Cloning hard drive: Freeware for simple data backup

With a clone software, you can easily copy your old hard drive and duplicate on a new hard drive. For example, this is for creating Backups sensible. But also if you want to exchange an old hard drive for a new one. An HDD Clone Tool even helps you with your old HDD hard drive very easily SSD to clone. With our tips and the right freeware, the hard drive Clone succeeds in no time at all.

1. What happens when cloning the hard drive

There are different options to protect your files from loss. A free hard disk cloner is also suitable for inexperienced users. With its help, you can copy your hard drives in just a few steps and either clone on an external hard drive to secure or duplicate directly onto a new internal hard drive.

An exact image of your hard drive is created, which you can copy directly to the new hard drive without reinstallation. Especially when your old hard drive gradually slows down, many are considering exchange them for faster. For example, would you like to clone your data from HDD to SSD? Windows 10 does not offer an option for this, but there are many free hard drives copiers that take the move to a faster and more powerful hard drive for you.

1.1. You need this to copy the hard drive

There are two common options that you can use if you want to transfer your system hard drive to another:

• Via an external storage medium with boot stick
• With a clone software

To create a backup of your hard drive, an external hard drive is of course ideal. Especially if you don't feel like moving individual files. However, if you want to transfer the copy from the external hard drive to a new PC, you also need a USB stick that you can use to boot your Windows 10 version.

The use of a tool is easier – and therefore also for laypersons. You don't need an additional external storage medium for this. The software takes all steps and quickly and easily create a copy.

2. Copy from age to new hard drive

If you buy a new hard drive for your PC, it should of course offer some advantages. The classic HDD hard drive becomes slower over time, and the storage space may also become scarce. Of course you can buy a hard drive of the same type – it will definitely run faster again and there are many options available to you at the storage space.

The alternative is an SSD hard drive that is a bit more expensive, but offers numerous advantages over conventional HDDs:

• They run much faster
• They are pleasantly quiet because they produce less warmth
• economical because they need less energy
• robust and thus of a long service life

You can find a more detailed comparison of the two hard disk types here.

2.1. HDD cloning on SSD

Are you wondering if you can clone your HDD and transfer to SSD if you install an SSD? With a clone software, this is not a problem at all. In the next chapter, we will tell you which freeware is offered to clone the hard drive.

First you have to connect the new hard drive to your PC. This works best using a SATA port. If you don't have any on your computer, you can get a USB SATA adapter. In order to be able to clone your notebook hard drive, some SSDS manufacturers already deliver software on CD. If there is no drive, online tools are also available for download. Most programs guide you through the copying process.

Then all you have to do is install the new hard drive. To do this, switch off the PC, take it from the electricity and open the housing. Some PCs do not have a subject for an SSD. In this case, you have to get a special installation frame. Otherwise, simply push the SSD into the intended insertion. Scroll, close the computer and you're done.

Danger: Do not forget the hard drive! Be sure to remember to put on a backup before exchanging the hard drives and put it on an external medium.

3. Hard disk cloning with freeware

Numerous programs are available for download to cloning the hard drive. As freeware for Windows operating systems, we recommend Macrium Reflect Free. The program is a stripped down version of the full version. This program is sufficient to duplicate a hard drive and clone on a new drive. For extensive backup and malware services, however, you have to download the paid versions. In this context, Acronis True Image is also recommended, with which you can clone both a Windows and Mac hard drive.

There are also many paid programswhich we took a closer look at in a comparison of the best image programs.

In the video you can clearly show you how to clone your hard drive:

3.1. Drive cloning with macrium

With Macrium Reflect Free, a very practical solution is available to you. If you have made all the preparations for cloning, download the free version and start the program. Here are some tips on the procedure:

• If the language is in English, use the key combination [Strg] + [Shift] + [L]to change the program to German
• On the homepage you select which data carrier you want to clone
• Then click on «Select a data carrier for the clone» and select your new hard drive. You can maintain the displayed options
• Macrium automatically selects all partitions to clone them on the new hard drive
• Click on until a summary appears. If everything is correct, start the clone process

If you have bought a new hard drive with more storage capacity, after cloning, you will find that the capacity has shrunk. Macrum makes the partitions of the same size as on the old hard drive. How to get the full memory back:

• Open the Data carrier management
• Select the new hard drive, which is called «not assigned»
• With a right click on «Primary Partition», a context menu opens in which you select «Expand volume»
• An assistant opens in which you can increase the maximum memory of the hard drive again

4. Free tools of the SSD manufacturers to clone a hard drive on the SSD

Many SSDS manufacturers also offer free software on their homepage to clone an SSD. Samsung, for example, makes it easier to switch to an SSD with the free Samsung Data Migration Software.

The operation of the freeware is very simple, but has a few restrictions:

• The software only works with the consumer series from Samsung SSDS such as the 8xxer or 9xxer series.
• Dynamic data carriers are not supported.
• Only a maximum of three partitions from the source data carrier are copied to the SSD.
• The hard drive must not be encrypted with bitlockers or similar tools.

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