EZ Gig IV Clone Failed: Why and How to Fix It

Common causes for EZ Gig IV clone failed

When you see the EZ Gig IV clone failed error, it usually means the software encountered a hardware, disk structure, or compatibility issue it cannot recover from. Below are the most common reasons cloning fails:

📍 The target disk isn’t connected by a genuine Apricorn adapter (e.g., EZ Upgrade).

📍 Insufficient storage space on the target disk.

📍 Bad sectors or file system errors on the source disk.

📍 Limited compatibility with newer Windows versions.

How to fix Apricorn EZ Gig clone failed error

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix the Apricorn EZ Gig IV clone failed error.

👉 Fix 1: Reconnect the target disk
👉 Fix 2: Check the storage space
👉 Fix 3: Repair bad sectors
👉 Fix 4: Use an alternative to Apricorn EZ Gig IV🔥

Fix 1: Reconnect the target disk

Apricorn EZ Gig requires a genuine Apricorn USB-to-SATA adapter to function correctly. If the target disk is connected using a third-party adapter or directly via SATA, EZ Gig may refuse to start and throw you an error, “EZ Gig IV was unable to find your Apricorn upgrade device”. Here’s how to fix it:

• Disconnect the target drive and reconnect it using an official Apricorn adapter.
• Avoid USB hubs or extension cables; connect the adapter directly to the PC.
• Confirm that EZ Gig detects the adapter before starting the clone.

Fix 2: Check the storage space

The destination disk should have enough space to store all data on the source disk. Follow the steps below to check the storage space:

Step 1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.

Step 2. Check the used space of the source disk. It can be calculated through capacity and free space.

Step 3. If the used space of the source disk is larger than the capacity of the destination disk, you can delete unnecessary files from the source disk to reduce its used size. If possible, use a larger target disk for cloning.

Fix 3: Repair bad sectors

Bad sectors or file system corruption on the source disk can easily trigger an EZ Gig clone failed error. You can run CHKDSK to fix bad sectors:

Step 1. Type cmd in the search box, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter to check C drive.

💡 Note: If your source disk contains multiple partitions, you need to check those partitions one by one. Just replace C: with the corresponding drive letter.

Step 3. You’ll be asked to schedule a scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.

Step 4. Restart your PC. The scan may take some time, depending on your disk size and condition.

Step 5. After your computer restarts, clone your drive with Apricorn EZ Gig IV again.

Fix 4: Use an alternative to Apricorn EZ Gig IV

Apricorn EZ Gig IV was designed for older Windows environments and may not work reliably on Windows 10 or Windows 11, especially on UEFI-based systems or when cloning modern SSDs. What’s more, EZ Gig has been discontinued since November 30, 2023.

Therefore, you’d better turn to a different cloning tool. AOMEI Cloner is one of the best choices.

Download AOMEI Cloner and follow the steps below to clone one hard drive to another:

Step 1. Install and open AOMEI Cloner. Click Clone from the left panel and select Disk Clone.

Step 2. Select the disk you want to clone (e.g., your current HDD or SSD). Click Next.

Step 3. Pick the destination drive and click Next. It can be another HDD or SSD. You can even clone a hard drive to a flash drive.

Step 4. Configure clone options.

• If cloning to a larger disk, use Edit Partitions to adjust partition sizes and avoid unallocated space.
• If cloning to an SSD, check SSD Alignment to optimize performance and extend the SSD’s lifespan.

Step 5. Click Start Clone and wait for the process to complete. Once done, shut down and boot from the new disk to confirm success.

Best practices to prevent clone failure

Disk cloning failures are often preventable with proper preparation and the right approach. Here are some best practices to reduce the risk of errors and ensure a smooth cloning process.

✅ Use a Stable and Direct Connection

Unstable connections are a common reason for clone failures. Connect the target disk directly to the computer using a reliable USB-to-SATA adapter or internal SATA port.

✅ Prepare Both Source and Target Disks in Advance

Before cloning, make sure both disks are in good working condition. Clean up unnecessary files on the source drive to reduce used space, and initialize the target disk properly if required.

✅ Match Partition Style and Boot Mode

Confirm whether your system uses MBR or GPT and BIOS or UEFI boot mode. Mismatched configurations can lead to clone failures or unbootable drives.

✅ Verify the Clone Before Switching Drives

After cloning completes, verify that all partitions are present and that the system boots correctly from the new disk. This final check ensures the clone is usable before you remove or repurpose the original drive.

Verdict

This article explains why the EZ Gig IV clone failed error commonly occurs and how to resolve it effectively. You’ll find clear, step-by-step fixes along with practical tips to prepare your disks and reduce the risk of failure. When EZ Gig IV proves unreliable, you may switch to a modern alternative like AOMEI Cloner for greater compatibility and cloning success.

AOMEI Cloner runs well on both Windows PCs and Servers. You can use it to clone hard drive in Server 2019, 2022, 2025, etc. Try it now to discover more!