HP ENVY x360 model 15-aq273cl upgrade from 256 gb SSD to 1 TB SSD

[DG_ontheLake]

I need to upgrade the SSD from 256 MB to 1 TB on my  ENVY model 15-aq273cl  on Windows 11

I understand I need back up/mirror the SSD and have a 4TB external drive to mirror the current drive
I understand I need mirror software to get data mirrored to this external drive and 1) would like advice on the best software to use to mirror the SSD

I need to create a boot USB thumb drive  - 2) What size USB drive would be needed for a boot drive on a Windows 11 laptop?

And 3) how do I change the boot drive sequence to search for this USB drive on start up?

I would like 4) a link to the proper Service Manual for my model - with any additional guidance/references that may be helpful.

I am not sure which type of SSD came with this laptop and 5) which type of SSD would be proper for this upgrade

I would sincerely appreciate any links and guidance that would make this successful!

Did I miss anything? 

Thanks!!

[banhien · Accepted solution]

@DG_ontheLake 

The specs of your machine is

            https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-envy-15-aq200-x360-convertible-pc/17104619/model/18567192/do...

It has  256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD now. You can replace it using compatible M.2 NVMe SSD such as

            https://www.samsung.com/au/memory-storage/nvme-ssd/970-evo-nvme-m-2-ssd-1tb-mz-v7e1t0bw/

1. Clone old drive to new drive is the best option: save your time and keep all existing files, data, programs ... setup. There are many free cloning software around, for example

                https://www.techrepublic.com/article/five-free-and-reliable-cloning-tools/

2. N/A

3. After cloning, remove old drive and install new drive. System will work on new drive

4.  Manual : http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05747649.pdf

Regards.