.5GB/s interfaces
Check capacity and source condition
Choose a target with enough usable capacity for the data and partitions being migrated. A smaller target may be unsuitable even if the nominal drive capacities seem close. Samsung lists damaged drives or drives with bad sectors as potential causes of migration problems; address source-drive errors and protect important files before relying on a clone.
Recommended Free Tools
Prepare safely before cloning
- Back up important files from the source to a separate location.
- Back up anything on the target that you need to keep. Starting migration erases the target, and Samsung says the erased target data cannot be recovered through Data Migration.
- Identify both drives by model and capacity. Be certain which one is the source and which one may be erased.
- If the source is encrypted, remove the encryption protection or password before migration. Samsung documents that encrypted sources cannot be cloned while protection remains in place.
- Check for multiple operating-system installations, dynamic disks, instant-recovery software, or other recovery tools that may interfere. Samsung identifies these as potential causes of problems.
- Confirm current Windows, software, and drive requirements with Samsung. The older standalone manual lists Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10; that legacy list does not establish support for current systems.
How to clone to a Samsung SSD
- Install or open Samsung Magician. Samsung’s current software page identifies Magician as the integration point for Data Migration. Use Samsung’s current download and instructions rather than relying on an old standalone installer. Download and software information
- Connect the target SSD. Install it internally or connect it with an interface-appropriate adapter or enclosure. If it is connected over USB and is not detected or migration fails, the adapter may be a factor.
- Open Data Migration and refresh the drive list. Follow the in-app migration workflow and refresh detected drives if needed.
- Select and verify the target. Check its model and capacity against the drive you intend to erase. Review the displayed source and target carefully before proceeding.
- Start the migration and let it finish. Do not disconnect either drive or interrupt the computer while the process is running. Samsung’s support instructions describe the migration flow; the exact labels may vary by software version.
- Shut down and test the migrated drive. Boot from the new SSD as appropriate for your computer’s firmware and installation. There is no single BIOS/UEFI procedure that applies to every PC, so use the computer maker’s instructions if you need to change boot order or select a boot device.
- Verify before reusing the source. Check that Windows starts and that your expected files and applications are available. Keep the original intact until you have confirmed the migrated system works and your important data is safe.
What may not transfer, and why a clone can fail
Partitions and recovery tools
Samsung’s described configuration copies the Windows C: volume and up to two additional volumes, with the System Reserved partition copied automatically. Computer-maker OEM recovery partitions are generally not copied, except for specified Samsung Recovery Solution configurations. If your recovery environment matters, do not assume it will be present on the target; consult the computer manufacturer’s recovery guidance before changing or wiping the original drive.
Rank #3
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Encryption, disks, and multiple operating systems
Remove source-drive encryption protection before trying to migrate. Samsung also flags multiple installed operating systems and dynamic disks as potential compatibility problems. The utility is designed around a supported Windows installation, not as a universal disk-imaging tool for every partition layout.
Drive health, drivers, and USB adapters
Samsung identifies damaged or bad-sector source drives, outdated chipset drivers, instant-recovery software, and certain USB adapters as possible causes of failure or an unusable clone. If migration does not start or complete, check these conditions, confirm both drives are detected correctly, and consult Samsung’s current guidance. A failed migration does not affect source-drive data according to Samsung’s manual, but that is not a reason to skip an independent backup.
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your workflow and gaming with PCIe 5.0, boasting up to 14,700/13,400 MB/s* sequential read/write speeds. Tackle massive files and power up your gaming with Gen5—twice as fast as the 990 PRO SSD.
- EVERY TASK, TURBOCHARGED: Speed past productivity limits. With random read/write speeds up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, enjoy fast game loads, seamless AI apps, and efficient multitasking. Virtually no lag, no limits—just nonstop performance.
- THINK FAST, CREATE FASTER: With random read/write speeds of up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, the 9100 PRO SSD fuels seamless AI content creation, swift loads, and smooth gameplay. Work, play, and create at lightning speed.
- SPEED, WHENEVER YOU NEED: From laptops to desktop PCs, experience blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds and up to 8TB of storage. Perfect for video editing, gaming, and creative tasks, with the compatibility to match your device.
- STAY COOL, RUN FAST: Push limits, not temperatures. A 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over the 990 PRO SSD*, while advanced thermal control keeps performance smooth and reliable.
Large drives and older partitioning
Samsung warns that cloning an older operating system without GPT to a drive larger than 2 TB may leave space above 2 TB unallocated when the disk uses MBR. The Magician 8.3.0 installation guide also describes NTFS and FAT support and additional conditions for portable SSD use. Those details are specific to that guide revision; confirm current behavior for your software version and disk configuration.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Which Samsung SSD should you use?
Do not choose on model name alone. Verify the exact target model’s eligibility with Samsung, then ensure it fits the computer’s interface and form factor. Compare target capacity with the data to be migrated, and decide whether the SSD will connect internally or need an adapter. Samsung’s manual lists the 870 EVO and 980 series among supported models for that manual’s applicable requirements, but current eligibility should be checked against Samsung’s live documentation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
