Read the following article to learn how to clone Windows Server hard drive efficiently and securely with the best Server cloning software.
When we talk about server cloning, we usually mean creating an exact copy of the hard drive with Windows Server installed. It contains all the data along with the files required for Windows to run.
With cloning, you can more easily achieve these purposes:
▪ OS and data migration: Whether you are looking for more storage space, better performance or whatever reason, you can clone Windows Server from one hard drive to another without having to reinstall it.
▪ Fast disaster recovery: If you have done a full clone, you can use the cloned drive as a replacement when something goes wrong with the current system or the disk, without the need for a recovery process.
Many users may wonder, does Windows Server come with cloning tools? Microsoft does provide a backup utility for server users - Windows Server Backup. But WSB does not have cloning capabilies. It only allows you to create a full system backup for Windows Server bare metal recovery.
If you want to complete the operation more efficiently (especially when you want to achieve system migration), it's recommended to use specialized Server cloning software.
For example, AOMEI Backupper Server is professional clone software designed for Windows Server OS including 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2003 (including R2) and SBS 2011/2008/2003. It offers an intuitive interface that guides you through the whole process effortlessly, and help to avoid the errors at restoration.
It enables you to transfer the entire hard drive or selected partitions to another disk with "Disk Clone" or "Partition Clone". If you only want to clone the OS, "System Clone" feature will meet your need.
The default intelligent-sector clone enables you to clone larger HDD to smaller SSD. If you have a larger target drive, you can use "Edit Partitions" to modify partition size and fully utilize unused space
It offers "SSD Alignment" option to accelerate the target SSD and extend its lifespan.
You can download the free trial to have a taste of the Server cloning feature:
💬If you have multiple Servers & PCs, you can try Tech Plus edition for unlimited devices. Check Edition Comparison.
With the best server cloning software - AOMEI Backupper Server, you just need to follow a few simple steps to complete the migration. Here I will give an example of transferring Windows Server from one drive to another.
Connect the target hard drive to the computer, and make sure it can be detected by the system.
Download and install AOMEI Backupper Server. The cloning process will erase all data on the destination disk, so if there's any important data, please navigate to Backup tab and backup important files first.
Launch the main interface of the server clone software. Click Clone option on the left tab and select Disk Clone.
You can also choose Partition Clone for selected partitions or System Clone for only OS.
All hard drives will be displayed here. Select the source drive with Windows Server installed and click Next.
Select the destination drive that you want to migrate Windows Server to, and then click Next.
Tick SSD Alignment if you are cloning to an SSD. Then, click Start Clone if there is no problem.
▶Useful options:
Edit Partitions helps you to adjust the partition size on the destination disk and assign unallocated space.
SSD Alignment is the option to accelerate and optimize the target drive if it is an SSD.
Sector By Sector Clone refers to copy all sectors even if the sector is blank or bad. If you want to transfer a system reserved recovery partition, then this option should be checked. But you’d better choose it carefully, because if there is a virus or bad sector on the source drive, it will be transferred to the target as well.
For users want to perform P2V migration, the Disk Clone feature may not help. But you can use the System Backup (or Disk Backup) feature to create a full image of operating system (or hard drive).
Then you can install AOMEI Backupper on a newly created VM and restore from the created system image easily. You can see here's an option called Universal Restore, it helps you to restore a system image created different hardware with secure boot.
If you want to clone a hard drive in Windows Server, AOMEI Backupper is the best server cloning software you can rely on. The interface of this software is clear, and it is very easy to operate.
With it, hard drive cloning will be completed with ease. If you want to protect and recover unlimited PCs and Servers, AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus is suitable for you.