Can I create a system clone on Windows 11? You sure can! Your guide is right here.

Updated By

Linda 

Authored By

Tracy King 

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

If you're experiencing similar system cloning issues on Windows 11, relax. This page will cover everything you need to know about system cloning on Windows 11.

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Key points for cloning Windows 11:

1. System cloning is a complex process that involves copying the operating system and related files to a new disk and making the new disk boot the cloned system on the current or a new computer. 2. This page will guide you through successfully performing a system clone on Windows 11 using an example.

Users with older operating systems, such as Windows 10 or Windows 8.1/8, can also clone their OS by following the respective guide linked:

Can I clone Windows 11 to another SSD? Yes, of course!

System cloning is the process of using professional OS cloning software to exactly replicate an operating system, OS boot files, installed programs, user data, etc. to a new disk or new computer.

The answer is yes, you can clone Windows 11 to another SSD. Even an ordinary Windows user can perform the Windows 11 system cloning operation to migrate Windows 11 to a new SSD or replace the system disk, or even copy Windows 11 to a new computer.

When do you need System Clone on Windows 11?

Here's a list of scenarios where you might want to clone your system drive:

• Windows 11 starts up or shuts down slowly.
• Windows 11 gets stuck or freezes when running large applications.
• Windows 11 frequently warns you of high CPU usage or high disk usage, or you encounter the 100% disk usage issue.
• Your Windows 11 system drive is full, or the OS keeps warning you about low disk space errors.
• Your Windows 11 system drive is old or failing.
• Your Windows 11 system disk contains disk errors, bad sectors, etc.
• You want to clone and copy the Windows 11 system to a new computer for use.

So, how can I clone Windows 11 on my own and save my computer from the aforementioned issues? Follow the next tutorial, and you'll get a complete guide on how to do it.

Complete Guide: Perform a System Clone on Windows 11 - 2024 Tutorial

To initiate a system clone on Windows 11, follow this step-by-step guide carefully:

#1. Install and initialize a new hard drive with the same type as the operating system drive

If you need more guidance on how to identify your operating system's disk type, refer to How to Tell If Windows Is Using GPT or MBR. Here's how to set up the new drive:

Step 1: Open your computer case and install the new drive in your computer.

For SATA HDD/SSD, install it with the SATA data cable and power cable. For PCIe SSD, M.2/NVMe SSD, insert it into the SSD slot and secure it with screws.

Step 2. Restart your computer and access Disk Management. Right-click on the new disk and select "Initialize Disk."

Step 3: Set the new disk's type to the same as your operating system drive.

#2. Download System Clone Software for Windows 11

With the help of EPM Pro, equipped with "disk partition software", various system cloning and system migration needs can be met on all Windows and Windows Server systems. Users of Windows 11 can easily perform system cloning with just a few steps using this software.

Before proceeding, please check the FAQ section here and see if your answer can be found first.

What specifically are you looking to achieve when performing a system clone on Windows 11?

• 1. Improve the performance of your current computer.
• 2. Run the Windows 11 operating system on a new device.

• If your objective is to enhance the disk performance or Windows 11 performance on the same computer, follow Guide 1 to successfully clone and migrate the operating system.
• If you wish to replicate the operating system and run Windows 11 on a new computer at your office or home, seek assistance from Guide 2.

Guide 1: Migrate Windows 11 Operating System to a New Disk - HDD/SSD

To optimize the performance of your computer on Windows 11, you can use the "Migrate OS" feature in the Partition Master tool to upgrade and move your operating system to a new SSD. With just a few simple steps, it will help you successfully switch to the new system disk:

Note: If there is insufficient unallocated space on the target disk, migrating the operating system to SSD or HDD will delete and remove existing partitions and data on the target disk. Back up any important data saved on it to an external hard drive beforehand.

Step 1: From the left-hand menu, select "Clone." Choose "Migrate the operating system," then click "Next" to proceed.

Step 2. Select the destination disk you want to clone to. Click “Next”.

< strong > Step 3: After reading the warning, click “OK”. All data and partitions on the target disk will be erased. Make sure you have backed up your important data beforehand. If not, please do it now.

Step 4. Preview the layout of the target disk. You can also click on the Disk Layout option to customize the layout of the target disk as needed. Then, click "Start" to begin migrating the operating system to the new disk.

5. When you see the confirmation message asking if you want to boot from the cloned disk, check the “Adjust the boot order to boot from the cloned disk” option and then click the corresponding button based on your need.

• Restart Now: Restarts the computer immediately and boots the operating system from the new disk.
• Finish: Makes the change at a later time.

Confirm cloning the system to the new hard drive     

Guide 2: Clone Windows 11 to New Computer

If you want to clone Windows 11 and make it bootable on a new computer, the “Copy Partition” feature in Partition Master can help.

First, clone the Windows 11 operating system and the boot partition to the new disk.

Note that if your system and boot volumes are on separate partitions, you will need to repeat these steps for both volumes.

Step 1: From the left menu, choose “Clone.” Click “Clone Partition” and “Next.”

Step 2: Select the source partition, and click Next.

Step 3: Select the partition that you want to format, then click "Next" to continue.

• If you clone a partition to an existing one, move or back up your data first to avoid overwriting it. • Review the warning and click Yes to proceed.

Step 4: Click “Start,” and wait for the clone to finish.

You can see how to clone a partition or the System Reserved partition in this video tutorial.

Next, proceed to clone the Windows 11 system to the target new computer.

Now, you can proceed to install the cloned Windows 11 system on your target computer. Here's how:

Step 1: Shut down the computer you want to upgrade, then open its case.

Step 2: Install the brand new hard drive with the cloned Windows 11 system into your new computer.

• For SATA HDD/SSD, install it using the SATA data cable and power cable.
• For PCIe SSD, M.2/NVMe SSD, insert it into the SSD slot and secure it with screws.

Step 3: Restart your computer.

If your computer won't turn on, don't panic! You can still boot your new computer correctly from the right disk using this guide.

#3. Setting Up Your Computer to Boot from a New Hard Drive in Windows 11

After the operating system migration or system cloning process is complete, it's crucial to switch the boot drive in the BIOS settings so that your computer finds the new boot drive with the cloned Windows 11. Here's how:

Step 1: Restart your computer and press F2/F8/F11 or Del to enter BIOS setup.

Step 2: Boot into the recovery menu, locate your boot drive, and select the option to replace it with the new disk.

Step 3: Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 4: Restart your computer and wait for it to boot into Windows 11.

Step 5: Log in with your account.

You just wait for Windows 11 to log you in with your account, and you're ready to start using Windows 11 on the new disk or new computer.

Final Award

Cloning Windows 11 might seem complicated for beginners and casual users. To simplify the process, you need to establish the purpose of cloning in Windows 11 and utilize professional OS cloning software.

And the professional functions of AOMEI Partition Assistant can help you to solve this kind of problem, you can download it to have a try.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloning Windows 11 System 1. What is system cloning? System cloning involves copying your operating system, including Windows 11, along with its settings, applications, and data files, to another hard drive or storage device. This allows you to quickly migrate or backup your entire Windows 11 environment without reinstalling the system. 2. Why would I need to clone my Windows 11 system? You might clone Windows 11 for upgrading your hard drive (e.g., from HDD to SSD), backing up your current system to protect against accidental damage, or synchronizing your working environment across multiple computers. 3. How do I clone my Windows 11 system? You can use third-party tools like Acronis True Image, tools Todo Backup, or AOMEI Backupper, which provide user-friendly system cloning features. Alternatively, Windows 10 and later versions include the "Create a recovery drive" tool, which, while primarily designed for creating recovery options, can sometimes be used for system cloning as well. 4. What should I consider when cloning Windows 11? - Ensure the target disk has enough capacity to accommodate all data from the source disk. - Avoid disconnecting power or shutting down your computer during the cloning process to prevent data loss or damage. - After cloning, you may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the new disk. - Always test the system on the new disk after cloning to ensure it's functioning correctly. 5. How do I start the new Windows 11 system after cloning? Upon completing the clone, restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Change the boot device to the new hard drive, save the changes, and exit. Your computer will then boot from the new disk, loading the cloned Windows 11 system. 6. Will my files and settings be preserved after cloning? Yes, a system clone should retain all personal files, settings, applications, and system updates, just like your original system. 7. Does cloning affect activation status? If you're cloning within the same hardware, Windows 11's activation status typically carries over automatically. However, if you change the motherboard or critical hardware, reactivation might be required.

Some of you might have more questions about system cloning on Windows 11, which you can follow and find the answers here.

1. Does Windows 11 have a cloning tool?

No, Windows 11 does not come with a built-in cloning tool. If you need to clone a disk or your system in Windows 11, you would need to rely on third-party disk cloning or system cloning software to assist you with the process.

**2. Can I clone Windows 11 to another SSD?**

Certainly, you can. By using a reliable OS cloning software like Partition Master, for instance, you can successfully clone Windows 11 to another SSD. If you need a detailed guide, feel free to refer to Guide 1 on this page for assistance.

How to Clone Windows 11 for Free?

To clone Windows 11 for free, you can use the Partition Master Free tool with its “Copy Partition” feature:

1. Prepare the new hard drive - Initialize it with the same disk type as your OS drive and create two new volumes on it. 2. Launch the tool "Partition Master Free," go to "Disk Clone," and then click "Clone Partition." 3. Select the operating system partition as the source and the new partition on the target disk as the destination. 4. Confirm to proceed with the operation. 5. Repeat this process to clone the other boot partition to the new hard drive. 6. Restart your computer and enter BIOS to set the new hard drive as the boot drive for Windows 11. 7. Reboot your computer to log in to Windows 11.