SSDs, which stands for Solid-State Drives, represent a modern iteration of computer data storage devices that utilize flash-based memory, granting them superior speed when compared to conventional mechanical hard drives.
SSD cloning means replicating the entire disk from an old SSD onto a new one, resulting in an identical copy. If you find yourself with the following requirements, SSD cloning may be necessary:
- Make a backup of the critical files on your SSD.
- Replace a smaller SSD with a larger SSD.
- Reduce downtime caused by a corrupted SSD.
Choose the best free SSD cloning software
After comparison, I found that the free disk cloning software – AOMEI Backupper Standard works well in SSD clone. The following are some highlighted features of this software:
✦ Disk Clone
It enables you to duplicate an entire hard drive, encompassing all of its volumes and data. It is incredibly useful when you need to migrate from HDDs to SSDs or clone SSDs to larger SSDs.
✦ Partition Clone
It allows you to replicate a chosen partition on a storage device. If the target disk is smaller than the source disk, you can use Partition Clone to copy only the selected partition instead of the whole disk. Additionally, the cloning process consumes less time compared to duplicating an entire disk.
✦ Intelligent Clone
It is a highly efficient method of copying data because it selectively duplicates only the used sectors, optimizing both time and storage space. This feature is particularly advantageous when you need to clone a larger drive to a smaller one.
✦ SSD Alignment
In the file system of an SSD, data is conventionally organized into 4K sectors. Therefore, SSD Alignment is a key feature in SSD clone. Proper alignment not only enhances the performance of the destination SSD but also contributes to its long-term durability and lifespan.
✦ VSS Technology
VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) technology is an integral part of modern data management and backup solutions. This technology enables the cloning process to function seamlessly in the background, allowing users to continue using their computer without interruption.
✦ Supported Devices
AOMEI Backupper allows you to duplicate HDDs, SATA SSDs, NVMe SSDs, USB flash drives, and SD cards. And it supports all well-known disk manufacturers like Samsung, SanDisk, Crucial, Seagate, and WD.
How to transfer from one SSD to another
Please keep in mind that the Standard edition is specifically tailored for disk cloning when there is no operating system involved. If you plan to clone a system disk, you have two choices: either select the Professional edition or utilize the backup and restore method. This method entails creating a disk image of the source drive and then transferring it to the destination drive.
Here I’ll show you how to clone an SSD without OS. To begin, make sure you connect the destination SSD to your computer and take the necessary steps to back up crucial data. Then, follow the instructions provided:
Step 1. Start by downloading the software from the official website and launching it following the installation.
Step 2. From the left panel, opt for “Clone,” and then select “Disk Clone” to proceed.
Step 3. After designating the source SSD from which data will be duplicated, click “Next.”
Step 4. Select the target SSD where the cloned data will be stored and proceed by clicking “Next.”
Step 5. To optimize SSD performance, ensure “SSD Alignment” is enabled. Conclude the data migration process from the old SSD to the new one by clicking “Start Clone.”
Step 6. The duration of the cloning process varies based on the data volume on the source disk. Once the progress reaches 100 percent, click “Finish.”
Now, you know how to clone an SSD on Windows 11/10/8/7, utilizing the exceptional free disk cloning tool, AOMEI Backupper Standard. This versatile software empowers you to effortlessly replicate an entire disk or a specific partition and facilitates smooth data transfers between diverse disk formats. Furthermore, the user-friendly interface of this software guarantees a straightforward and hassle-free cloning process.
In addition, it is still the leading free backup software, catering to a wide range of data backup requirements. This utility supports the backup of individual files, complete operating systems, or both local and external drives. Last but not least, it allows you to set up automated backup schedules. Feel free to give it a try yourself!
