How To Move Files From SSD To HDD

How To Move Files From SSD To HDD

Solid State Disks (SSDs) are fast becoming the standard as they are gradually replacing HDDs when it comes to disk type. Many people today opt to install their games, files, and operating systems on SSDs because they can drastically boost a computer’s performance.

However, as you add more files and programs to your SSD storage, you risk running out of space, and some point, you will require additional storage. Moving your files from SSD to HDD is the cost-effective solution for your space predicament, leaving enough storage space in the SSD for your applications and OS.

How To Move Files From SSD To HDD

You can move files from SSD to HDD by copying and pasting, using the MiniTool partition wizard, using AOMEI backupper, or using the EaseUS tool. While the above methods work for transferring files, they will not work if you want to move programs since they won’t run in a new environment. 

4 Ways of Transferring Files From SSD to HDD 

Use either of these methods to safely move files from SSD to HDD:

1. Copy and Paste

The Windows’ inbuilt copy and paste or cut and paste feature is the first method to consider using. It is effective for moving minimal simple files like documents and photos. Your work will be considerably easier if the files you want to move are in one location (this is hardly the case, though).

Copy and paste if you want to retain a copy of the files in the original location, and the cut and paste feature if you don’t need to keep a copy of the files. 

Note that you may encounter permission problems during the process. Luckily, you can easily solve them. Here is what to do if you encounter the error “Destination Folder Access Denied.”

  • Access Local Group Policy Editor via Win + R, typing gpedit.msc on the run menu, then hitting enter
  • Click Computer Configuration, then Windows Settings
  • Choose Security Settings
  • Select Local Policies
  • Click Security Options
  • Find User Account Control: Run all Administrators in Admin Approval Mode and User Account Control: User Account Control For The Built-in Administrator directories
  • Right-click on both options, choose properties then Enable them
  • Right-click on This PC, then select Manage
  • Choose System Tools
  • Select Local Users and Groups, then Users
  • Right-click Administrator
  • Choose Properties, then uncheck Account is Disabled, then click Ok
  • Restart the computer

2. AOMEI Backupper

This program is fitted with many useful features, such as basic sync that can help you move various files from an SSD to HDD. Use this method if the files you want to transfer are big and stored in different locations. You will need to download the program first.

The program is available in various packages, so the features you get depend on your selection. For instance, the professional package offers additional features like Mirror Sync and Real-Time Sync.

Follow these steps to complete the transfer: 

  • Launch the program
  • Click Sync, then choose Basic Sync
  • Add the files you want to move from the SSD to an HDD by clicking Add Folder
  • Click the button shaped like a folder, then select HDD to be the destination path for the folders
  • Automate the sync process by clicking Schedule Sync, then select weekly, daily, or monthly
  • Click Options to enable the sync task email notification or put a note in writing
  • Select Start Sync

3. MiniTool Partition Wizard

This tool serves many purposes, such as disk diagnostics, disk benchmarking, data recovery, space analysis, resizing and partitioning, and system migration. While these are beneficial, our focus feature is the Copy function which is more convenient for moving files than the copy and paste functionality.

  • Download and launch MiniTool Partition Wizard. Make sure every disk drive you have- HDDs and SSDs plus their partitions appear in the app’s main interface.
  • Right-click on the SSD partition you want to move, then select copy
  • Choose HDD to be where you want to create the selected partition’s copy, then click Next. The target destination has to be an unallocated space. If not, the Next button will be grayed out, and you won’t be able to proceed.
  • Drag Size & Location to adjust the new partition’s location and size, then click Finish
  • Preview your new partition. If everything is ok, click Apply

4. The EaseUS Tool

You can move files from SSD to HDD using the EaseUS Todo PCTrans application in two ways. Remember this is possible only after downloading and launching the software.

a)   File Migration

This feature offers a direct transfer method for large and small files.

  • Click the large file cleanup button
  • Choose the SSD partition you wish to scan. In this case, it’s the partition containing the files you want to move
  • Choose the files you want to move
  • Select the target path- HDD
  • Click the Move, then confirm the action. Click Move again

b)  Backup and Restore

This entails creating a backup of the files you wish to move from SSD and restoring them in your HDD.

  • Choose Backup & Restore, then click Start
  • Select Data Backup, then click Next
  • Customize the file path and name, or go with the default settings
  • Select the files to back up, and make sure to deselect the Applications and Accounts
  • Choose the Files segment, then select Edit
  • Select every file you want to move and click Finish
  • Click Backup
  • Once the backup process is complete, repeat step 1 but choose Data Restore this time, then hit Next
  • Select the backup file you have created. It will appear on your screen, or you will have to follow its path to find it. Select it once you find it.
  • Hit Restore, and the application will take you to Files
  • Choose Edit
  • Hit the Pencil icon, then select HDD to be where you want to keep your backup file
  • Click Finish, then Restore

Final Remarks

Most computer users prefer to use SSD over HDD storage, since it allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds. An HDD comes in handy by providing additional storage, since users invest small-capacity SSDs such as 500 GB, 256 GB, or 128 GB. It allows you to unburden your SSD from carrying unnecessary files by transferring them to the HDD, and your PC performance will thank you for it.

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