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Free bootable disk clone tool

In case of data loss and system crash, many Windows users are planning to make a backup for their system disk, and doing it without we starting Windows is a quite good choice. There are 2 big reasons: all data will be protected since they are read only; it saves a lot of time that should be spent in restarting Windows (most programs require users to restart computer if the source disk saves Windows which is running). And free bootable disk clone tool can help make a backup in boot mode.

Nevertheless, which bootable tool can we choose? It is believed that many users have no good idea about this. Here, MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD is recommended for Windows XP/Vista/7/8 users since it is free for these people. If you want to run it on server, please purchase server edition. For detailed functions of server edition, please see Compare Main Features.

Nevertheless, the free bootable disk clone tool MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD is just an iso file at the beginning of time. That is to say users have to burn it to CD or DVD in advance, and Windows built-in disc burner or third party burner can help do it. After getting the bootable disc we can use it to boot computer to backup system disk.

Clone System Disk with MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable CD

Firstly, make sure both source disk and target disk are connected with computer normally. Then, put the bootable CD or DVD disc to CD driver. Next, start computer and enter BIOS to make the computer boot from the bootable disc. After successful boot, we can see the window below:
minitool-partition-wizard-bootable-cd-welcome-interface
Here, the free bootable disk clone tool provides 4 modes to boot computer, and we need to select one from the first 3. Next, choose a display resolution to get the following window:
free-bootable-disk-clone-tool-main-interface
Now all disks are listed. To backup system disk, we need to select it and choose “Copy Disk” feature from the left side.

Then, select the disk that will save the content on system disk and click “Next>”.

Then, choose a copying method to decide the layout of new disk and click “Next>”. After this operation, a boot note will appear. If we want to boot computer from the new disk, do as the free bootable disk clone tool tells. Next, click “Finish” to go on.
backup-system-disk-apply-change
Now we can see system disk has been cloned to disk 2 by MiniTool Partition Wizard, but it is for preview only. And we need to click “Apply” button on the top to make all changes performed.

So, when you are planning to backup system disk or other important disk, try this free bootable disk clone tool out, which may save you a lot of time and prevent data damage from emerging.

Clone hard drive with different types

There are different kinds of hard disks on the market, such SATA disk, SCSI disk, and IDE disk (by interface), Seagate disk, WD disk, and Toshiba disk (by manufacturer),HDD, SSD, and HHD (by storage material), and 7200 RPM 16MB Cache disk, 7200 RPM 64MB Cache disk, and 5900 RPM 64MB Cache disk (by configuration). Well then, is it possible to clone hard drives with different types, for example clone a traditional hard disk to SSD? The answer is definitely yes.

From the internet we can download excellent drive clone software to complete this kind of clone. However, if you do not know which one to choose, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard whose “Copy Disk” feature is amazing. This program offers both free edition and chargeable editions. If you are running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8, the free edition is highly recommended. By the way, if you are planning to clone hard drives with different types of interfaces, for instance clone a SATA disk to IDE disk, check whether the motherboard supports both interfaces in advance. If not, make use of hard disk converter or adapter. Next, let’s see how to clone different types of disks by using this program.

How to Clone HDD to SSD with MiniTool Partition Wizard

After both source disk (the disk which needs cloning) and target hard disk (the disk that will save content on source disk) are connected with computer, we need to launch the free drive clone software to get its starting interface, like this:
minitool-partition-wizard-main-interface
Here, all recognized disks are listed. To clone hard drive with different types, please select the source disk and click the function “Copy Disk” from the action panel.

Then, select the target disk and click “Next>”.

Next, choose a copying method to decide the layout of target disk. There are 3 options, and the third one is suggested if users want to edit partition size and location by their own. After getting desired partition size and location, please click “Next>” to get a note which shows how to boot from the target disk. Read it and click “Finish” to go on.
clone-hard-drive-with-different-type
Now we can see the source disk has been cloned to target hard drive though they are different from types, but this is only an effect for preview. Please click “Apply” button on the top to perform all changes. If the source disk saves Windows OS which is running, the drive clone software will ask users to restart computer. Please do it reliably, because it will not bring any damage to original data.

However, if users are planning to clone a single partition rather than the entire disk, please see Copy Partition to get details.

Clone hard drive with operating system

Question: I want to replace the disk which saves Windows 7 with a newly bought one, so I want to know whether it is possible to clone hard drive with operating system to another drive and make it bootable, because I really don’t want to do reinstallation. If the answer is yes, please show me a solution.

Indeed, with the appearance of massive HDD and high performance SSD, more and more users would like to weed out the current OS disk. To do such a replacement, they need the help of professional drive clone software. Well then, which cloning program can help clone the hard drive that is with operating system in easy operations? Here, we suggest using MiniTool Partition Wizard, which is free for all Windows home users.

Some users may ask “can we boot Windows from the cloned disk?”. Don’t worry about this, because the drive clone software will fix and update boot information automatically, which will make the cloned Windows OS bootable. Moreover, even inexperienced users can master the program with ease for detailed prompts will be shown. Next, let’s see specific steps.

How to Clone Hard Drive with Operating System

After launching the free drive clone software successfully, we can see its main interface below:
minitool-partition-wizard-main-interface
To clone a disk, please select the target one and choose “Copy Disk” feature from the left side.

Then, select the target disk to save content on source disk and click “Next>”.
clone-hard-drive-with-operating-system-edit-partition-size-location
In the interface above edit partition size and location by changing the length or position of the handle. Then, click “Next>” to continue. After that, a boot note will appear, which shows where to set the target disk as the default boot disk. Read it and click “Finish” to go on.
clone-hard-drive-with-operating-system-apply-changes
Now we can see the source disk has been cloned to the second disk, and there are 11 pending operations in total. Please click “Apply” button to perform all these pending operations. Note: if the source disk saves Windows which is running, we need to restart computer, and then the free drive clone software will do everything in boot mode.

If you also want to clone the hard drive which is with operating system, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard. If you just need to clone Windows OS, please see Migrate OS to SSD/HD.

Clone hard disk to smaller SSD

Since solid state drive (SSD) provides amazing read-write speed, a lot of Windows users are planning to replace the current system disk with a SSD. If they want to complete the replacement without installing OS and installed programs, imaging system disk to SSD is definitely a good choice. However, to do this operation, users are often asking the problem whether it is possible to clone hard disk to smaller SSD since capacity of SSD is always smaller than HDD (limited to 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, etc.).

Actually, it is possible and can be easy to do this kind of clone, but users need to download a piece of excellent drive clone software. If you have difficulties in finding such a program, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard which is free for Windows 7, Windows 8, and other Windows home users. The following example will show users reasons for recommending this software.

Clone Hard Disk to Smaller SSD with MiniTool Partition Wizard

First of all, we need to run this drive clone software to get the starting interface and then choose “Launch Application” module to get the window below:
minitool-partition-wizard-main-interface
From this interface we can see detailed information of each hard disk. Here we clone the 350GB HDD (source disk) to the 240GB SSD (target disk), so we need to select the source disk and choose “Copy Disk” feature from the left action panel. Then, choose the target disk to save the copy of the source disk and click “Next>”. After these operations, we are given a chance to edit partition size, which makes it possible to clone hard disk to smaller SSD.
clone-hard-disk-to-smaller-ssd-edit-partition-size
There are 2 options available, namely “Fit partitions to entire disk” and “Edit partitions on this disk”. If we choose the former, all space on the target disk will be taken up. However, if we choose the latter, we are able to edit partition size and location. Then, click “Next>” to get a boot note showing how to boot from the target disk. Read it and click “Finish” to go back to the main interface:
clone-hard-disk-to-smaller-ssd-apply-changes
Now we can preview the source disk has been cloned to target disk, so we can click “Apply” button to apply all these changes. Note: since the source disk saves Windows which is running, the drive clone software will ask us to restart computer so as to protect system. We only need to do as it prompts, and then MiniTool Partition Wizard will make all changes in boot mode. Once all operations are made, our computer will reboot, and we need to set the SSD as the default boot disk in BIOS during this time.

These are all steps to clone large hard disk to smaller SSD. If you are troubled by the same problem, try this solution out. For video help, you may view Copy Disk.

Clone disk of PC

Before making any dangerous or possibly dangerous operations on our PC, it is very necessary to make a backup for the entire hard disk that we will operate, which makes it possible to restore the disk in a short time when it goes wrong. Well then, how to clone disk of PC? A piece of PC cloning software is needed, and freeware must be more preferred. Here, MiniTool Drive Copy is highly recommended.

Some users may ask why recommend this program for disk clone of PC, so please see the following reasons: 1. it’s free for all Windows home users; 2. all contents on source disk will be cloned to target disk, and OS saved in the cloned disk will be bootable; 3. all operations will be made automatically, and users just need to do some clicks; 4. it brings no damage to source data and disk.

Therefore, this PC cloning software is good for both disk backup and disk upgrade. So, how to clone disk of PC by using this program? Next, we will give a brief introduction.

How to Clone Hard Disk of PC with MiniTool Drive Copy

Before doing the clone, please download and install the PC cloning software on computer. Then, prepare and connect an empty hard disk with computer to save contents on source disk. After that, launch the program to get its starting interface:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Please choose “Disk to Disk” module to backup the entire hard disk.
clone-disk-of-pc-select-source-disk-to-clone
Then, select the source disk of PC to clone and click “Next>”. Afterwards, choose the prepared disk to save the backup of the source disk and click “Next>” to get the window below:
clone-disk-of-pc-choose-copy-method
Here we can choose a copying method to decide the layout of target disk. Just choose a desired one and click “Next>”. After this operation, a boot note showing how to boot from target disk will appear. If you are just making a backup for disk, ignore the note and click “Finish”. However, if you are upgrading disk, remember to set the target disk as the default boot disk in BIOS when booting computer.

At last, click “Yes” button and the PC cloning software will start cloning the hard disk of PC automatically.

Therefore, when you are planning to backup or upgrade hard disk, MiniTool Drive Copy may give you a big help. However, if you just want to clone a partition rather than the whole disk, please see Copy Partition.

Free file backup tool for Windows

Without making a backup in advance, many Windows users have met troubles or suffered losses that are caused by losing important files. Well then, how to backup our important files in a fast way? If files are less than 10GB, we can copy and paste them to another storage device or drive directly by using Windows built-in functions, which may cost us 10 or more minutes. However, if there are dozens of GB files to copy, we had better download free file recovery tool for Windows to clone the entire partition or disk, which not only saves us much time but can ensure data security. Next, we will introduce an excellent program.

Free Windows File Backup Tool Recommendation

You may find a lot of such tools from the internet but do not know which one is good. Indeed, it is impractical to test all of them out, so I directly suggest using MiniTool Partition Wizard. It is free for Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 users. Moreover, it is capable of backing up the entire device or drive rather than copying a single file, which is time-saving. Furthermore, it even can create a backup for our Windows OS without us worrying about startup. And several steps are needed. Please see the following demonstration to get detailed steps.

Clone Partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard

After running the free file backup tool for Windows, we can see its starting interface. Then, choose “Launch Application” module to get the window below:

minitool-partition-wizard-main-interface
The main interface shows all partitions, disks and devices recognized by Windows. Please select the partition which needs cloning and choose the function “Copy Partition” from the left side.

clone-partition-select-unallocated-space-to-save-backup
Next, choose an unallocated space to save the backup of the selected partition and click “Next>”. If there is no unallocated space, please shrink a partition to create. After that, there is a chance to resize the new partition:

clone-partition-resize-partition
To make the partition smaller, please shorten partition handle. To enlarge it, please lengthen the handle. Then, click “Finish” to go back to the main interface:

clone-partition-apply-change
Now a backup has been made, but this is only a preview effect. Please click “Apply” button on the top and the free file backup tool will apply the change for Windows.

Once a backup has been created, there is no need to worry about data loss. Just restore the backup to its original place when we lose the source files. Now, download the free Windows file backup tool MiniTool Partition Wizard to clone important partitions, devices or Windows OS.

Fast transfer important files out before factory reset

When we are having problems with our Windows PC or laptop, resetting is a good solution. Nevertheless, resetting a computer will delete all personal files and apps on Windows partition, so please make a backup or transfer needed ones out in advance. Well then, how to fast transfer important files out before a factor reset especially when there are lots of files saved?

Most users choose to copy and paste files one by one since they do not have a better idea. Actually, this is a time-wasting method if users have dozens of GB files to transfer. At this time, the best solution is to clone the partition Windows is located. Of course, if users do not want to reserve Windows files saved in the cloned partition, delete them completely. But how to image partition to fast transfer important files out before factory reset? A piece of drive clone software is needed.

If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard Free. However, if you are a server user, you may need to purchase server edition, which is much cheaper than similar programs. Next, we will show users detailed steps.

How to Fast Transfer Important Files out before Factory Reset

Firstly, run this free drive clone software to get the starting interface and choose “Launch Application” module to enter the main window:
minitool-partition-wizard-main-window
Then, select the partition installing Windows and choose “Copy Partition” feature from the left action panel to get the interface below:
clone-partition-choose-an-unallocated-space-to-save-copy
Then, choose an unallocated space on the same disk or another disk to save the copy of the Windows partition (if there is no such space, please shrink a large partition or delete a useless partition to create one) and click “Next>”.

Next, change the size and location for the newly created partition and click “Finish” to go back to the main interface.
clone-partition-apply-changes
Now we can see the source partition has been cloned, and all files are contained. Nevertheless, the cloned partition does not have a drive letter, which shows it will be invisible in Windows Explorer, so please appoint it with a drive letter via the function “Change Drive Letter”. At last, please click “Apply” button to perform all changes.

Note: since the source partition installs Windows which is running, MiniTool Partition Wizard Free will ask users to restart computer, and they only need to do as told. After that, all changes will be made in boot mode, which brings no damage to data. Once the computer reboots successfully, we can say to fast transfer important files out is finished before factory reset.

If your laptop or PC isn’t running well, make a backup for important files saved in Windows partition and then reset it. And the free drive clone software MiniTool Partition Wizard Free helps create such a backup with ease.

Server backup software

For server users, most files saved on their computer are so important that any loss may jeopardize revenue. Therefore, it is very necessary to clone the entire server hard disk in case of future data loss. To do such an operation, they need a piece of server backup software, and here we suggest MiniTool Partition Wizard Server.

Compared with other similar programs, Partition Wizard Server is much cheaper but more powerful, and it also provides a bootable builder which creates boot disk to start computer to restore files when OS cannot start. Moreover, the server backup software not only can backup common files but can make an image for Windows, and the cloned system will be bootable since all boot information has been copied and fixed. That is to say, we can replace the crashed server system disk with the backup, which avoids reinstalling Windows so as to furthest reduce losses during downtime.

At this time, some users may worry abut security of the server backup software. Actually, MiniTool Partition Wizard Server provides great protections to both data and system. Even if the power is suddenly off during server hard disk clone, no damage will be brought to source data, and users only need to remake a backup when power is on. Next, we will show users how to make such a backup.

How to Backup Server with MiniTool Partition Wizard

1. Launch the server backup software to get its main interface below:
minitool-partition-wizard-server-main-interface
2. Select the source disk to clone and choose “Copy Disk” feature from the left pane.

3. Choose the target disk (both external disk and internal disk are OK) to save the backup of the source disk and click “Next>”.

4. Choose a copy method to set the layout of target disk (choose the third one and users can edit partition size and location) and click “Next>”. After this operation, a boot note will appear, and users just need to click “Finish” button to continue.

5. Click “Apply” button to perform all operations.

After these steps, server backup software succeeds in helping clone a server hard disk. However, if users want to restore data when Windows can not boot, MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Bootable Builder is needed.

Software to clone hard drive to SSD

On a solid state drive, Windows will run much more smoothly, and users can also enjoy amazing read-write speed. Therefore, more and more users hope to replace the original system disk with SSD, but disappointingly most of them do not know how to complete the replacement without reinstallation. Actually, it will be quite easy to do such an operation, and what users need to do is download a piece of free drive copy software to clone hard drive to SSD, and all information including Windows system files, startup files, and installed programs will be imaged from source disk to SSD.

Free Drive Copy Software Recommendation

As long as searching disk clone software on the internet, users will find lots of results, which makes it difficult for common users to choose a professional one. Here, we suggest using MiniTool Drive Copy which is free, powerful, and easy to use. Note: it is free for Windows home users only. For server support, please purchase MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Edition. Moreover, the whole process will not bring any damage to source data even if power outage appears suddenly. Next, we will show users detailed steps to clone HD to SSD.

How to Clone Hard Drive to SSD with MiniTool Drive Copy

First of all, users need to launch the free drive copy software to enter its starting interface shown below:
minitool-drive-copy-starting-interface
Then, choose “Disk to Disk” module since it clones the entire disk rather than a single partition.
clone-hard-drive-to-ssd-select-source-disk
Next, select the source disk to copy and click “Next>”. Then, choose a target disk namely the SSD to save the copy of the source disk and click “Next>”. After that, users will be given a chance to set the layout of SSD:
clone-hard-drive-to-ssd-choose-a-copy-option
Here are 3 options, and users can choose a needed one according to actual demands. Then, click “Next>” to continue. After these operations, a boot note will emerge. Read it and click “Finish”.

Next, click “Yes” and “Restart Now” button successively. After that, the free drive clone software will start copying the source hard drive to SSD automatically in boot mode since the disk saves Windows which is running. Once all operations are completed, the computer will reboot. If users want to boot Windows from SSD, please set the SSD as the default boot disk in BIOS during reboot (GPT disk users do not need to make such a setting).

Now download this free drive copy software to clone hard drive to SSD. Nevertheless, if users want to transfer Windows OS only rather than the whole disk, please see Migrate OS to SSD/HD to get more details.

How to backup Windows 8 to another hard drive

After Windows 8 has been installed, it is very necessary to make a system backup, and the backup had better be saved to another hard disk so that we can boot Windows from the second disk without boot information on source disk. Well then, how to backup Windows 8 to another hard drive? Fortunately there is free system cloning software, and here we will introduce MiniTool Partition Wizard.

“Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard” is a new function designed in Partition Wizard 9.0 to help users transfer Windows OS from one disk to another disk or backup Windows for fast system recovery, and the cloned system can boot successfully without users fixing any boot information. Well then, how to backup Windows 8 to another hard disk by using this free system cloning software? We will give a demonstration in the following content.

Before doing such a backup, we will give users some tips. Firstly, MiniTool Partition Wizard is free for home users only. For server support, please purchase server edition. Secondly, all data saved on another disk will be destroyed once Windows 8 is migrated to, so please transfer important ones out in advance. Thirdly, it just clones the Windows OS which is running. If users have multiple operating systems, please run the target one.

How to Backup Windows 8 to another Hard Drive

Step 1: run MiniTool Partition Wizard Free to get its starting interface and choose “Launch Application” module to get the window below:
minitool-partition-wizard-main-window
Step 2: choose “Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard” feature from the left action panel to clone Windows OS.
backup-windows-8-to-another-hard-drive-select-a-drive-to-migrate-os-to
Step 3: select a disk to save the backup of Windows 8 and click “Next>”.

Step 4: edit the size and location for system or boot partition, and then click “Next>” to get a boot note. Read the boot note and click “Finish” to continue.
backup-windows-8-to-another-hard-drive-apply-change
Step 5: click “Apply” button to apply all changes. Since we are cloning the Windows OS which is running, we will be prompted to reboot computer. Click “Restart Now” button and then the free system cloning software will do all operations automatically in boot mode. During this process, what we should do is waiting until Windows reboots.

These are steps showing how to backup Windows 8 to another hard drive. If you want to clone your system or migrate OS to SSD or new large HD, try this solution.