Cloning Original SSD & Swapping for 2tb 2230

This is a question to post to those who have previously cloned an SSD ready for upgrade, either in the Ally or Go preferably so you have experience with Windows rather than Steam.

Apologies if this is basic to some of you, but I've never cloned an SSD before and spending around £950 for all of the components/devices required - so want to make sure I get it right. If there are any videos out already showing this in-depth, please point me in their direction as I haven't seen any.

Cloning

1. Do you require an external SSD enclosure for this operation or is there something cloud-based you can use?
2. Is there any guides/references you've personally followed and know the steps to be accurate for Windows 11?
3. Is this best to do with the fresh copy of windows, or can this effectively be done at any point? (i.e. having already downloaded a bunch of games - I know this will increase the amount of time required to transfer the data)

Replacing

1. Once installed, should the cloned data on the new drive boot Windows normally or would there be some kind of setup required as the system recognises a new SSD installed?

Misc

1. Will running a 2230 with SSD extender cause me any issues? As I understand it the extender is just a piece of plastic to increase the physical size the SSD covers.

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