You can learn the definition of disk image and disk clone and their key difference as well as the operation guide. Keep reading to learn the detailed information.
Disk image is the process of archiving or backing up the entire contents of a hard disk. It is a storage file that contains all the data stored on the source hard disk and the necessary information to boot into the system.
Disk clone is the process of copying the entire contents of a hard disk to another one, including all the data that enables you to boot from the disk to the operating system. Disk clone is a one-to-one replication of the source disk.
Although disk image and disk clone are both processes of copying disk contents, they have a lot of differences. This article summarizes the key differences for you as below.
| Process | Space usage | Disk usage | Usability | Restore | |
| Disk Image | A disk image creates a byte-by-byte archive as a compressed file | Disk image has the option of incremental or differential backups, and the disk image files are compressed to help save disk space. | You can store multiple disk image files on the same disk. | Disk image needs to be recovered before you can use it, and you need to use disk recovery tools to help you. | If you want to recover the disk image file, you need to put the created disk image on the hard disk and then use an image recovery tool to achieve the goal. |
| Disk Clone | While a disk clone makes an exact one-to-one copy. | Disk clone requires more space, as partitions are created immediately on the target disk. And you cannot create differential or incremental clones. | In contrast, only one clone can be stored on a disk at a time. | Disk clone can be used immediately and you can boot your computer directly from the cloned disk after cloning. | If your source disk is unusable, you can replace it with the cloned disk and then boot and use your computer normally. |
After understanding the key differences between disk image and disk clone, how to choose? Which one is better? How you choose between disk image and disk clone depends on what goals you want to achieve.
If you want to backup your disks for continuous data protection, you can choose Disk Image. It allows you to create multiple image files on a disk. And you can choose from a variety of backup methods and backup schemes to protect your disks in all respects. When your disk encounters any problems, you can use this disk backup for recovery.
If you want to upgrade to a new disk or want to recover quickly in case of disk problems, you are better suited for disk clone. This is because it allows you to create an exact copy of the source disk quickly and easily. After cloning, you can boot your computer directly from the cloned disk. Even if there are any problems with your source disk, you can replace it with the cloned disk in time and use the disk normally.
Whether it is disk imaging or disk cloning, you need to choose a useful tool to help you. The free disk backup and cloning software AOMEI Backupper Standard can easily achieve the goal. It’s both the disk image software and clone image software.
Next, you can follow the graphic tutorials below to learn how to perform a disk image or disk clone with this freeware. Before performing a disk clone, please backup the important files on the target disk in advance, because the cloning process will erase the data on the target disk.
Step 1. Download AOMEI Backupper Standard, install and launch the software. Then click Backup > Disk Backup.
Step 2. Click Add Disk to choose the disk you want to backup.
Step 3. You need to select the destination for your disk backup and then click Start Backup.
Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper Standard, click Clone > Disk Clone.
Step 2. Choose the disk you want to clone as the source disk and click Next.
Step 3. Choose a disk as the destination disk and click Next.
Step 4. Confirm all your operations and click Start Clone. After cloning, you can change the boot order in the BIOS and directly boot your computer from cloned disk.
This article describes the definition of disk image and disk clone, the key differences, and how to choose them. Whether you choose disk image or disk clone, you can use the free third-party software AOMEI Backupper Standard to help you.
It provides multiple backup methods and backup schemes to protect your disk in all aspects. When you need to clone a disk, whether you want to clone a disk to a large or small one, or even clone a disk with bad sectors, it can meet your needs one by one. After cloning, you can successfully boot your computer from the cloned disk.
Besides, it is an excellent restore software that can easily restore not only disk images, but also system backups. Even if you want to restore a system backup to a computer with different hardware, its Universal Restore feature can achieve the goal. You can download this software to discover more useful features.