How to Clone Your Storage (SSD/HDD): Benefits and Important Tips

A storage clone is the process of duplicating all data, system, settings, and structure of a storage device to ensure smooth system migration and data backup.

By creating a clone, it is possible to avoid the hassle of reinstalling the OS or applications and reconfiguring settings.

Cloning is often used when migrating from an HDD to an SSD, upgrading storage capacity, or replacing storage before it fails.

However, if the method and precautions for storage cloning are not understood, there is a risk of unsuccessful duplication, data loss, or system malfunction.

This article explains in detail the basics of storage cloning, specific methods, and important points to note.

Several clone software and clone devices are also introduced.

The article also explains basic knowledge about storage standards and mainstream storage configurations, as well as how to choose storage from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose Storage (SSD/HDD) for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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About Storage (SSD/HDD) Cloning

This section explains the basics of storage cloning and the differences from regular copying.

What is Storage Cloning?

Storage cloning refers to completely copying the contents of one storage device to another storage device.

This allows the creation of a new storage device with the same data, settings, and system configuration as the original storage.

Cloning does not just copy data, but duplicates everything, including the system parts like the OS, installed applications, and system or app settingsin their entirety.

This includes the OS, system settings, bootloader, partition structure, applications, and even hidden files and system files.

Therefore, there is a big advantage in being able to use the new storage as is, without the need to reinstall or reconfigure the OS and applications used so far.

Difference Between Cloning and Copying

Both “cloning” and “copying” are operations to duplicate data, but their targets, scope, and usage are different.

Here, copying generally refers to duplicating files by right-clicking and using copy and paste.

Cloning means duplicating the entire storage, including the OS, settings, applications, files, hidden data, and boot sector (boot information), copying all data as is.

In other words, a disk created by cloning functions the same as the original storage.

Therefore, it is used when wanting to migrate everything to a new storage or PC, or for recovery in case of a system crash.

Also, since the system including the OS can be completely reproduced, the cloned storage can be booted as is.

On the other hand, copying duplicates specific files or folders, such as saving individual files like documents or images to another location.

Copied files are individual data and cannot reproduce the entire system, so the copied storage cannot be booted as is like a cloned storage.

It is intended for selectively copying specific data within the range the user can handle.

Regular file copying cannot copy system files, hidden files, or the boot sector, so the destination storage will not be exactly the same as the original storage.

However, with cloning, the entire storage is copied at the sector level (*), so all data including the OS, applications, settings, hidden files, and boot information can be duplicated.

*Accessing and manipulating data directly at the sector, the smallest unit of storage.

Purpose of Cloning Storage (SSD/HDD)

This section explains the purposes of creating a storage clone.

While there are purposes for businesses, organizations, and software development, for individuals, cloning is often done for migrating from HDD to SSD, upgrading capacity or speed, or replacing storage before failure.

Migrating from HDD to SSD

For older computers using an HDD as the main storage, the OS and applications start slowly, so upgrading to a faster SSD improves speed.

Since HDDs have mechanical structures, their read/write speed is slow, but switching to an SSD makes the system much faster.

Upgrading Capacity or Speed

As time goes by, storage capacity and speed improve, so upgrading to higher-performance storage allows for saving more data and faster OS/app launches and game loading.

Replacing Before Failure

If the health status of the storage indicates it is about to fail after years of use, or if there are signs of failure such as failed file reads or extremely slow performance, it is best to replace it before it breaks.

If replaced before failure, cloning is possible, but after failure, it is not, and everything must be reinstalled from scratch, resulting in data loss.

Also, taking precautions in advance allows for smooth recovery of daily work.

Data Backup

Storage cloning is also used as a complete data backup.

Unlike file-based backups, cloning duplicates the entire storage, protecting data in a complete state, including the OS, applications, and bootloader.

This makes it possible to quickly restore the system even if hardware failure or system corruption occurs.

Disaster Recovery

From a disaster recovery perspective, cloning is very important.

By creating a clone in advance to prepare for system downtime due to natural disasters or hardware failures, quick recovery is possible in the worst-case scenario.

Since the entire system is duplicated, the risk of data loss is minimized and business continuity is ensured.

System Duplication

Storage cloning is also often used for duplicating systems.

In companies or organizations, when setting up multiple PCs with the same settings and applications, using a clone allows for efficient duplication of identical environments.

This method greatly reduces manual installation work and shortens system setup time.

However, OS licensing issues must be cleared.

Building Test Environments

In development and testing, creating a test environment that duplicates the production environment allows developers and test teams to test new software or settings without affecting the live system.

Also, using clones makes it easier to reproduce bugs and issues in a realistic environment during testing, making it smoother to find and fix problems.

How to Clone Storage (SSD/HDD)

This section explains how to create a storage clone.

Cloning with Software

Cloning with software is a method where dedicated cloning software is installed and run within the system.

Many cloning software programs run on the OS and are easy to use through a user interface, making them suitable for beginners.

The general procedure is to select the source and destination storage and follow the instructions.

*The destination storage must also be connected to the computer in advance.

Depending on the cloning software, it may be possible to change partition sizes or select specific partitions to clone.

It is possible to exclude specific data as needed, allowing for flexible settings.

Many free software options are available, but paid versions may be needed for more advanced features.

Also, with cloning software, detailed logs are kept if errors occur during cloning, making troubleshooting easier.

Here are some recommended cloning software.

Reviews are available on the beginner-friendly PC blog ‘Pasolog‘, which I run, so please refer to them.

≫ Related article: EaseUS Disk Copy Features and How to Use [Cloning/OS Migration]

≫ Related article: Backup Software “EaseUS Todo Backup Home” Review | Easy Daily Backups!

≫ Related article: MiniTool ShadowMaker Features and How to Use [Backup/Cloning]

≫ Related article: Partition Management Tool ‘MiniTool Partition Wizard’ Features and How to Use

EaseUS Disk Copy has been actually tested for cloning, so it should give a good idea of the process.

However, the free version only allows up to the step before cloning, and a license purchase is required to perform the actual clone.

Other software is also basically paid, but there is a 30-day free version, so it may be possible to clone with it.

This has not been verified, so please check the plans and details.

Cloning with Hardware (Device)

Cloning with hardware is a method where a dedicated cloning device is used to duplicate storage without using a PC.

By inserting the source and destination storage into the cloning device and pressing a button, a clone can be created.

The storage in use must be removed from the computer and inserted into the device, but no PC operation is required—just press the button and wait.

However, compared to software, it is not possible to customize such as changing partition sizes or cloning only specific data.

Since the entire source storage is duplicated as is, it is not suitable for cases where fine adjustments are needed.

Here are some cloning devices, including their supported storage standards.

Product Name	Image	Support
玄人志向 KURO-DACHI/ CLONE/CRU3 Amazonで見る 楽天で見る Yahoo!ショッピングで見る		・Supports 2.5/3.5-inch SATA SSD / HDD ・Does not support M.2 SSD (SATA / NVMe)
ロジテック LHR-2BDPU3ES Amazonで見る 楽天で見る Yahoo!ショッピングで見る		・Supports 2.5/3.5-inch SATA SSD / HDD ・Does not support M.2 SSD (SATA / NVMe)
ORICO IT28E-C		・Supports 2.5/3.5-inch SATA SSD / HDD ・Also supports M.2 NVMe SSD *Does not support M.2 SATA SSD
ACASIS M03		・Supports M.2 NVMe SSD *Does not support M.2 SATA SSD ・Does not support 2.5/3.5-inch SATA SSD / HDD

Each product supports different storage standards, so be sure to check carefully before choosing.

If migrating from HDD to SATA SSD, the KURO-DACHICLONECRU3 or Logitec models are suitable.

If you want to handle the latest NVMe SSDs or plan to clone multiple times and want to support as many standards as possible, ORICO is a good option, though it is a bit more expensive.

Precautions When Cloning Storage (SSD/HDD)

Let’s go through the precautions when performing storage cloning.

Data Backup

When cloning storage, unexpected problems or mistakes can occur during the process, so be sure to back up your data in advance.

Data may be lost in the following situations:

• Data Overwrite Due to Mistakes
  If the source and destination storage are mixed up during cloning, the original data may be overwritten.
  Once data is overwritten, it cannot be restored.
• Errors During Cloning
  If a power failure or error occurs during cloning, data may be corrupted or the clone may be incomplete.
  Such errors can result in loss of data on both the source and destination storage.
• Physical Failure of Storage
  Storage may physically fail during or right after cloning.
  If there is a problem with the destination storage or the original storage is at the end of its life, data may be corrupted.

Except for mistakes, basically the source storage is only read and the destination is only written, so even if interrupted by power failure or error, it is unlikely that the source data will be lost.

Even if interrupted, it is usually fine to start cloning again from scratch, but since cloning is a relatively important task, be sure to back up at least your most important data.

Risk of Data Overwrite

When cloning, all existing data on the destination storage will be overwritten, so make sure the storage is safe to overwrite.

Usually, a new storage device is used as the destination, but there may be cases where data is already written to what was thought to be a new storage, or it actually contains important data, so be careful.

Especially if the destination storage already contains important data, always check the backup before starting the cloning process and save the data to a safe place if necessary.

Checking Capacity

Compare the capacity of the source and destination storage and make sure the destination has the same or greater capacity than the source.

This refers to the total storage capacity, not just the amount of data stored.

This is to ensure all data from the source fits, and if the capacity is insufficient, some data may be lost.

Especially when migrating the entire system or handling large amounts of data, always check the capacity.

Basically, the destination storage must have the same or greater capacity, but when migrating from HDD to SSD, the HDD usually has more capacity, which can be difficult.

In that case, delete unnecessary data until it fits the destination storage, and use software cloning to clone only the necessary parts.

Checking Compatibility

When choosing the destination storage, pay attention to compatibility.

For software cloning, the destination storage must also be connected to the computer.

At that time, a SATA connector or M.2 slot is needed to install the destination storage.

For hardware (device) cloning, the device must support the SATA SSD, HDD, or M.2 interface for both the source and destination storage.

Summary: Super Convenient for Upgrading Capacity!

This article explained the basics of storage cloning, the differences from regular file copying, and the purposes and methods of creating a clone.

Here are the key points again:

There are various purposes for cloning, but for individual users, it is often for migrating from an old HDD to an SSD, upgrading capacity or speed, or checking the health status of storage and replacing it before failure.

If migrating without cloning, it is necessary to reinstall and reconfigure the OS and applications and move data, which can take several days for some people.

With cloning, the entire storage, including the system, is duplicated at the sector level, so the new storage can be used to boot the computer as is, allowing for smooth recovery of daily work.

The article also explains basic knowledge about storage standards and mainstream storage configurations, as well as how to choose storage from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose Storage (SSD/HDD) for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.