AOMEI Cloner is a powerful system clone software that can clone C drive to external hard drive for OS migration and SSD upgrade. Scroll down to learn more.
The C drive generally contains the Windows operating system, system files, installed applications, and user data. Cloning the C drive to an external hard drive helps:
The simple copy and paste method does not apply to the C drive because the system and boot files need to be copied in their entirety, sector by sector. So cloning software is needed to clone C drive to external hard drive. AOMEI Cloner is such a reliable cloning tool that delivers:
✍Copy Everything: This utility can copy all data, including OS, apps, and files, from one hard drive to another.
✍3 Cloning Solutions: It supports disk clone, system clone, and partition clone. The previous two can move just Windows OS and boot files.
✍Intelligent Clone: It can automatically skip bad and blank sectors, ensuring stable, complete, and uninterrupted data transfer.
✍SSD Alignment: It automatically aligns partitions to improve SSD performance and extend lifespan.
✍High Compatibility: It is perfectly compatible with all ASUS laptops and can also be used to clone Dell laptops, HP laptops, and more.
Using AOEMI Cloner to clone C drive takes just a few simple steps. Follow the steps below.
Step 1. Insert the external drive into your computer and make sure Windows recognizes it. Launch AOMEI Cloner after installing, navigate to Clone > System Clone.
Step 2. The C drive will be selected automatically. Select the external hard drive as the destination and click Next.
⚠️ The external hard drive will be overwritten. Please backup files to a safe location first.
Step 4. Check the SSD Alignment, and click Start Clone to wait for the process to complete.
👉Verify the Clone: Check your external drive using File Explorer or Disk Management.
👉Boot from Cloned Drive (optional): Change the boot order in BIOS if you want to boot directly from the external disk.
👉Keep It Updated: Regularly re-clone or back up your C drive to keep your external clone current.
Cloning your C drive to an external hard disk is a smart way to ensure a safe and easy recovery of your system. AOMEI Cloner's user-friendly interface and powerful features make the cloning process simple, even if you are a novice. You can download AOMEI Cloner now and clone your C drive in minutes.
1. Can I clone my C drive while Windows is running?
Yes, tools like AOMEI Cloner support hot cloning, allowing you to clone the system drive without restarting or interrupting your work.
2. Will cloning the C drive copy everything, including programs and Windows settings?
Yes, cloning the C drive creates a full, bootable copy, including the OS, installed software, system files, user data, and settings.
3. What size should my external hard drive be for cloning?
The external drive should be at least equal to or larger than the used space on your C drive.