How to clone an HDD or SSD?

Knowing how to clone HDD or SSD can be important if you are thinking of giving your PC or notebook an up, switching that old HD for a brand new SSD, or just want to make a faithful backup of your system, you are in the right place.

Disk cloning allows you to copy everything, bit to bit, from one album to another. This includes the operating system, programs, files and all those vacation photos you don’t want to lose. And the best, without having to reinstall and configure everything from scratch. Let’s go?

1. What do you need to know before you start?

Before proceeding, we will need to organize the house. Here is the checklist of what you will need to ensure that everything goes well:

• An SSD or Destination HDD: This is the new guy in the area, where everything will be cloned. Make sure it has enough space for everything you want to transfer.

• Cloning software: There are several tools out there, but let’s focus on the most reliable and easy to use. Don’t worry, later we will detail some options.

• SATA/USB cable or adapter: Necessary if you are dealing with a notebook or do not have extra space to connect the new disk directly to your machine.

• Backup of your data: Even if cloning is generally safe, better than cherishing, right? Back up your important files, just by warranty.

With all this in hand, you are almost ready to start. But first, let’s choose our journey companion, cloning software, okay?

2. Choosing cloning software

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s go to the heart of the operation: choose the cloning software. See some options that will help you do everything without sweating your shirt:

EaseUS Disk Copy

EaseUS Disk Copy It is a professional data cloning and disc duplication tool that supports complete discs or partition cloning. It is ideal for systems migration, rigid disc updating or data backups. Compatible with Windows, offers efficient and secure solutions for disc copy.

Main resources:

• Sector Cloning: Accurately replicate alcohis or whole partitions to ensure data integrity.
• Migration of So: Transfer your operating system to a new drive (eg HDD to SSD) with one click without reinstallation.
• Flexible compatibility: Supports HDDs, SSDs, USB units and various storage devices.
• Disk size adaptation: Automatically adjusts the size of the partitions to adapt to destination discs with different capacities.
• Data recovery: Recover lost data due to flaws in discs or accidental exclusion.

–> Download easeus disk copy

Clonezilla

It is the macgyver of cloning software. Free and powerful, but with an interface that looks a little… retro. If you are not intimidated by command lines, Clonezilla is a robust choice.

• Free and Open Source: For those looking for a solution at no cost.
• Support to various file systems:It works with windows, linux, and even macos.
• Advanced Mode: It offers detailed options for experienced users, but can be intimidating for beginners.
• Has no graphic interface: It operates through command lines, which may require a sharper learning curve.

-> download clonezilla

EASEUS ALL BACKUP

A more friendly option, with a free version that meets most cloning needs. If you want something simple and effective for Windows, Easeus can be your best friend.

• Intuitive interface: Facilitates use by people with little experience in disc cloning.
• Versatile: The free version meets most domestic needs, while the paid version offers additional features to more demanding users, such as operating system backup, incremental and differential backup support, as well as a priority technical support.
• Extra resources: In addition to cloning, it offers backup and data recovery options.

-> Download Easeus All Backup

AOMEI Backupper

Another software with a clean and intuitive interface. It offers a free version that does the cloning work without complications and even brings some very useful extra tools.

• Simple and straightforward: Clear and intuitive interface, making the cloning process accessible to all.
• Complete features: Includes disk cloning, system backup, file synchronization, and more.
• Free version: Available with many useful features; The Pro version adds more features to advanced users, such as automatic backup, backup images, and priority technical support.
• Compatibility: It supports Windows and has good integration with all recent versions of the system.

-> Download Aome Backupper

3. Preparing the discs for cloning

Before starting cloning itself, it is necessary to ensure that both the original and destination disk are ready for the process.

Check the available space

• On the source disk: Check if there are no unnecessary files taking up space. Cleaning can be welcome to prevent data transfer you no longer use.

• No destination disc: Make sure the destination disk has enough space to accommodate all the original disk data. If the destination disk is smaller, you will need to decide which files are essential to clone.

Connect the destination disk

• For desktops: If possible, connect the destination disk directly to the motherboard using a SATA cable.

• Para notebooks: You will probably need a SATA/USB adapter to connect the destination disk externally.

Back up

Even if cloning is a safe process, it is always good to back up your most important data. Use an external disk, a cloud service or any other method of your choice to ensure your data is safe.

Defragmentation (HDDS only)

If the source disk is an HDD, performing a defragmentation can improve cloning efficiency. This organizes the data on the disk, facilitating the copy.

Cloning Software installed

With cloning software already chosen, make sure it is installed and ready to be used on your system.

Read more:

4. HDD or SSD cloning

Now it’s time to really start copying data from one record to another. In this article, we chose the Easeus Software all backup to perform the task and we will show how easy it is to do it:

1. Baixe and install the easeus all backup

First, go to the official Easeus website and download the latest version of the whole backup. They offer a free version that is perfectly suitable for disk cloning.

2. Select the cloning option

After installing and opening the software, look for the “Clone”In the main tool menu. This option is designed specifically for cloning discs and partitions.

3. Choose the original disk

The software will ask you to select the disk you want to clone. This will be your current disk that contains the operating system, applications and data. Choose it and click on “Move”.

4. Select the destination disk

Then choose the disc for which you want to clone your data. Remember, all data on this disk will be deleted during the cloning process, then back up if necessary.

If you are using an SSD as a destination, it is very important to activate the option “Optimize for SSD“That you find in“Advanced options“, Located in the lower left corner of the screen. After marking this option, click“OK”To confirm and then continue by clicking on“Move“.

Confirm the settings and start the cloning process. A progress bar will show the progress.

5. CONCLUSION AND TEST

When cloning is completed, you will receive a notification. Now it’s time to test the cloned disc. Restart the computer and, if necessary, adjust the boot order on the BIOS to start through the new disk.

If all goes well, your system will start normally, and you will have an exact copy of your old album on the new album.

But important: If you choose to replace the system disk with a higher capacity SSD or HD, it is essential to adjust the boot sequence in the BIOS settings, prioritizing the new SSD or HD over the old one. This avoids possible system startup errors.

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I hope this guide has made the cloning process lighter and more accessible to you. If you have questions or need help in the future, remember that the Adrenaline community is always here to hold a hand. Now go ahead and enjoy the new configuration of your system. Happy cloning!