Clone Hard Drive or SSD with Free Disk Clone Software

Amy Dennis

Dec 21, 2020 • Filed to: Take Data Backup • Proven solutions

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If you have a hard drive or SSD, you can copy your information exactly to another device or an image file. This process is cloning, and it is a useful task not only to preserve your data but to keep an exact copy of the installed programs, the organization of folders and files, and even your operating system. Disk cloning has existed for more than 20 years, but little by little, it has become more sophisticated, and now there is software that makes this task easier. In this post, we will review one of the most effective.

Part 1: Clone Hard Drive or SSD with Free Disk Clone Software

As I mentioned, disk cloning has become more sophisticated over time, and there is now multiple software that can accomplish this task. According to my experience, I recommend AOMEI Backupper, since it is an easy application to use, and, the best notice is that it is free. Later you will know in detail how to use it.

Cloning your hard drive or SSD represents a great advantage. Some users may confuse it with just transferring or moving information from one disk to another. However, cloning your data will keep all your files and programs as they were on the source disk, without having the subsequent need to reorganize your documents, reinstall or update applications, or download drivers or tools.

Part 2: What Are Disk Clone Scenarios?

Disk clone scenarios are the reasons why a user should perform this task. Next, I will show you some reasons why it is advisable to clone your disk or your operating system:

1. OS Transfer: If you want to preserve all the settings of your operating system such as updates, installed programs, application information, as well as files and documents on your C Drive, this task will be useful. With this procedure, you will forget about to reinstall or download your apps, you won't manually reorganize your information, and you are going to avoid to download or look for updates for your drivers or your operating system.
2. Hard Disk Upgrade: Commonly, after some time, you will need to change your disk. Currently, it is normal for users to stop using hard drives and purchase SSD. Through the cloning procedure, you will be able to use your PC in the same way that you used to work with it with your previous disk, which means a great advantage, security, and a considerable saving of time.
3. Data Migration: Sometimes, users want to migrate their information to another storage device, due to various factors such as saving space, better organizing their files, or just for security. Whatever the reason, using cloning as a data migration method is a very convenient option, as this will reduce the risk of missing files when you do it manually. Many users forget that this process exists, and all they do is copy and paste their information, which generates a latent risk that they will "skip" documents or files that can be very important and, in the worst case, they will not be able to get them back. If you perform a disk clone, these types of situations are practically impossible to happen, so it is the best option to migrate your data.
4. Make a Duplicate Disk: It is highly recommended to duplicate your data on another disk, since, in this way, you will not be depending exclusively on your hard drive or SSD and, in case of any inconvenience that damages or affects it, you will not be distressed by your information. Cloning your disk is the best alternative to make a duplicate, since as I have mentioned, the information will be on the new device as it is on the source disk, facilitating access and preserving all the settings.
5. Data Recovery: If your hard drive or SSD is failing or is working with difficulties, performing a disk clone may be the solution. This process will copy all the information on your disk and, when it is transferred to the new device, you will be able to work on it with all the information and configuration as it was on the damaged disk. So, even though there is a malfunction in your source disk, the cloning process may be an excellent alternative to recover your files. As long as they are in the source drive, it will be enough to recover all your documents, applications, documents, and settings.

Part 3: Disk Clone vs. System Clone

Disk Clone: If what you want is to clone the information on your disk in its entirety, including all partitions and files on the C drive, this option is for you. In this way, all your data and applications will be reflected on your new disk, including the partitions divided in the same way as they were on the original device. This method is usually the most appropriate if you are going to renew your hard drive or SSD, either because the one you use is obsolete, has a malfunction, or is stopping working correctly.

System Clone: If you only want to clone your operating system, as well as the configuration, files, and programs installed on the C Drive, this option is the most suitable; in this way, data stored in other partitions will not be cloned. This method will be useful if you have purchased a new disk and want to save space or use it as the boot disk. For example, you can use an SSD exclusively for your operating system and a hard drive to store the rest of your information, which is very common today and that many users do.

So, if what you want is to change or update your disk, you will have to make a backup of all your stored information or recover data from all the partitions of a hard drive or SSD. Performing a disk clone is the best option since this process copies all data without any exception.

On the other hand, if what you want is to use another disk as a boot device exclusively to run the operating system and install applications, the system clone is the best option. This way, you can continue working with the configuration you have chosen, and you can use your source disk as a secondary storage device.

Part 4: How to Clone a Hard Drive with AOMEI Backupper?

If you want to clone your hard drive (or SSD), there are several alternatives to do it. However, you must take into account that many programs are of dubious origin, and that can hinder the cloning of your disk; therefore, you have to make sure you obtain reliable software that avoids unnecessary problems.

AOMEI Backupper is the best application for this task. It is a professional program that will make the cloning process fluid, practical and safe; its interface and easy access will make you only need a few simple clicks to complete the process. Next, I'll show you how to clone your disk and your system:

Step 1: Select Disk Clone

Select Clone from the left-hand side menu and then select Disk Clone.

Step 2: Select the source disk

Select the source disk that you want to clone. Click next.

Step 3: Select the destination disk

Select the destination disk to which the source disk will be cloned and click Next. You must keep in mind that the destination disk will be formatted and all of the existing data will be overwritten! Backup important files beforehand.

Step 4: Preview the information

Preview the information of your source and the destination disk. In the lower-left corner, set desired advanced settings.

Step 5: Confirm the process

Once you have finished editing settings, click on Start Clone. Wait for the process to complete and then click Finish.

Conclusion

Cloning a hard drive or SSD is a common task that turns out to be very advantageous for users who want to transfer their data as it is on their source disk. Even though it is a relatively simple process, it is always necessary to have software on hand that ensures you do things right, since otherwise, you will run the risk of repeating the task several times or even losing valuable information. You can prevent this situation using AOMEI Backupper; this efficient and professional software will carry out properly this and other tasks.