Best Server Cloning Software to Migrate Hard Drive Easily

When we talk about Windows 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:

• The 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.

Best Windows Server Cloning Software (Download)

Does Windows Server come with cloning tools? Microsoft does provide a backup utility for server users - Windows Server Backup (WSB). However, WSB does not have cloning capabilities. 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.

1. It offers an intuitive interface that helps you clone disk in Windows Server effortlessly, and helps to avoid errors at restoration.
2. 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, the "System Clone" feature will meet your needs.
3. 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
4. It offers an "SSD Alignment" option to accelerate the target SSD and extend its lifespan.

You can download the free demo of the Server disk cloning software here. If you have multiple Servers & PCs, you can try the Technician Plus edition for unlimited devices. Check Edition Comparison.

Windows Server Disk Cloning Step-by-Step Guide

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 cloning Windows Server 2016 from one drive to another.

Step 1. Connect the target HDD or SSD

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.

Step 2. Launch the cloning tool for Server migration

Launch the main interface of the server clone software. Click the 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.

Step 3. Select the source drive and the target drive

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.

Step 4. Confirm the operation and start Server cloning

Tick SSD Alignment if you are cloning to an SSD. Then, click Start Clone if there is no problem.

✍Practical 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 copying all sectors even if the sector is blank or bad.

Can You Clone Windows Server to Virtual Machine?

For users who want to perform P2V migration, the Disk Clone feature may not help. However, AOMEI Backupper is also Server disk imaging software, which means you can use the System Backup (or Disk Backup) feature to create a full image of the 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 an option called Universal Restore, which helps you to restore a system image created by different hardware with a secure boot.

Conclusion

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.