How to Clone C Drive to External Hard Drive [Free & Easy]

Why Clone the C Drive?

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:

• System Migration - You can migrate your operating system to a new drive or computer without reinstalling.
• Drive Upgrade - Easily transition from an older hard disk drive (HDD) to a faster solid-state drive (SSD).
• Data Backup - Protects against system crashes and malware attacks.

The Right Tool – AOMEI Cloner

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.
✍Three Clone Options: It supports disk clone (clone the entire hard drive), partition clone (clone a specific partition), and system clone (move just Windows OS and boot files).
✍Intelligent Sectors Clone: It can automatically skip damaged and blank sectors, which ensures a stable and complete transfer without interruptions.
✍SSD Alignment: It automatically aligns partitions, which improves SSD performance and extends service life.
✍High Compatibility: It is perfectly compatible with all ASUS laptops and can also be used to clone Dell laptops, HP laptops, and more.

How to Clone C Drive to Another Drive using AOMEI Cloner

Using AOEMI Cloner can solve the how to clone C drive, and with just simple steps. Follow the steps below to achieve the process.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Cloner.

Step 2. Insert the external drive into your computer and make sure Windows recognizes it.

Step 3. Launch AOMEI Cloner, navigate to Clone > Disk Clone.

Step 4. Select your C drive as the source, and click Next.

Step 5. Choose the external hard drive as the destination, and click Next.

⚠️ Note: The external hard drive will be overwritten. Please back up any important data first.

Step 6. Check the SSD Alignment, and click Start Clone to wait for the process to complete.

Things You Need to Do After Cloning

👉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.

Common Questions About Cloning C Drive

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.

Conclusion

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.