Cloning
Clone Windows to a new SSD.
A faithful copy of the Windows installation to a new disk. MBI Clone does not duplicate the manufacturer’s layout: it rebuilds it, then checks the partitions, file system, boot and recovery before handing the disk back to you.
Two cloning modes. In both, the source is read without being modified.
Running Windows → SSD
“The SSD hosting the running Windows system is detected automatically and copied using a VSS snapshot.” The computer stays on, running its own Windows, throughout the copy.
Offline Windows → SSD
You explicitly choose the disk that contains the Windows to be copied, connected to a dock, then a different destination. No disk is preselected after a scan.
A five-step wizard
- DestinationCheck the source, choose the new disk.
- PlanThe partition plan before and after, with nothing written yet.
- ConfirmationAn explicit confirmation before anything is erased.
- CloningSpeed, time remaining and live log.
- ResultSummary and first-boot instructions.
Checked before the first write
Before erasing anything, MBI Clone checks the machine and the disks: BitLocker, power supply, destination identity, health, boot format. A blocking check gives its cause, the recommended action and a code to quote to support.
All checks are run again just before the first write: if a disk has been disconnected in the meantime, cloning stops before anything is erased.
Example of a refusal
- Check
- BitLocker
- Cause
- The volume is encrypted: cloning refuses it until it has been decrypted.
- Action
manage-bde.exe -off "C:"
Then “Scan again” once the “Fully Decrypted” status is reached.
The nine cloning steps
- Checking requirements
- VSS snapshot and source scan
- Preparing the destination
- Copying Windows
- Full data verification (optional)
- Creating boot files (UEFI or BIOS)
- Recovery environment (WinRE)
- Final verification
- Taking offline and cleaning up
A marker stays on the destination until the final verification succeeds: an interrupted clone is recognized as incomplete at the next launch.
Two levels of verification
Quick verificationALWAYS
Partition table (GPT or MBR), NTFS, Windows, BCD and WinRE, checked at the end of cloning.
Full verificationOPTIONAL
Reads back the entire copied area, or every file in a migration, and compares SHA-256 hashes. Recommended for a source in doubtful health.
The new disk, ready to boot.
Destination disk layout
GPT / UEFI · diagram, not to scale
- EFI
- FAT32, 300 MB. UEFI boot recreated.
- MSR
- 16 MB, reserved for Windows.
- Windows (C:)
- NTFS, extended on a larger disk.
- Recovery
- NTFS, 1.5 GB, at the end of the disk so that C: can still be extended.
MBR source: you choose between keeping MBR / BIOS and switching the new disk to GPT / UEFI. The source stays MBR.
From Windows or from a dock
The computer’s Windows is copied while it is running, using a VSS snapshot. An offline disk connected to a dock is locked read-only or frozen by a snapshot.
To a larger disk or a smaller one
On a larger disk, C: is extended. On a smaller one, migration is done file by file: permissions, alternate data streams and NTFS links are preserved.
MBR to GPT / UEFI, if you choose
An MBR source can keep its BIOS boot or switch to GPT / UEFI on the new disk, once you have confirmed that the machine boots in UEFI mode.
No way to pick the wrong disk
Model, capacity and the end of the serial number for every disk. The disk holding the running Windows is never offered as a destination; a disk that cannot be reliably identified behind a USB enclosure is refused.
Disk health at a glance
A SMART badge for each disk: healthy, endurance limit reached, predicted failure… A failing destination blocks cloning, unless overridden, with the override recorded in the log.
Verified, then taken offline
Partitions, NTFS, boot and WinRE are checked every time; a full read-back with SHA-256 hashes is optional. The new disk is taken offline before you disconnect it.
See also
Profile transfer
Transfer profiles to a new PC
Files, AppData, registry and saved passwords: MBI Clone creates the local account and transfers the profile into it, from the old disk or over the local network.
- From the old disk or over the local network
- Accounts, files, AppData and saved passwords
- A report of what is left to do
Equip your workshop.
A one-month pass at €30 excl. VAT without renewal, a monthly subscription at €30 excl. VAT or an annual subscription at €300 excl. VAT: one licence per company, with unlimited technicians, computers and migrations, and updates included.