Cloning software is a type of software that works for operating systems, drives, software, and patches on a computer. The task of manually reinstalling and configuring a device is quite time-consuming. A cloning software allows you to do one or more of the following:
- Reboot and restore a machine to a previous state.
- Set up different machines with identical settings.
- Patch a damaged hard drive or upgrade the same to a higher capacity.
Advantages of a Cloning Software
For most home computer users, the greatest advantage of cloning software over backup software is that you have a complete picture of your computer at a single point in time. Also, it is:
- Easy to use — Data migration is used to transfer data. Cloning software usually provides the simplest method for backing up and restoring your device. Make sure the drive cloning program is easy and straightforward to use.
- Time-saving — Instead of spending hours configuring each machine individually, you can restore multiple computers at once using some cloning software.
10 Best Cloning Software
1. Clonezilla
Clonezilla is the Godzilla of cloning software and the best thing ever created in the backup software niche, thanks to the fact that it’s completely online. This open-source cloning program also supports disk imaging in addition to being extremely resource-efficient.
Characteristics
- Uses optical media (DVD) or a USB drive to run.
- Clone, part, and image disks are all possible.
- Extremely quick restoration times.
- Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
2. Macrium Reflect
Direct disk cloning plays a critical role that Macrium Reflect supports. The free tier includes supporting non-booting systems, generating live images of a running Windows OS, and scheduling backups with customizable templates.
The free version, unlike most other free cloning tools, is licensed for both home and business use. Although the free tier is excellent to use, the paid version offers extra functionality.
Characteristics
- The Home tier provides encrypted backups, builds incremental backups, and defends against ransomware.
- The Workstation tier includes event logging in Windows and central management via Macrium Site Manager.
3. Minitool Partition Wizard Pro
You know they say that the best things in life are free and all that, but the reality is that if you want the best cloning tools, you’ll have to put a tiny dent in your pocket.
Minitool Partition Wizard Pro, a specialist disk partition manager, comes to the rescue for every data cloning requirement. As opposed to the free version, the Pro is the ultimate tool for cloning applications, disk conversion, data recovery, and device migration.
Characteristics
- A full-featured partition manager.
- Supports a user-friendly setup.
- Several features.
- FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and EXT are all supported.
4. Daemon Tools Lite
Daemon Tools Lite is a commonly used disk emulation application that lets you build virtual drives on your computer. In the context of our discussion, Daemon Tools isn’t exactly cloning software. Still, it can be used for cloning data as it can simulate up to four DT + SCSI + HDD devices and virtually mount any type of image.
Since we’re talking about cloning software, the Virtual HDD feature, which generates a VHD backup of a physical HDD partition and lets you keep your files secure, is arguably the best feature of Daemon Tools Lite.
Characteristics
- Incredibly quick emulation.
- Up to 256 HDD drives can be supported (mount VHD).
- Encryption of files is allowed by default.
- Excellent cross-platform Windows integration.
- Creates images from CDs, DVDs, and archive files.
5. Paragon Drive Copy
It doesn’t get any better than Paragon Drive Copy if you’re looking for the pinnacle of cloning tech (pun intended). Apart from that, Drive Copy is an excellent copying tool that is part of Paragon’s extensive disk management utility suite, namely the Hard Disk Manager.
However, if you just want to clone your drive, buying Drive Copy instead of the entire suite can save you money.
Characteristics
- You have the option of cloning to a shorter trip.
- Allows you to build a recovery media file.
- Features a well-designed assistance wizard.
- Comes with a user-friendly interface.
6. AOMEI Backupper Standard
It is a free cloning program that will protect your machine from crashes. Free network cloning and image deployment are possible with AOMEI Backupper Standard. Inside the LAN, the image file can be used to boot several clients.
Individual files, applications, directories, and entire disk partitions can all be restored using AOMEI Backupper Standard. Advanced technologies, including data compression, data slicing, and backup encryption, are included in the free cloning software.
Characteristics
- Complete backup of the whole machine.
- Backs up data and partitions.
- Image backup of a hard disk.
- Cloning of images and discs.
- PXE boot utility.
7. Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image 2020 is a disk cloning and mirror imaging software with a lot of features. Cloud disk cloning and backup management are supported by the program. It also has advanced AI technology and blockchain data notarization, which protects against crypto-jacking and ransomware in real-time.
Characteristics
- Dual security.
- Access from anywhere.
- Continuous backup.
- Universal restoration.
8. O&O DiskImage
The O&O DiskImage is a full-featured disk management program. When the system is in use, the program will backup the entire system. Admins can clone and replicate entire hard disks and restore them to multiple devices using the cloning software.
Characteristics
- Incredibly quick emulation.
- Encryption of files is allowed by default.
- Excellent cross-platform Windows integration.
- Creates images from CDs, DVDs, and archive files.
9. OS Deployer
Suppose you want to clone your Windows 10 OS to project and deploy it around several PCs in a network. In that case, you’ll need to use a particular type of program that has little to do with actual OS cloning. OS Deployer is a great tool for large organizations that need to automate PC imaging and OS deployment for many computers on a network.
Characteristics
- Image deployment.
- Disk cloning.
- Backup log.
- Backup in small measures.
10. NovaBackup PC
NovaBackup PC is a powerful disk imaging program that safeguards your files. The software provides a range of file and image backup options, including differential, absolute, and incremental backups.
With Boot Disk, you can restore image backup if a system failure occurs, restoring the system to the state when image backup was made.
Characteristics
- Cloud backup.
- Supports encryption.
- Backup scheduling.
- Secure data storage.
Conclusion
Cloning software is ideal for mitigating any accidental system failure. All the cloning software mentioned above is good but ideal for different requirements. So read all the features carefully before choosing the perfect one for your needs.
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