Upgrading your computer's hard drive to a more efficient SSD or larger HDD can significantly improve its performance. However, the process of replacing the drive while keeping your system intact can be daunting. Thankfully, disk cloning offers a seamless solution by creating an exact replica of your original hard drive, including all data, applications, settings, and operating system.
In search of a reliable hard drive cloning software, I conducted thorough research and comparisons among several popular options, ultimately selecting AOMEI Backupper for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.
AOMEI Backupper was developed and being continuously updated by a professional R&D team for over 14 years, has earned more than 130 millions users all over the world. Objectively, it is a practical backup and cloning utility, just as they stand by: focusing on system backup and cloning.
Here are some pros and cons that I found during this research:
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Pros | |
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Intelligent Cloning |
Utilizes intelligent cloning algorithms to streamline the process, copying only used sectors by default for efficient disk migration. |
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SSD Optimization |
Implements 4K technology to optimize SSD performance and prolong its lifespan effectively. |
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Automatic Space Utilization |
Utilizes remaining unallocated space when cloning to a larger disk, maximizing storage efficiency. |
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Versatile Cloning Options |
Offers multiple cloning methods, including Disk Clone, System Clone, and Partition Clone, catering to different user needs. |
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Background Cloning |
Allows migration tasks to run in the background without disrupting other operations, enhancing user convenience. |
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Cons | |
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Limited Mac Support |
Currently compatible with Windows systems only, including all Windows PCs and Servers. |
Actually, except for the cloning features, AOMEI Backupper offers some other useful features in data protection. It is also a free backup software, i.e. you may back up files or operating system in a scheduled task with incremental or differential backup mode. That’s very helpful for our daily data protection.
One can also sync files to cloud drives including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or their own cloud - AOMEI Cloud in the mode of Basic Sync, Two-way Sync, Mirror Sync or Real-time Sync. Except for cloud, file syncing between folders, different drives, different disks are also supported.
Some other practical tools such as Create Bootable Media, Explore Image (Image Mount), Disk Wipe, etc. are offered in AOMEI Backupper. Some advance tools like Image Deployment requries an upgrading to higher edition.
AOMEI Backupper offers 6 different editions, Standard (Free), Professional, Workstation, Server, Technician and Technician Plus, for different groups of users. The user-friendly interface makes every step easier for all levels of computer users.
Stepwise Guide to Cloning Your Windows Hard Drive
Cloning your Windows hard drive with AOMEI Backupper is straightforward, even for non-technical users. Follow these steps for a hassle-free cloning process:
Preparation: Back up your important files on both the original and target disks, then download and install AOMEI Backupper on your computer.
Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper, and select "Clone" > "Disk Clone" (or choose "System Clone" or "Partition Clone" as needed).
Step 2. Choose the original hard drive from your computer as the source disk.
Step 3. Select the target disk where you want to clone the data and click "Next." Ensure sufficient disk space on the target drive.
Step 4. If the target disk is an SSD, enable the "SSD Alignment" option to enhance performance. As mentioned, if you are cloning to a larger disk, you may utilize the unallocated space by clicking “Edit Partitions” > “Add unused space to all partitions”.
Step 5. Click "Start Clone" to initiate the cloning process. Once completed, confirm the successful transfer of data to the target disk.
Tips: you may erase all data on the old hard drive with its “Wipe Disk” feature after ensuring the successful boot from cloned disk.
In Summary
Whether you're upgrading your computer's hard drive, migrating your system, or ensuring data backup, disk cloning is an essential step in the process.
AOMEI Backupper offers a reliable solution with its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for Windows users. It has a good performance during my disk cloning task, so you may want to give it a try and experience seamless disk cloning and backup operations firsthand!