Last updated: Apr. 12, 2017
- Best Software To Clone The Hdd To Ssd
- Best Software To Clone Mac Pro
- Best Software To Clone Hard Drive To Ssd
May 09, 2016 Mac Secret Trick - How to Clone Mac Hard Drive with Disk Utility HDD SDD MacBook Pro iMac 2010-2019 - Duration: 10:09. Gunner Tierno x Yeezy God 355,104 views 10:09. This can take fairly long, depending on the speed of your external drive and its connection to your Mac, so it’s best to have a fast hard drive with Thunderbolt, USB-C, or USB 3.0 connections. And that’s it! When Disk Utility is done, you can shut down your Mac and hold down Option when booting it back up.
As a Mac fan, you know the significance of data backups. Time Machine, Apple's built-in backup software, makes it easy to save multiple copies of your Mac data to an external hard drive (HDD or SSD) or to an AirPort Time Capsule. There are also dozens of online backup services you can choose from if you prefer not to carry a physical drive around.
But, let's be honest, when data loss disaster strikes, are you going to be patient enough sitting in front of your Mac for hours even days (yes, it can take that long) only to wait for the recovery process to complete? We bet you won't, right? How about online or cloud backup options? The main drawback is that it would take ages to finish backup if your Internet connection is slow.
So is there any better backup solution out there? There is — clone your Mac hard drive!
A key feature of the software is the ability to clone a large disk to a smaller SSD drive. Sectors and partitions are copied over, along with key files such as boot.ini, NTLDR, BCD, winload.exe. Jul 02, 2020 'Best cloning software for mac:)' dudemanla November 09, 2013 / Version: Carbon Copy Cloner 3.5.3.
We recommend Stellar Drive Clone, a fantastic Mac utility that is designed for this purpose. The app makes Mac disk copy much easier and best of all, it enables you to perform immediate recovery whenever you need.
In short, this Mac drive clone tool stands out for efficiency. That's all what we need, isn't it?
Why Clone Mac Hard Drive & When You Need It?
In the nutshell, cloning your Mac hard drive provides you with additional secure backups and saves you time restoring the data if needed, especially when your main boot drive fails to start and you are unable to enter the first screen of the desktop.
Like any other types of storage media, hard drives just come and go. In particular, if your Mac is equipped with a spinning hard disk drive, somehow its life tends to end earlier compared to an SSD (solid-state drive). If your Macintosh HD fails, it could cause a number of problems — one of which is data loss. Even if you have set up Time Machine backups, most likely you still need a trip to Apple Store or a computer repair shop because you'll need to set up a startup disk that contains macOS operating system.
In fact, I learned the lesson the hard way. One day my mid-2012 MacBook Pro hard drive died, and I couldn't turn on my Mac after pressing the start button. Then I scheduled an appointment with Apple Genius bar and took the machine for a diagnosis. It turned out the 750GB Hitachi hard drive was totally down, based on what Apple Mac technical support guy said. I was instructed to purchase an SSD drive from Crucial online. I did it. But that was not all. When I successfully replaced the dead hard drive with the new SSD, I realized that I didn't have a Mac reboot disk. Another trip was made to Apple Store and the guy installed OS X El Capitan for me. Ah...it was not over yet. Since I had Time Machine backups, I had to select a snap and restore all my data. Oh mine, it took me almost an entire day!
Lesson learned the hard way — Time Machine is not that efficient to restore data. That's why I'd strongly encourage you to try cloning your Mac hard drive just in case.
Mac Drive Clone App: What to Look for?
- Security: this is the number one thing you need to make sure when using any apps on your Mac. Sure, Macs are less prone to viruses and malware. But it's no longer the case. There are annoying adware bundled in the programs you install. They tend to slow down your Mac system as well as cause other damages.
- Reliability: a great Mac cloning app should be able to perform several standard functions such as create an exact, identical replica of any Mac disk, clone drives formatted with Master Boot Record (MBR) partition, and quickly extract volume image file to recover all your data, etc.
- Compatibility: it must be compatible with all commonly used OS X versions including latest macOS Sierra. Also, it should support operations on Macs with either a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).
- Ease of Use: the software must be easy and simple to use, even if you are not experienced at all with Apple macOS operating system.
What's The Best Hard Drive Clone Tool for Mac OS X?
Stellar Drive Clone stands out for two reasons: it's powerful, and simply to use. The app supports cloning OS X Yosemite/El Capitan/Sierra boot volume including Recovery HD, which ease your life in case your Mac hard drive is totally down. Besides Macintosh HD, you can also use it to clone an exFAT-formatted drive. Here's a screenshot.
Chris is a computer geek for a decade. He loved talking to computers via codes, and now he finds it more interesting communicating with the real people. He now writes everything related to computer issues and loves helping people solve problems.
The reason one would like to have carryout cloning a drive changes with the situation. However, there are a few instances that are common among all and asks for cloning to ensure that the data remains safe. The following are the scenarios under which one likes to perform the USB drive, SSD or disk cloning:
1. Cloning drive helps in upgrading the hard disk from an old and small volume to a new version with higher capacity without the need to re-install all the programs and applications
2. The disk clone process helps in the migration of data from the hard drive to SSD with ease
3. Cloning also helps in recovery of data when there is damage to the current hard disk
4. The requirement of transferring the operating system files
5. Cloning disk is essential for professionals and home users who store necessary data
Part 1.Best Software to Clone Disk
Even though there are many programs available to clone a hard disk, iBeesoft DBackup is the best free cloning software. The reason is that it offers extensive options with a user-friendly interface. It helps in maximizing the protection of the data and the entire operating system with ease. It is fast, convenient to use, and enables a user to do everything that they expect from backup and clone software.
What Makes the Software the Best?
Your Reliable & Free Disk Cloning Software
(27)
- Gives customization options to the clone and backup modes – full image, incremental, or differential. You can easily set schedules to hard drive cloning free.
- Creates a standalone backup file to clone HDD to SSD, USB drive or a bigger size hard disk.
- It can also create an image to file, drive or OS backup in Windows 10/8/7/XP.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clone Disk in Windows 10/8/7/XP
The free cloning software is aimed at users who like to perform data backup that includes partition, drive, or operating system backup. It helps in creating protection to the data and clones a system HDD, external storage devices, flashcards, and many more. Download and install the disk clone tool that is available from the official website of iBeesoft.
Step 1: A user can establish a connection between the computer and an external storage unit if he/she prefers to store the cloning file externally. If not, they can skip the step and proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Clicking the icon on the desktop launches the best free cloning software. The primary window displays several options it provides, and users must click the 'Drive Backup' option. The window will show the partitions of the selected drive.
Step 3: Before the free hdd cloning software performs a backup of the selected hard disk or a partition of the hard drive, the user must mention the storage location, backup name, and choose whether to opt for 'Automatic Backup' feature. The sector-by-sector feature is also available, which consumes time but clones every file, including any hidden or lost data. After completing the setup requirement, press the 'Start' button to begin cloning. The time consumed for the process varies from one drive to another and depends on the total size.
Part 2. Other Free Disk Cloning Software
As disk cloning is important, the following list will be helpful for those who are seeking out the best free drive cloning software to complete the job with ease.
#1. Paragon Drive Copy
As a disk duplicator, Paragon Drive Copy comes handy for all those who are seeking a free disk cloning software to clone their hard drive in simple steps. Likewise, it also helps in storing data, migrating data, managing partition, and creating a backup of data. Important features include:
a. It clones and migrates data regardless of environment and location
b. Helps in creating virtual clones of an entire PC
c. Helps in creating a copy and restoring the same on a new HDD with a different sector size
d. Assists in migrating Windows OS to new devices and organizes data
Pros:
- Full back up of computer
- Supports all file systems
- Migration of OS from HDD to SSD
Cons:
- Misses advanced features
- One-person use
#2. Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image is one of the leading programs in cloning hard drives. The free disk cloning software is simple to use and comes with plenty of options. The following are the crucial features:
a. Helps in creating a mirror or full image of the system
b. Promotes in cloning OS, files, and other settings to a new disk
c. Assists in conversion of full image backup to a virtual disk format so that users can test the same under different settings
d. Uses artificial intelligence, ransomware protection, and machine learning technology
Pros:
- Super-easy user interface
- Fast upload speeds during testing
- Local and cloud backup features
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slow web interface
#3. Macrium Reflect
Macrium Reflect is another free hard drive cloning software. The clone disk free software is beneficial for those who are seeking a fast and dependable tool. The primary features of the software include:
a. Creates an accurate image file of HDD and partitions
b. Helps in creating whole partitions in a single compressed archive file that is mountable
c. Supports both GPT and MBR
d. Possible to recover partitions in a few clicks
e.Rapid Delta Cloning helps in cloning a disk at a faster rate
Pros:
- High speed of cloning
- Useful functions
- Different versions available
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Difficult for beginners
#4. Nova Backup PC
Nova Backup PC is simple and offers the ability to create an exact clone of a hard drive. The important features are:
a. Comes with various backup options
b. File-level or image-level backup
c. Protects the data through 256-AES encryption
d. Schedule backups in bit-level or incremental level
e. Cloud and local backup management
Pros:
- High security
- Highly customizable
- Fast backups
Cons:
- Cluttered interface
- Lacks file explorer integration
#5. EaseUS ToDo Backup Home
EaseUS ToDo Backup Home version is a free cloning software that helps in keeping the system protected by creating backups in a few simple steps. The essential features of the software are:
a. It allows storing backups in external devices, including cloud, FTP servers, and NAS
b. It is possible to browse the backup file using Windows Explorer
c. The free cloning software is compatible with GPT and UEFI
d. It helps in the recovery of OS from the boot menu in case of OS failure
e. Possible to perform scheduling of backup
f. Flexible backup management
Pros:
- Friendly interface
- Easy data recovery feature
- Secured and encrypted data transfer
Cons:
- Disk partition knowledge missing
- Requires multiple accounts to access different devices
#6. Hard Disk Manager 16
Hard Disk Manager 16 is a professional-grade free HDD cloning software. It helps both a novice and a professional to use it to create perfect backups of their hard disk. The essential features include:
Best Software To Clone The Hdd To Ssd
a. Helps in transferring system files in a few seconds and uses physical and virtual devices as per availability
b. Cloning functioning operated in protected mode
c. Has basic partitioning features to keep the system organized
d. Possesses the recover option to restore a system to the previous version
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Supports partition edits
- Undo and redo changes
Cons:
- Free edition sees several features disabled
- Large setup file
#7. Clonezilla
One can clone disk free with the use of Clonezilla. As the name suggests, it clones a hard drive and the entire contents with ease. The important features of the program are:
a. Possible to get image file on local disk, samba server, FTP server, and others
b. Supports both MBR and GPT partition formats
c. Supports Unattended mode
d. Helps in restoring one image file to more than one local location
Pros:
- Open-source
- Supports various file systems
- Offers LVM2 support
Cons:
- The user interface is a big let down
- Absence of differential and incremental backup
#8. Drive Image XML
Best Software To Clone Mac Pro
Drive Image XML is another cloning software available in the market. It helps in creating an image file of a computer’s hard disk and partitions. Essential features include:
a. Creates a backup and restores the same
b. Schedule a backup
c. It uses Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Services during cloning
Pros:
- Restore individual files from images
- Ability to restore images to different drives
- Drive-to-drive image copy
Cons:
- No differential or incremental backup
- The backup process is slow
#9. MiniTool Partition Wizard
MiniTool Partition Wizard is another free drive cloning software to clone a hard disk with ease. It safeguards the data and optimizes disk space. The primary features include:
Best Software To Clone Hard Drive To Ssd
a. Resizes partition
b. Copy a disk partition
c. Use the tool to merge partitions
d. Migrate OS to new HDD or SSD
Pros:
- Several useful feature
- Helpful support
Cons:
- Requires time to learn the options
#10. Daemon Tools Pro 8
The software is robust and helps in cloning the hard disk with ease. The essential features of the free hdd cloning software are:
a. TrueCrypt container to store confidential data
b. Emulates 32 HD, DT, and SCSI drivers at a time with 4 IDE drivers
c. It converts, compresses, and protects image files
Pros:
- Virtual disc burning process
- Good choices for imaging tools
Cons:
- The annual subscription is expensive
Comments are closed.