Author Archives: zxl123

Large disk to smaller disk cloning software

In most cases users just clone small disk to larger disk for increasing hard disk space, but undoubtedly they also need to copy large hard disk to smaller disk. For example, they may plan to copy a 500GB mechanical hard disk to a 240GB solid state hard drive. But disappointingly, most cloning programs require that target disk should be not smaller than source disk. Therefore, many users ask on the internet whether there is large disk to smaller disk cloning software.

Tip: source disk is the disk which needs cloning, and target disk is the disk that will save the copy of the source disk.

Definitely there is such a kind of software, and MiniTool Partition Wizard is worth trying. As long as the target disk has enough space to hold all content on the source disk, MiniTool Partition Wizard can help users complete disk clone with ease no matter how smaller the target disk is. In addition, users are even able to edit partition size during the process of cloning so as to make full use of disk space. By the way, when you need to clone single partition or copy Windows to another disk, you can also resort to this large disk to smaller disk cloning software. And next let’s see how to use this program to make a disk copy.

Clone Large Disk to Smaller Disk with MiniTool Partition Wizard

After running the program successfully, we can see its startup interface. Please choose “Launch Application” module in this interface to get the window below:
clone-large-disk-to-smaller-disk-select-source-disk
All disks are shown now. Here, we take cloning Disk 1 (350GB) to Disk 3 (240GB) for example. Please select Disk 1 and click “Copy Disk” feature. Then, select Disk 3 and click “Next>” to get the following interface:

Now users are able to edit partition size and location as long as they choose “Edit partitions on this disk”. After getting needed partition size and position, please click “Next>” to get a boot note. Read this note and click “Finish” to go back to the main interface:
clone-large-disk-to-smaller-disk-apply-changes
At last, click “Apply” button to make all changes performed.

Do you want to copy a large hard disk to smaller disk or vice versa? Are you planning to make a copy for single partition? Would you like to migrate Windows OS from one disk to another disk in one machine? The large disk to smaller disk cloning software MiniTool Partition Wizard will give you great assistance.

Migrate system to another disk

The question how to migrate system from one disk to another disk is asked frequently on the internet. Well then, can Windows OS be moved to another drive and work normally? There are 2 different situations.

1. If the migrated system still runs on the same machine, it is always bootable and can be updated as usual.
2. Supposing that system will be moved to hard disk of another computer, it might be unbootable and users need to validate license of Windows unless this computer has the same hardware configurations as those of the old machine.

Therefore, system migration had better be done in the same machine. Well, how can we move Windows from one disk to another disk? Definitely, a professional system migration program is needed, and this kind of software can help you do all operations automatically. But disappointingly, it is difficult for common users to download a satisfying tool since most programs have defects. Considering this situation, we suggest using MiniTool Partition Wizard, which is a freeware for all Windows non-server users.

Since MiniTool Partition Wizard 9.0, the “Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard” function is added, which can help migrate Windows operating system from one hard disk to another hard disk in several steps. More importantly, the migrated system is always bootable, because this program not only transfers files related to Windows startup but updates boot information. Next, let’s see how to use this free system migration program.

Migrate System to Another Disk in MiniTool Partition Wizard

Firstly, run and launch the application to get its main interface:
migrate-system-to-another-disk-choose-correct-function
Then, choose “Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard” feature from the left side of the interface.

Next, select the hard disk to transfer Windows to and click “Next>” to get the interface where users are able to edit partition size and location on another hard disk:
migrate-system-to-another-disk-edit-partition
Just change the length of partition handle to edit partition size or change the position of partition handle to edit partition location. Then, click “Next>” to get a boot note. If you are planning to boot computer from another disk, do as the note tells when rebooting computer, but here you just need to click “Finish” to go back to the main interface:
migrate-system-to-another-disk-apply-changes
At last, click “Apply” and “Restart Now” successively to make all changes performed.

Are you going to migrate system from one disk to another disk in the same machine? Do you want to make a system backup on another hard disk? MiniTool Partition Wizard would give you great help.

Backup local drive to external drive

We may download lots of precious materials from the internet to our local hard disk, such as videos, pictures, and songs. In addition, excel sheets, word documents, powerpoint files, and text files that cost us plenty of time may also be save to local hard drive. Once the loss of these important data will bring us troubles or losses, we’d better make a backup for the drive in advance. And it is highly suggested that users backup local drive to external drive since this can effectively prevent data from being damaged or deleted both maliciously and mistakenly.

Well then, how can we make a backup for local disk? Obviously, a piece of drive backup software is needed since lots of time could be saved. Nevertheless, such a kind of programs are always expensive so that common users are unwilling to buy it or cannot afford the money. Actually, there is free but professional backup software, and MiniTool Partition Wizard is worth trying.

MiniTool Partition Wizard provides users with 2 functions to backup data from local drive to external drive, namely Copy Disk and Copy Partition. The former is specially used to clone the whole hard disk while the latter only copies single partition. Just choose the appropriate one in accordance with your actual demands. Next, we take cloning hard disk for example to show users how to operate this free drive backup software.

Backup Local Hard Drive to External in MiniTool Partition Wizard

Tip: the external hard drive can be connected either after or before launching the program, because MiniTool Partition Wizard is capable of refreshing device automatically.

Step 1: start and launch the program to get its main interface:
backup-local-drive-to-external-drive-select-source-drive
Step 2: select the source disk (the disk we want to backup) and choose “Copy Disk” feature from the action pane.

Step 3: select the external hard drive to clone local disk to and click “Next>”. Tip: all data saved on the external disk will be erased after the backup is created, so please transfer needed data out in advance.
backup-local-drive-to-external-drive-edit-partition
Step 4: edit partition size and location on external hard disk and click “Next>” to get a boot note.

Step 5: click “Finish” to go back to the main interface below.
backup-local-drive-to-external-drive-apply-changes
Step 6: click “Apply” button to make all changes performed. If the source disk saves Windows which is running, you will need to click “Restart Now” to continue.

Now you have succeeded in making a backup for local hard disk, and only several simple steps are required. Why not try using MiniTool Partition Wizard when it is necessary!

Move files to Windows 10 computer

So far Windows 10 has been released for near 2 months, and it is reported (according to WinBeta) that globally there are more than 50 million Windows 10 users already. There are multiple ways to get this new Microsoft operating system: upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, buy Windows 10, purchase a computer running Windows 10, etc. However, after buying a Windows 10 computer, users may meet the question how to move files from old computer to Windows 10 computer since they do not want to do reinstallation.

Definitely, for most people, they would use the new computer much more frequently so that they hope to move necessary applications, important files, and so on from old computer to new one. Well then, how can they complete the transmission quickly? They can ask free drive clone software for help, and MiniTool Partition Wizard is a good choice. Next, let’s see specific steps to transfer files to Windows 10 computer.

Tip: in order to save time, MiniTool Partition Wizard clones partition directly instead of copying files. If all files that need moving are saved in one partition, that’s better, because users only need to copy this partition. However, if files are stored in multiple partitions, more operations should be done.

Move Files to Windows 10 Computer with MiniTool Partition Wizard

Preparation: an external storage device such as mobile hard disk and USB flash drive is needed if users transfer data among 2 laptops or one PC and one laptop. However, if they just move files among 2 PCs, connect the hard disk of old computer with new computer.

1. Start and launch the free drive clone software to get its main interface after it has been installed successfully.
move-files-to-windows-10-computer-select-correct-function
2. Select the partition which needs copying supposing that all needed files are saved in one partition, and then choose “Copy Partition” feature from the left side. Tip: if there is no unallocated space on the external storage device, users need to create one before doing step 2. For steps to create unallocated space, please see Move/Resize Partition.
transfer-files-to-windows-10-computer-select-unallocated-space-on-external-device
3. Select the unallocated space on external device and click “Next>”.
move-files-to-windows-10-computer-click-next-to-continue
4. Click “Finish” directly to go back to the main interface since we just move files to external device temporarily.
transfer-files-to-windows-10-computer-apply-changes
5. Click “Apply” button to make all changes performed.

6. Quit from MiniTool Partition Wizard, then shut down the old computer, start the Windows 10 computer, connect the external storage device, and then start Partition Wizard on Windows 10 computer to transfer files to.

7. Clone the partition on external storage device to Windows 10 computer by taking the same operations.

Now users succeed in moving files from old computer to Windows 10 computer. If you have such a need, just try this method.

Free SD card cloning software

As we know, SD card is widely used on different types of mobile phones or other portable devices, and its capacity varies from several GB to several hundred GB. Undoubtedly, using SD card is one of best ways to extend storage space. Nevertheless, after using a SD card for a long time or when there is something wrong with current SD card, most users would want to replace the old one. But how can they transfer all needed files such as pictures and videos from old SD card to new SD card? Fortunately, free SD card cloning software can help them a lot.

Instead of copying files directly, professional cloning software copies the whole SD card to save much time, and it also provides data with perfect protections. To be specific, almost no data loss or data damage will emerge. Well then, which free SD card cloning software is available? Here, we suggest using MiniTool Drive Copy.

This is an easy to use program since detailed instructions will be shown in every interface, but users should notice that it is free for Windows home users only. For server support, users need the help of MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Edition. Next, let’s show steps to clone one SD card to another SD card.

Clone SD Card with MiniTool Drive Copy

After running the free SD card cloning software successfully, we can see its startup interface where 2 functional modules are available:
clone-sd-card-select-correct-function
To copy an SD card, we can choose the module “Partition to Partition” since there is always one partition on SD card. Then, select the partition on old SD card and click “Next>”. After that, select the partition on new SD card and click “Next>”. However, if there is no partition on the new SD card, users need to choose unallocated space. After these steps, users are able to edit partition size on new SD card:
clone-sd-card-edit-partition
As we know, only the first partition on removable device can be used normally, users had better edit partition size appropriately to make full use of space especially when they are cloning small SD card to large SD card. Please lengthen the partition handle to the largest extent so as to include all storage space, and then click “Finish” to continue.

At last, click “Yes” to confirm all previous changes.

So far, free SD card cloning software has completed the clone successfully. If you are planning to clone one SD card to another SD card, try this solution. However, if you are going to do more SD card managements, please see SD Partitions to get details.

Migrate data from old HDD to new SSD

Since solid state drive (SSD) is capable of providing wonderful read-write performance, many users plan to run Windows as well as most utilized apps on SSD. Generally, users have 2 choices to run Windows on SSD, including reinstalling Windows and transfer Windows from HDD to SSD. When there is Windows installation disk, most people choose to do reinstallation since this will give them a brand new system. But after reinstallation, users are likely to be troubled by the following issue: I want to transfer a part of data from HDD to SSD, but it seems most programs only allow me to migrate 100% of the data. What should users do at this time?

Actually, there is free drive clone software which gives users options to choose needed data to transfer, and MiniTool Drive Copy is such a piece of freeware. This program provides users 2 functions to migrate data: clone the entire hard disk to SSD or copy certain partition to SSD. If you want to migrate data saved in one partition from old HDD to new SSD, just clone partition rather than copy disk. And next, let’s see detailed operating steps.

Migrate Data from Old HDD to New SSD

Firstly, please boot computer from either old HDD or new SSD. Then, open Windows Disk Management tool to see whether there is unallocated space or useless partition on SSD to hold content of the source partition on HDD. If there is no such space or partition, please shrink an existing partition on SSD to create unallocated space via the function “Shrink Volume”. Then launch the freeware MiniTool Drive Copy to get its startup interface after the program has been installed successfully.
minitool-drive-copy-startup-interface
There are 2 functions in the startup interface, including “Disk to Disk” and “Partition to Partition”. Since we only need to migrate data saved in one partition, “Partition to Partition” module should be selected.
migrate-data-from-old-hdd-to-new-ssd-select-source-partition
Then, choose the partition which needs copying and click “Next>”. After that, select an unallocated space or useless partition on SSD to hold content of the source partition and click “Next>”.

Now, users are able to change the size and location for the partition where migrated data are saved. Then, click “Finish” to continue.

At last, click “Yes” to confirm all changes.

After changes are made, all data stored in the source partition will be migrated from old HDD to new SSD. Do you need to make such a kind of data migration? Now, try using the free drive clone software Miniool Drive Copy.

Clone Windows 7 partition to new drive

A lot of users are going to copy Windows partition to another drive for system backup. Let’s see an example: I’m running Windows 7, and now it works perfectly so that I hope to clone Windows 7 partition to a new drive so as to create a system backup. Well, is this a wise way to backup Windows? It is of course not.

As we know, a lot of files should be used to boot Windows, including Windows system files, boot files, boot parameters, and so on. If any Windows boot-related file is not included, the cloned system will be unbootable. However, the cloning operation just copies and pastes system or boot files simply and does not do any update. If we only clone the Windows 7 partition to a new drive, the very drive is always unbootable.

Actually, the best way to create a backup for Windows 7 on a new drive is to migrate system, because this not only copies Windows boot files and system files but also fixes and updates boot information/parameters on the new disk. And there is freeware to help create such a backup, like MiniTool Partition Wizard Free. For detailed steps, please see the following demonstration.

Backup Windows 7 with MiniTool Partition Wizard Free

After running the program successfully, please choose “Launch Application” to enter the main interface shown below:
backup-windows-7-in-partition-wizard-select-correct-function
Here, please select “Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard”.

Then, select the new hard disk to clone Windows 7 to and click “Next>”. After this steps, users are able to edit partition size and location.

After selecting a partition, users are able to edit partition size by changing the length of the handle or edit partition location by changing the position of the handle. Then, click “Next>” to get a boot note. Read this note carefully and click “Finish” to continue.
backup-windows-7-in-partition-wizard-apply-changes
At last, click “Apply” button which is located on the top to make all changes performed. However, since Windows we are cloning is loaded now, MiniTool Partition Wizard Free will ask us to restart computer. Please do as told since this is to protect system. After all changes are completed, our computer will reboot. At this time, to backup Windows 7 to new drive is done.

Are you still planning to clone Windows 7 partition to create a system backup? Give up this unwise idea and backup Windows 7 by taking our solution now.

Move Windows 7 to SSD

Since solid state drive (SSD) provides amazing read and write speed, more and more computer users hope to solid-state-drive run Windows on SSD. There are 2 ways to achieve the goal: make a fresh installation on SSD and move current Windows to SSD. If you have enough time to do the installation, the first option is definitely a good choice. However, if you don’t want to waste your precious time, just transfer Windows to SSD. We believe most people would know how to install Windows so here we just show users steps to migrate Windows 7 to SSD.

How to Move Windows 7 to SSD

Step 1: download a piece of professional system migration software from the internet.

Searching system migration program on the internet, we will receive lots of results so that many users do not know which one to choose. Here, we suggest using MiniTool Partition Wizard. There are 3 reasons for recommending the program:
1. It is a piece of freeware for Windows non-server users.
2. It is capable of fixing and updating boot information on the SSD so that the migrated Windows is always bootable.
3. Detailed instructions are given in every step so that users can master the program with ease.

Step 2: start and launch the program to get its main interface after it has been installed successfully.
move-windows-7-to-ssd-choose-correct-funciton
Step 3: choose the function “Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard” from the left side.
transfer-windows-7-to-ssd-select-ssd
Step 4: select the SSD to migrate Windows 7 to and click “Next>”. Then, change partition size and location on the SSD and click “Next>” to get a boot note below:
move-windows-7-to-ssd-boot-note
Step 5: read the boot note carefully and click “Finish” to go back to the main interface.
transfer-windows-7-to-ssd-apply-changes
Step 6: click “Apply” button on the top to make all changes performed. However, MiniTool Partition Wizard will ask users to restart computer after they click “Apply” button, because the Windows they are moving is loaded now. Just click “Start Now”, and then all operations will be done in boot mode. For more detailed steps, please see Migrate OS to SSD/HD.

Tip: the “Migrate OS to SSD/HD Wizard” function can only move the Windows OS which is running, so users need to start the correct system if there is more than one operating system.

Copy partition to another disk Windows

Question: recently I bought a 512GB SSD, and I have made a fresh Windows installation on it. Now I’m going to copy the partition which saves lots of downloaded programs to SSD since running apps on SSD is a quite wonderful thing. Well, how can I copy a partition to another disk under Windows OS in a fast way? By the way, this partition saves about 50GB programs.

Such a kind of questions are frequently asked on the internet since SSD can bring users excellent read and write performance. To be specific, running Windows or programs on solid state drive will be much more smooth and faster. If users want to install needed programs on SSD without repeated download (these programs have been downloaded to HDD), they can copy the partition saving apps to SSD, and free drive copy software can help do this work in easy operations.

On the internet, as long as users search drive clone software, they will get countless results. Actually, common people would have difficulties in finding a good program from all these results, so there we give some suggestions:

If you are running Windows non-server operating systems like Windows 7 and Windows 8, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition since this is a freeware with powerful functions. However, you are a server user, please download MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Edition. With this program, you can clone a partition to other disks with saving much time even if lots of data are stored. For detailed steps, please see the following example.

How to Copy Partition to Another Disk in Windows 7

After running the free drive copy software successfully, we can see its main interface shown below:
minitool-partition-wizard-main-window
Then, select the partition which needs cloning and click “Copy Partition” function from the left action panel.
copy-partition-to-another-disk-mark-unallocated-space
Next, mark an unallocated space on another hard disk to hold the copy of the source partition and click “Next>”. Tip: if there is no unallocated space, please shrink an existing partition to create in advance. After these steps, users are able to edit partition size. Just resize partition or move partition location and click “Finish” to go back to the main interface:
copy-partition-to-another-disk-apply-changes
At last, click “Apply” button to make all changes performed.

Well, if you need to copy or clone a partition to another disk in Windows for data backup or file transmission, try using MiniTool Partition Wizard. It may give you great surprise.

Make a backup for all partitions

Most users would like to partition a newly bought hard disk into several parts (we often call these parts partitions or volumes), because this makes it possible to save different data in different partitions or install more than one operating system. Well, how to make a backup for all partitions when they are saving important files? Obviously, users need the help of third party programs.

Some people may think they can use Windows built-in tool to create such a backup. Indeed, Windows OS like Windows 7 and Windows 8 provides users with Backup and Restore function, but users are not suggested employing this program. There are 3 reasons: so troublesome operations are required; a part files won’t be backed up; users are unable to edit partition size and location. Aiming at this situation, we highly suggest using free third party drive clone software to make a backup for all partitions, and MiniTool Partition Wizard is a good choice.

MiniTool Partition Wizard provides 2 functions for backup: clone single partition and copy all partitions (clone disk). So users can choose the needed one according to actual demands. Furthermore, only several steps are needed, and detailed instructions are given in every step. More importantly, all data will be under great protection since this is a read-only program. Then, let’s see how to clone the entire hard disk with the free drive clone software.

Make a Backup for All Partitions in MiniTool Partition Wizard

Step 1: Start and launch the freeware to get its main interface shown below:
clone-hard-disk-select-the-source-disk
Step 2: select the disk whose partitions should be backed up, and then click “Copy Disk” feature from the left side.
make-a-backup-for-all-partitions-select-target-disk
Step 3: select the target disk (the disk that will hold the backup of the source disk) and click “Next>”.

Step 4: edit partition size and location on the target disk and click “Next>”. Then, click “Finish” to continue.
clone-hard-disk-apply-all-changes
Step 5: click “Apply” button on the top to make all previous changes performed.

After these 5 steps, we will make a full backup for all partitions. If you also want to create a disk backup or plan to upgrade the small disk to larger disk without losing data, clone hard disk by using the free drive clone software MiniTool Partition Wizard.