Is Acronis Clone Partition Possible? Yes or No [2025]
This article will take you to the answer of whether Acronis can clone partitions and how to do it. If you think it’s complicated or for system migration, try an easier alternative - AOMEI Cloner.
Last Updated May 15, 2025
Why Clone a Partition?
Here are the 3 main causes to clone a partition instead of the entire disk:
- Partial Upgrade: Transferring only the OS partition to an SSD while keeping data on the old drive.
- Data Migration: Moving a non-system partition (e.g., D: drive) to a new disk to isolate crucial data, e.g,. financial records, family photos, or work projects.
- Safe Troubleshooting: Test software on the cloned partition without risking your operating system.
- ✅ What’s the difference between disk clone and partition clone?
- The disk clone will include all data on the disk, including OS, system files, installed programs, user data, etc. This requires more capacity and more time. While partition clone only includes content on the system partition or specific data partitions.
Can You Use Acronis to Clone a Partition?
⌛ Short Answer: Yes, Acronis True Image can clone individual partitions. However, the process is cumbersome and error-prone.
Acronis True Image requires you to manually select the disk and the partition to be cloned in manual mode, which may cause boot issues with the system partition. The cloned drive won't boot without an EFI/boot partition. Thus, it’s suggested to clone the partition for data migration unless you are tech-savvy users.
- 📛Note:
- Acronis True Image focuses on full disk cloning. You may not find a “partition-only” clone option in all editions. It’s suggested to clone all partitions to SSD if the original drive is a system disk.
How to Clone a Partition Using Acronis (Data Migration Only)
✅Prep Work:
- - Connect the target disk (SSD/HDD). You need to prepare a SATA or M.2 adapter or enclosure (if you are using laptop or with one slot).
- - Backup data, especially for cloning OS partition (better safe than sorry!).
- - Download Acronis True Image from the official website for cloning. Note that it requires a full upgrade to unlock the Disk Clone feature.
Step 1. Open Acronis True Image after installing. On the sidebar, select Tools -> Clone Disk.
Step 2. Select Manual Mode to unlock partition-level control. To clone all partitions on the disk, select Automatic mode.
Step 3. Select the disk and then check only the partition you want to clone, preferably not the system partition.
Step 4. Select the destination drive to save the partition. If it’s partitioned, you need to confirm the partition deletion message.
Step 5. Select the disk usage - To use as a data disk.
Step 6. Select a move method - As is, Proportional (Recommended), or Manual.
Step 7. Optionally, edit settings of the partitions, and then click Proceed to start the Acronis clone partition.
Acronis Clone Partition Easier Alternative (OS & Data Migration)
AOMEI Cloner is a reliable hard drive and SSD cloning software that offers users simple and straightforward methods to clone system partition and data partition(s) in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and servers. It will include the operating system, hidden EFI or system reserved partition, etc., required to start Windows if you are cloning a system partition.
- 3 cloning methods - clone disk, system partition, and data partition.
- Intelligent clone (default)- only clones the used sectors of a partition, saving time and disk space. Sector by sector clone is also supported.
- Edit Partition/Make full use of disk space (for OS partition)- adjust the partition size to fit the target disk.
- SSD alignment - align SSDs with 4k technology to improve performance and longevity.
100% SecureStep 1. Connect the target drive to your computer and be sure it’s recognized. Then, Open AOMEI Cloner after installing, click Clone > Partition Clone subsequently.
- ✅Note: Select System Clone instead if you want to migrate operating system to SSD.
Step 2. You will be asked to select the source partition and destination partition (all data will be overwritten). Please be careful and click Next after each selection.
Step 3. If target partition is larger, click Edit Partition to adjust the size. Then, click Start Clone to clone partition in Windows 11.
Conclusion
Acronis clone partition is ideal for tech-savvy users, especially if you want to migrate operating system to SSD, and my opinion is to clone specific data partition only. For beginners or those users who want a straightforward and simple software, AOMEI Cloner will be a better choice.
With it, you can choose to clone system partition, data partition, or entire disk in a specialized wizard. It will take care of the boot issues due to missing hidden EFI or system reserved partition, wrong disk partition style, SSD disk performance, etc.
FAQs About Acronis Clone Partition
1. Can Acronis clone a partition to a smaller disk?
Yes, if the used space fits. Use the resize slider during cloning.
2. Does Acronis clone hidden recovery partitions?
Only if manually selected. By default, Automatic Mode clones all partitions, including hidden ones.
3. Will cloning a partition delete my target disk data?
The answer is yes if the target disk has multiple partitions, and in this case, Acronis will prompt you with the partition deletion message.
4. Why does my cloned system partition fail to boot?
Acronis does not offer a system clone feature, but allows you to select it in the Manual mode. Your system is likely missing EFI/boot partitions.
5. Does Acronis support SSD alignment?
Yes! It’s claimed that Acronis will automatically align partitions on SSDs for optimal performance. You need to use the Automatic mode while using the Disk Clone feature.