Top 2 Best PC Cloning Software: Transfer to New Drive/Computer Easily

Why Need PC Cloning Software?

PC cloning is the process of making an exact copy of a computer’s hard drive or SSD, including the operating system, applications, settings, and data. The aim is to get a cloned drive that works exactly like the original, so you don’t have to reinstall everything. Some common situations where people need to rely on PC cloning software include:

• System migration: Move your entire Windows installation to a new SSD or larger HDD without reinstalling.
• Data backup: Create a complete disk image to recover from system crashes, malware, or hardware failures.
• System deployment: Clone one computer setup across multiple machines in a business or educational environment.
• Performance upgrade: Replace aging hardware with faster drives while keeping the system intact.

Top 2 Best Computer Cloning Software Free Download

Finding reliable computer cloning software is not difficult. AOMEI Cloner and Clonezilla are both excellent tools. They can efficiently clone PC hard drives, but each has its own features, advantages, and limitations. Below, we will break down each option in detail to help you make an informed choice.

	Pros	Cons
AOMEI Cloner	✅ Simple and easy to use ✅ Clone drive with bad sectors ✅ Clone to larger/smaller drive easily ✅ SSD optimization ✅ full-disk & system cloning ✅ WinPE bootable disk creation	🔴 Not free 🔴 Only supports Windows and Windows Server
Clonezilla	✅ Completely free and open-source ✅ Support Windows, Linux, and Mac ✅ Support a wide range of file systems	🔴 Text-based interface, not friendly for beginners 🔴 No direct cloning to a smaller disk 🔴 Lack of tech support 🔴 No direct download is available

 

Option 1. AOMEI Cloner

AOMEI Cloner, providing a clean and intuitive interface, is a robust HDD and SSD cloning software that makes cloning computer hard drive a breeze. It offers disk cloning as well as advanced features like partition resizing, aiming to make sure your disk can boot up securely after cloning.

Option 2. Clonezilla

Clonezilla is another popular PC cloning software for Windows 10, especially for more advanced users who don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve. Unlike AOMEI Cloner, Clonezilla is open-source and highly customizable.

The main functions of this program are:

How to Clone Computer Hard Drive to New SSD Easily

Below is a straightforward guide on cloning hard drive to a new computer by copying system drive to the new SSD smoothly using the simple-to-use PC cloning software AOMEI Cloner.

Step 1. Connect your new SSD to your PC via SATA or M.2 interface, and ensure it has enough storage space to accommodate all data from your current drive.

Step 2. Download and run AOMEI Cloner, select "Clone" from the left menu, and choose "Disk Clone."

Step 3. Select your current PC hard drive as the source, and select the new SSD as the target. Confirm your selection to avoid accidentally overwriting the wrong drive.

Step 4. Enable "SSD Alignment" for better speed and longevity, and tick "Sector By Sector Clone" if you want to clone all partitions on the old drive. Click "Start Clone" and wait for the process to complete.

Tips:✎...

If your target drive is smaller than the source drive, do not check the Sector By Sector Clone option, which may cause the cloning to fail.

You can utilize Edit Partitions to manually adjust partition size or convert disk partition styles (MBR/GPT).

Step 5. Once cloning is complete, you can install the cloned SSD on your new PC, and boot from the SSD to verify that your system and files have transferred correctly.

FAQs about PC Cloning Software

#1. Do you need to reinstall Windows after cloning a hard drive?

No, one of the main advantages of PC cloning software is that it creates an exact replica of your system, including Windows, applications, and personal files. After cloning, you can boot directly from the new drive without reinstalling anything.

#2. Is cloning better than copying?

Absolutely. Simple file copying doesn’t replicate hidden system files, boot records, or installed applications. Cloning creates a sector-by-sector copy, ensuring your system is fully functional on the new drive.

#3. How long does it take to clone a disk?

The cloning time depends on drive size and connection type. A 500GB SSD may take 30-60 minutes, while a 1TB HDD could take 2-3 hours. Running AOMEI Cloner with Intelligent Clone can speed up the process for faster completion by cloning only the used space.

#4. Can I use my computer while cloning?

Yes. AOMEI Cloner, which runs in Hot Clone, allows you to clone the system when your OS is still running. But it should be noted that running other applications may slow down the process or risk data inconsistency.

#5. Is it better to clone or reinstall Windows?

If you want a seamless migration with all programs and settings intact, cloning is the way to go. Reinstalling Windows is only ideal if you want a fresh start or to troubleshoot system issues. For most upgrades, cloning computer hard drive is faster and more convenient.

The Verdict

Choosing the right PC cloning software can save you countless hours and frustration when upgrading or migrating your system. AOMEI Cloner and Clonezilla both excel, but they cater to different users:

• AOMEI Cloner is perfect for users seeking an intuitive, fast, and reliable solution for disk cloning, complete with SSD optimization and sector-by-sector cloning.
• Clonezilla suits advanced users who want a powerful, free, open-source tool with extensive customization options.

For most users, especially beginners or those upgrading to a new SSD, AOMEI Cloner is the standout choice. It simplifies the entire process, ensures data integrity, and makes cloning a computer hard drive virtually effortless. Also, you can use this utility to clone external hard drive, USB drivve, and other storage.