Try it out now Some users prefer merely copying files over cloning their hard drives when moving files between computers, however, it’s more efficient to clone. We’ve compiled a list of the seven best cloning software for Windows 11 in case you’d like to do the same and transfer your important data to your new hard drive.

What is the difference between Disk Imaging and Disk Cloning?

Disk cloning is copying all the information and content from one hard drive to another. In Disk cloning even the information for booting the operating system copies.  Disk imaging is making a backup or copy of all the information and content from a hard drive. It is actually a storage file with all the data stored on the hard drive you made a copy of it. 

What are the best Windows 11 cloning software tools?

Should you backup or clone your data?

If you want to recover your information and files quickly, disk cloning is best for you. However, if you need extra choices for backup, a disk image is a preferred option to consider. Additionally, this cloning software comes with an online backup service that ensures your files are accessible from anywhere anytime.  Importantly, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office includes features such as disk partitioning and system cleanup, which are both helpful. One of the main advantages of this software is enhanced security using dual protection that safeguards the data and the system. Also, it provides secure mobile features. However, one of the downsides of Acronis True Image is that it increases boot time.  Take a look at its best features below:

Real-time protection against attacks Finds any infections that may be hidden. File synchronization and sharing Disk partitioning and system cleanup Dual protection for data and system

Paragon is widely considered the best cloning software available, with advanced features such as a partitioning tool for creating, deleting, hiding, or formatting partitions, as well as making them active or inactive, and more. Using the cloning function, you can copy the entire hard disk or single partitions to a USB flash drive. Regardless of the source or the target, this software can function in every migration, which eliminates the time-consuming process of re-installation. Another convenient option the software provides is that you can exclude the data you do not require to migrate. One of the main downsides could be that it does not offer a free trial, however, it is a tried and tested software and many users reported complete satisfaction from this powerful cloning software. Paragon Hard Disk Manager’s other features include:

Advanced partitioning, such as split/merge, changing cluster size Back up an entire system Backup automation Copy the entire hard disk or single partitions to a USB flash drive Data exclusion included within the process

This software is compatible with all operating systems (Windows XP and later) and Servers (Windows server 2003 and later). AOMEI protects your data with system backup, disk cloning, partition backup, file backup and syncing. This software has a user-friendly interface and uses professional technologies to make system migration and data transformation simple and efficient.  AOMEI Backupper’s key features include:

Supports email notifications System backup, disk cloning, partition backup, file backup and syncing. Can set to back up the used sectors of a disk or a partition Mount a backup image as a virtual partition Compatible with all Windows OS, including Server 

One of the most important features of this software is that you can enable Pre-OS to ensure that you recover and restore your system image to clone or partition a hard drive to retrieve data. Even if you forget to enable this option, it’s still possible to create a bootable backup emergency disk. This software is also compatible with all storage devices, including the internal HDD, SSD, M.2 SSD, NVMe SSD, and hybrid drive as well. If you need the basic data backup, a free version is available. If you need to check out the paid option features, a 30-day free trial is available. After all, this software is highly accessible and easy to use; if you decide to go for a paid version, then it’s excellent value for money, as it is an entirely reliable and efficient software. Last but not least, you can get your money back after 30 days if you are not satisfied. Let’s review its best features below:

Outlook email backup & recovery Smart Backup Compatible with all storage devices Protect important files with the Cloud backup service Very easy to use without additional training

SPONSORED One of the most interesting features of this software is the ability to back up your system even when it is used. If your computer encounters a problem and you no longer have access to your Windows, O & O DiskImage 17 can restore your data with just a few clicks. You can clone an entire computer or hard drive and restore or duplicate data. It also supports SSD drives and the latest UEFI System. O&O DiskImage 17 can restore the backup onto a computer with different hardware than the source system or machine.  This software’s key features include:

Plug-and-play function Create a boot medium directly from within the program Direct creation of VHD/VHDX Restore your data with just a few clicks Supports SSD drives and the latest UEFI System

The free version of this software is completely functional and has all the basic features that you may need to clone your hard disk safely. One of the most unique and useful features of this software is that it allows a data backup to be scheduled by the built-in data planner. This feature initiates backup at the set time automatically without needing your supervision. Another important feature of Macrium Reflect software is the ability to create an image file while the operating system is running, eliminating the need to reboot the Windows to finish the process. It has the option to record data on optical drives (DVD). All of the tasks are completed with a fast operation speed. Additionally, you have options to choose where to store the image. There is a paid version of this software in which the price is relatively higher compared to other products, but the unique features compensate for the price. Macrium Reflect’s most important features include:

Scalable and navigable log view interface Instantly boot backups in Hyper-V / Oracle VirtualBox VM WinPE 11 rescue media creation Record data on optical drives (DVD) Schedule backups conveniently in the data planner

⇒ Get Macrium Reflect However, many users complain that the interface is not really user-friendly and not so easy to navigate. It is available in two versions for home and business users: Live and SE. The SE edition allows you to clone up to forty machines at once, which is a fantastic feature for offices and small businesses. This software supports various file systems such as GPT/MBR partition formats and can clone various OSs, including Minix, NetBSD, and Chromium. It can also run from a DVD or USB drive. Overall, the restoration time is really short. Users have claimed speeds of up to 8GB per minute, which is excellent for a free program. This free and open-source software has all the features to meet your cloning and imaging requirements; however, there are a few limitations of the software according to their website. These limitations include, the destination partition must be equal to or larger than the source one, online imaging/cloning is not implemented yet, and difficult to choose the destination drive. Take a look at some of its best features:

BIOS or UEFI Machine Bootable AES-256 Encryption Unattended Mode Supports various file systems such as GPT/MBR Can clone various OSs, including Minix, NetBSD, and Chromium

⇒ Get Clonezilla Note that if you want to choose disk cloning, you have to pick a software capable of cloning a drive even with bad sectors on it.  If you are looking for free cloning software, we recommend you try Clonezilla. The most functional software is O & O DiskImage 17 and if you need user-friendly software, you may try AOMEI Backupper. It’s worth noting that the best cloning software is compatible with both HDD and SSD hard drives, as well as servers. If you are looking for the best hard drives for Windows 11, take a look at this article and pick the right one for your needs. For any other suggestions or products that worked for you, we wait for your input in the comments section below. 

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