AOMEI Cloner
Is It Possible to Use Clonezilla for System Clone? (Yes or No)
This article describes if it’s possible to use Clonezilla for system clone and how to clone system in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 without reinstalling Windows. Scroll down to explore more.
By Ivy Updated on May 13, 2025
Can I Use Clonezilla for System Clone Only?
Short answer: No, you can’t clone system only in Clonezilla. It operates at the disk or partition level, not the file or OS level. Here’s why and how to work around it:
- No File-Level Filtering: Clonezilla doesn’t distinguish between OS files, apps, or user data. It copies everything in the selected partition(s).
- Boot Dependencies: Modern systems like Windows split critical files across multiple partitions (e.g., EFI, Recovery, MSR). Clonezilla requires cloning all system-related partitions to ensure the cloned drive is bootable.
- Sector-by-Sector Design: By default, Clonezilla copies all sectors, even empty ones, unless told otherwise.
So, how to clone system in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11? You could consider using reliable cloning software - AOMEI Cloner, which integrates a System Clone feature. It will include the operating system, boot partition, and system files, etc., on the disk to be sure the cloned drive is bootable. The installed programs and personal files are still there.
Of course, if you insist on using Clonezilla, try using Clonezilla's "Device to Device" feature to clone the entire disk, including the system partition. Please refer to my previous article: Clonezilla Windows 11.
Workaround: Clone Operating System in Windows Using AOMEI Cloner
AOMEI Cloner is a GUI-based, simple and effective hard drive and SSD cloning software that can clone system partition, even the entire disk in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Servers without any obstacle.
More surprisingly, this software will use the Intelligent clone feature by default, which clones only the used sectors of a drive, making it easier to clone large HDD to smaller SSD without capacity issues. Also, it saves you a lot of time.
❤❤❤ Why Choose AOMEI Cloner?
- 👑Bootable clone - clone OS on HDDs/SSDs and MBR/GPT system disk. The new SSD will remain bootable after cloning.
- Make full use of disk space - clone OS from hard driveto larger drive without unallocated space left.
- SSD Alignment - align HDD and SSD with 4k technology to improve SSD disk performance and their lifespan significantly.
- Disk compatible - compatible with Samsung, WD, SanDisk, Crucial, etc., whether they are using mSATA, SATA, NVMe, PCIe, or M.2 interface.
- WinPE Bootable Media - create a bootable USB drive, CD/DVD, or ISO file to start a failing computer.
Step 1. Connect the target SSD drive to your computer using SATA to USB or M.2 adapter, which depends on your disk interface. Then, open AOMEI Cloner, click Clone > System Clone subsequently.
Step 2. You will then be asked to select the destination disks (targetSSD with equal or larger capacity). Then, click Next after selecting it.
- ⚠️Warning: The partition will be overwritten or deleted. Please be sure you select the right partition and backup your data (if there is) in advance. Then, click OK to continue.
Step 3(Important). Be sure to check the SSD Alignment feature to align HDD and SSD for better performance. You can also enjoy the Make full use of disk space feature if the target SSD is larger. Then, click Start Clone to clone system in Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11.
By default, this software will enable the intelligent clone feature to clone only the used sectors of a drive. It can avoid the cloned SSD won’t boot issue to the greatest extent possible (if it’s smaller). You don’t need to interrupt any work during this process.
Download AOMEI Cloner if you want to clone OS only!
System Clone vs. Disk Clone: Which One Should You Use?
Sometimes, users may be confused about System Clone vs. Disk Clone. Here’s a quick table to help you know the key differences between them:
|
|
System Clone |
Disk Clone |
|
OS & Boot Files |
Copy OS, bootloader, plus essential partitions, e.g., EFI, Recovery, MSR |
Copy the entire disk, including OS |
|
User Data |
Only data on the system partition |
All data on the disk |
|
Target Disk Size |
≥ system partition |
≥ entire disk |
|
Transfer Speed |
Fast |
Slow |
|
👑 Best for |
OS migration, especially to smaller drive |
Disaster recovery, replacea failing drive or for larger capacity |
Conclusion
In fact, there is no such thing as a Clonezilla system clone. It only supports cloning the entire disk or specific partitions, lacks the file-level filtering to distinguish OS files, and can’t ensure the cloned SSD is bootable.
If you only want to clone the OS, or the target SSD is smaller, try the Clonezilla alternative - AOMEI Cloner. Unlike Clonezilla, it uses the intelligent clone mode to clone only the used sectors of a drive. So even if your target SSD is smaller, you can clone OS to SSD without boot issues.
FAQs
Q1: Can Clonezilla clone to a smaller SSD?
Yes, but only if the used space fits. Please use -icds to skip empty sectors.
Q2: Does Clonezilla support BitLocker-encrypted drives?
Yes, but decrypt first or use -r to clone encrypted sectors (not recommended).
Q3: Why does my cloned drive fail to boot?
Various reasons can cause cloned drive won’t boot, such as wrong boot order, secure boot settings, missing boot files, etc.
Q4: Can I clone only the C: drive with Clonezilla?
The answer is no if your C: drive is installed with Windows. It lacks the file-level filtering to distinguish between OS files and can’t ensure the cloned drive is bootable.
Q5: Is AOMEI Cloner safer than Clonezilla for beginners?
Absolutely. It has a simple and intuitive GUI interface that’s easier for all users and can clone HDD to SSD in just 3 steps. In addition, it still offers users multiple features, such as 4K alignment, make full use of disk space, intelligent clone, etc., to handle cloning issues well.
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