How to Transfer Files from Old Hard Drive to New SSD on Mac

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MacOS has improved however the hardware configuration is still expensive. If you are using an old MacBook that is running out of storage, you might want to upgrade it to get faster and higher storage. Many users switched from HDD to SSD as Solid State Drives (SSD) are much faster and more reliable. It is not that tricky to transfer files from the old hard drive to the new hard drive. You just need to ensure that you are not losing out on your important data.

If you are unaware of how to transfer files from an old hard drive to another one, this article is for you! You just need to follow the step-by-step process to back up all your files and data before this transformation. The steps mentioned here will ensure that you can switch to a new SSD without losing any data. Just ensure you don’t miss out on any step during this transfer.

Table of Contents

Backup your Data

Before you start this transfer, it is necessary to take a backup of the data. We can’t afford to miss out on any files and compromise our precious data.

Backup on Cloud Storage

If you have less data on the drive, you can back up your data on iCloud storage. Before you initiate the backup process, you need to ensure that your MacBook is connected to a power source and a Wi-Fi connection. You also need to ensure that your MacBook screen is locked to initiate the transfer as it only takes a backup when the MacBook is in the idle state.

Ensure that the iCloud backup is turned ON in the Settings, iCloud and iCloud Backup sections. It will back up your App data, Apple watch backup files, Home screen and App organization, Device Settings, iMessages, Text messages, MMS, Photos, and Videos from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, Purchase history, Books, Movies, Ringtones, TV Shows, Mails, Health Data, Call history and other important files.

How to Transfer Files from Old Hard Drive to Another SSD

There are a few inbuilt features that will assist you in this transformation. You can make use of the Time Machine utility, Migration Assistant, or the Best Mac Hard Drive Cloning Software. Time Machine is one of the safest utilities to switch HDD to SSD on Mac.

Create a Time Machine Backup to SSD

You can create a backup of all your data, programs, and applications from your Mac on an external SSD storage. Time Machine will help you in this regard.

Step 1. Connect the SSD to your external USB port.

Step 2. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu.

Step 3. Go for the Time Machine backup option from the System Preferences list.

Step 4. The Time Machine window will open. Put a check on the ‘Show Time Machine in Menu Bar’ checkbox and click on the ‘Select Backup Disk’ button.

Step 5. Select the SSD drive that you connected and click on the ‘Use Disk’ button.

Step 6. If you are using this SSD for the first time, it will prompt you to format the drive. Click on the Erase button to format the SSD. Once formatted, click on the ‘Backup Now’ button to start the Time Machine Backup.

Use MacOS Disk Utility

You can use MacOS Disk Utility to transfer files from the old hard drive to the new hard drive. We always need to double-check that we have all the data backed up on an external drive. Before you go for this transformation, you will need to install the new SSD to your Mac and format the SSD with an APFS file format.

Step 1. Press the Power Button on Mac and immediately press the (Command + R) button. As you see the White apple logo, you can release the keys. The MacOS utility window will appear on your screen.

Step 2. Select the Disk Utility option from the MacOS Utilities window and click on the Continue button. Name your SSD and click on the Apply button to format the drive.

Step 3. Once the format process is complete, it will take you back to the MacOS Utilities window.

Step 4. Connect the External backup drive that has your Time Machine Backup to the USB port.

Step 5. Click on the ‘Restore from Time Machine Backup’ option and click on the Continue button. Select the Time Machine Backup Drive and click on the Continue button. Select the destination drive and click on the Restore button to initiate the process.

Final Words

The Best Mac Hard Drive Cloning Software can automate the process and ensure that all your data is backed up and you don’t have to compromise on any single file. The above methods on how to transfer files from an old hard drive to another storage are easy to follow and will help you perform this transformation. Switching to SSD is a much better option to boost your computing experience.