I searched the question, "What is the difference between a disk image and a clone?" I have read several articles and also watched some videos. Every explanation seems to try to classify them both as the same thing. Are they exactly the same concept? I am puzzled about it. Since they are the same, why it has two different names?
A Disk clone and a disk image are two different concepts.
Disk Cloning means creating the exact same copy of your hard drive, including all partitions, files, and data. It won't change the data format or size in any way. It creates a one-to-one usable copy of your drive.
While Disk Image means making an archive or backup of your hard drive, it is saved in a file format as a restore for your hard drive. The image will compress the file size and make a byte-by-byte archive as a compressed file.
Let's put things simply. Assume you have created a disk image and a disk clone for your hard drive separately. Your hard drive contains 500 GB of data, then the clone hard drive will also require at least 500 GB of storage space. But the disk image may take about 50 GB of storage space. And you can save several disk images on one external hard drive, but you can only save one disk clone on one target drive.
Different as they are, you can use both the disk clone and disk image as backups for your hard drive. When you want to restore to the previous system or encounter data loss, they can help you effectively.
How to create a disk image or a disk clone? You'll need a professional disk cloning tool and image-creating tool. Most third-party software is designed with only one feature, and you need to install two different programs to do it.
Fortunately, EaseUS Todo Backup is a practical tool combining two functions. It supports backing up and creating a system image and has a disk clone to let you move data from one drive to another without losing any data.
What's more, you can use EaseUS Todo Backup to back up files, folders, partitions, and App data. With an intuitive interface, you can operate it easily, even if you are a novice. Download it to keep the safety of your hard drive.
Related Article: Clone VS Image | What's the Difference? How to Clone or Image a Hard Drive
Download EaseUS Todo Backup to Protect Computer Data!
Find best solutions to computer backup, cloud storage, data security, and disk cloning with full guidance.
How Do I Clone my Hard Drive to SSD with USB?
How do I clone my hard drive to SSD with USB? Do you want to know the answer? If yes, you are coming to the right page. This short post will tell how to clone a hard drive to an SSD with a USB.
Jerry
Feb 22, 2023
Why Is My Hard Drive Copying So Slow?
Are you wondering why your hard drive copying is so slow and seems to take a very long time? You can find your answer here!
Larissa
Feb 22, 2023
How to Change Boot Drive After Clone
Do you know how to boot your computer from the cloned hard drive after cloning? Well, it is not difficult as you imagine. You'll find your answer here.
Larissa
Feb 22, 2023
What Is the Fastest Way to Clone a Hard Drive?
Do you know what is the fastest way to clone a hard drive? This short post will tell you the answer if you do not know. Besides, it will offer the best way to help you clone a hard drive.
Jerry
Feb 22, 2023
Macrium Reflect How Long to Clone a Hard Drive?
Macrium Reflect is a popular data protection and disaster recovery solution that can help you clone your hard drive in a few steps. But how long does it take to clone a hard drive using Macrium Reflect? Find your answer here.
Larissa
Feb 22, 2023
Can I Boot Windows 10 from a Cloned Drive?
Are you wondering if you can boot your Windows 10 computer from a cloned drive? The answer is YES. Read this post and know how.
Larissa
Mar 16, 2023