Clone Windows 10 with Macrium Reflect & Easier Alternative

Scenario: Macrium Reflect - Clone Windows 10 to SSD

Macrium Reflect is a powerful disk imaging and cloning software designed primarily for system backup and migration. Using Macrium Reflect to clone HDD to SSD on Windows 10 is a piece of cake, as this software allows you to create a full replica of your system drive, including the operating system, settings, applications, and files.

In the following content, we will outline how to clone Windows 10 to SSD using Macrium, some tips about Macrium Reflect clone won't boot, and an error-free Macrium Reflect alternative for Windows 10 cloning.

How to Use Macrium to Clone Windows 10

Here's a clear, step-by-step breakdown on how to use Macrium Reflect to clone to SSD on Windows 10. This process will move everything, OS, apps, and files, to your new drive with minimal hassle.

Because there is no separate system migration function, you need to clone the entire system drive to clone Windows 10 with Macrium Reflect. If you need to migrate only Windows 10 to SSD, you may directly turn to the Macrium Reflect alternative in the next chapter.

Step-by-Step on Macrium Cloning Windows 10 to SSD

Step 1. Use a SATA-to-USB cable to plug in the new SSD or connect the SSD directly to your motherboard with an extra slot.

Step 2. After Macrium Reflect downloads and installs on your PC, launch it. On the Macrium Reflect interface, you’ll see a list of all connected drives. Select your system disk (usually labeled with the Windows logo) to clone, and click on Clone this disk.

Step 3. On the pop up screen, click on Select a disk to clone toin the Destination box, and select your connected SSD. Then, click on Next.

Step 4. If you're cloning to a smaller SSD, Macrium will prompt you to resize partitions. Then, go on to click Next > Finish to begin the process of utilizing Macrium Reflect to move Windows 10 to SSD.

Troubleshoot: Macrium Reflect Clone Drive Won't Boot

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. If your newly cloned SSD won't boot, don't panic. Here are common issues and how to fix them.

• BIOS boot order - Make sure the cloned SSD is set as the first boot device in BIOS.
• Incorrect boot mode - If your source drive used GPT, make sure your BIOS is set to UEFI. For MBR, ensure Legacy Boot or CSM is enabled.
• Missing or corrupt bootloader - Boot from a Windows 10 installation USB, select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt to run the bootrec command.
• Clone didn't include system reserved partition - Re-clone and ensure that all necessary partitions are selected.

Macrium Reflect Alternative to Clone Windows 10 to SSD - Easier & More Flexible

AOMEI Cloner is an excellent alternative to Macrium Reflect, with a cleaner interface and easier operation. It is designed for everyday users who want to migrate their system safely without worrying about complex operations and boot errors.

This software allows you to transfer everything from HDD to SSD with its Disk Clone features. And you can also rely on its one-click OS migration function, System Clone, to copy only Windows OS to a new drive, like transferring Windows 10 to SSD.

How to Clone Windows 10 to SSD Using AOMEI Cloner

Step 1. Install AOMEI Cloner and launch it. This tool is widely supported on Windows 11/10/8/7 and all Windows Servers.

Step 2. Click on Clone on the left panel, then there are two options for you to clone Windows 10 to SSD:

👉 Disk Clone - This copies all data on your system drive, including the Windows OS, settings, configurations, and other data.

👉 System Clone - This copies only the OS and boot-related partitions.

Step 3. If you choose Disk Clone, you need to pick your current system drive that contains Windows 10 operating system as cloning source; if you choose System Clone, this software will automatically select all system-related parts as the source.

Step 4. Go on to choose the connected SSD as the target location.

Step 5. Tick SSD Alignment in the lower left corner, and then click Start Clone.

Useful Tips:✎...

Sector By Sector Clone aims to clone all sectors on the source drive/partition(s), which may cause the disk cloning to fail when the target SSD is smaller than the source drive.

Edit Partitions allows you to resize the partition size on the destination disk as well as convert disk type if it's different from source drive.

FAQs about Macrium Cloning Windows 10

Q1. Does Macrium Reflect work with Windows 10?

Yes. Macrium Reflect is fully compatible with Windows 10. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems and is capable of cloning and imaging system drives.

Q2. What is the difference between clone disk and image disk in Macrium?

• Clone Disk: Creates an exact, ready-to-boot copy of the source drive. It’s used when you’re replacing a drive immediately.
• Image Disk: Creates a compressed backup file that can be stored and restored later. It’s not bootable until restored.

Q3. Is Macrium Reflect no longer free?

Yes, Macrium Reflect Free Edition has been officially discontinued, though existing users can continue using it. New users must opt for a trial or purchase the full version.

Q4. What is the alternative to Macrium Reflect cloning?

AOMEI Cloner is an excellent alternative. It's easier to use and provides both disk and system cloning.

Q5. Does Macrium Reflect clone OS?

Yes, Macrium Reflect does clone the operating system. When you use the "Clone this disk" feature, it creates a full, bootable clone of your current drive, including the Windows OS, system files, boot records, hidden partitions, and installed applications.

Conclusion

Using Macrium to clone Windows 10 is one of the fastest ways to upgrade system drive to a new SSD without reinstalling Windows from scratch. Also, if you need a user-friendly alternative, AOMEI Cloner is worth a try. It is capable of cloning your entire boot drive or just the OS. And it works with popular brands of HDDs and SSDs, making it simple and error-free to migrate to Samsung SSD, Crucial SSD, WD SSD, etc.