Copy a partition to another disk in Windows 10 without data loss?

No built-in tool can do this as far as i know.

When performing the operation of copying a partition to another disk, the transfer speed is influenced by the hardware interface and storage medium.

• SATA SSD → SATA SSD: 300-500 MB/s

• NVMe → NVMe: 1500-3000 MB/s

• HDD → HDD: 80-160 MB/s

• External USB 3.0 connection (any media): 100-300 MB/s

Critical Warning for Windows 11 Computers

Under no circumstances should the Windows 10 system partition be directly cloned onto the disk of a Windows 11 computer.

1. Differing hardware configurations may readily cause blue screen failures.

2. Windows 10's built-in drivers conflict with the hardware of Windows 11 computers.

3. System licences are tied to the motherboard, resulting in failed activation after cloning.

4. Driver incompatibility will lead to significant degradation in computer performance.

Correct Procedure

1. First, clone the target partition of Windows 10 to an external disk.

2. Extract only the required file data from the cloned external disk.

3. After completing a fresh system installation on the Windows 11 computer, migrate the extracted files to the new system.

This step-by-step procedure fulfils the requirement of copying a partition to another disk while avoiding system compatibility issues, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the new computer.

When a cloning operation fails to copy a partition to another disk, the built-in tools in Windows 10 can be utilised to perform a data backup, ensuring critical content is not lost.

System Image Backup

This feature enables the creation of a complete backup of partitions containing both the operating system and data into an image file. It is suitable for scenarios requiring the restoration of an entire partition environment.

1. Open the Control Panel → Locate and enter the Backup and Restore option.

2. Click “Create a system image”, selecting an external disk as the backup destination.

3. Tick the partitions requiring backup (e.g. Drive C), then follow the prompts to complete the backup.

4. Advantages: Backup files can be restored to computers with different hardware configurations, while preserving partition data integrity.

File History

Should you only require backup of personal files within a partition, this feature may be employed for a more streamlined operation.

1. Go to Settings → Select Update & Security → Click the Backup option.

2. Enable “Automatically back up my files” and choose a backup location (an external drive is recommended).

3. This feature only backs up personal data such as documents, photos, and music within your user folder, excluding system files and applications.

Whether employing system image backups or File History, both serve as dependable alternatives should cloning operations fail, ensuring critical data from the original partition remains securely preserved. Selecting the appropriate backup method according to your requirements not only mitigates the risk of cloning failure but also provides data assurance for subsequent operations such as copying a partition to another disk, guaranteeing a secure and worry-free data migration process.

After cloning the Windows 10 system partition to another disk, attempting to use this cloned partition on a new Windows 11 computer will likely encounter compatibility issues, preventing it from functioning correctly. Below are the specific problems and optimal solutions, focusing entirely on the requirement to copy a partition to another disk.

Primary Compatibility Issues

The cloned Windows 10 system partition contains the original computer's hardware drivers. However, the new Windows 11 computer features different hardware configurations, leading to driver incompatibilities:

• New chipset drivers must be installed, as the original drivers cannot support the new motherboard.

• Different graphics card (GPU) models may cause display anomalies with the original GPU drivers.

• Incompatible hardware drivers for network adapters, storage controllers, etc., may result in connectivity failures or disk recognition errors.

Windows system licences are typically tied to the original computer's motherboard. After cloning the system partition to a new Windows 11 computer:

• The original Windows 10 authorisation cannot be activated on the new hardware, potentially leaving the system in an unactivated state.

• Reactivation of the system will be required. If the authorisation is of the OEM-bound type, it may not be reusable, necessitating the purchase of an additional licence.

Optimal Solution 

Prioritise the approach of ‘Performing a Fresh Installation of Windows 11 + Cloning Only the File Partition’ to avoid compatibility issues.

• Clone only the data partition: Utilise tools to isolate the data partition containing vital files, documents, media, etc., from the C drive of your Windows 10 computer, then replicate it onto another disk, omitting the cloning of the system partition.

• Fresh install of Windows 11 on new hardware: On a new Windows 11 machine, format the target disk before performing a clean installation of genuine Windows 11, ensuring full compatibility with the new hardware.

• Migrate cloned files: Connect the partition containing files previously copied to another disk to the new computer via data cable or disk interface, then batch-copy files to the new system.

• Reinstall applications: Within the new Windows 11 system, download and install required applications anew to avoid compatibility and operational issues arising from direct application migration.

This approach fulfils the data backup requirement by copying a partition to another disk, while also ensuring the stability and compatibility of the new computer system and circumventing various issues such as driver mismatches and licensing conflicts.

Windows PE with DiskPart and ImageX is a solid approach for copying a partition to another disk, especially if you're working within a Windows environment. This method is commonly used for system deployment, backups, and cloning.

Overview of the Process:

• Boot into Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment)
• Use DiskPart to prepare and partition the target disk
• Capture the source partition image with ImageX or DISM
• Apply the image to the new partition
• Configure the new partition (boot, assign drive letter, etc.)

Important Tips:

• Backup: Always backup important data before starting.
• Partition Size: To copy a partition to another disk. Ensure the target disk partition is large enough.
• Bootloader: You might need to repair or rebuild the bootloader.
• Compatibility: Use the correct image format and tools compatible with your Windows version.

Using GParted Live in combination with ntfsclone (which is a part of the GParted Live environment) can be an effective way to create a precise, compressed copy of an NTFS partition, especially if you're planning to clone or back up a partition before you copy a partition to another disk.

What is ntfsclone?

• It’s a utility designed to clone NTFS partitions or volumes efficiently.
• It copies only the used data, which makes it faster and results in smaller image files.
• It can also create a compressed image, saving space.

Using ntfsclone in GParted Live

• GParted Live includes ntfsclone, but it’s usually hidden or not directly accessible through the standard GParted GUI.
• To use ntfsclone, you need to run it from a terminal in GParted Live.

General Process of copying a partition to another disk:

1. Boot into GParted Live:

Prepare a bootable USB or CD with GParted Live.

Boot your PC from this media.

2. Open a Terminal:

Once GParted loads, open a terminal window.

3. Identify the NTFS Partition:

Use lsblk or fdisk -l to identify the partition you want to clone (e.g., /dev/sda1).

4. Use ntfsclone to Create a Backup Image:

Example command:

ntfsclone --save-image --output /path/to/backup.img /dev/sda1

To create a compressed image:

ntfsclone --save-image --output - /dev/sda1 | gzip > /path/to/backup.img.gz

Note: /path/to/backup.img should be on an external disk or network location with enough space.

5. Restoring the Partition:

To restore the image to another disk:

ntfsclone --restore-image --force --output /dev/sdX /path/to/backup.img

Or with gzip compression:

gzip -dc /path/to/backup.img.gz | ntfsclone --restore-image --force --output /dev/sdX

Macrium Reflect is a trusted and reliable disk imaging tool that allows you to copy an entire partition from one disk to another in Windows 10, ensuring no data loss by creating a precise, sector-by-sector replica, which is ideal for upgrading to a larger hard drive or SSD or for creating a complete backup of a specific drive section.

How to copy a partition to another disk without data loss

1. Get the free edition from Macrium's official site and install it.

2. Open Macrium Reflect. In the main window, check the box next to the partition you wish to copy on your source disk.

3. Click "Clone this disk..." just below the selected partition.

4. In the next window, under "Destination," select the target disk (the empty or larger disk) where you want the partition copied.

5. In the destination disk's layout diagram, drag the partition(s) you are cloning from the source panel at the top into the "Unallocated space" section below. You can extend the partition to fill the new disk here if desired.

6. Click "Next," review the operation summary, schedule it (or leave it for "Now"), and click "Finish." Finally, confirm by clicking "OK" to start the cloning process, which will run in a separate window.

Using Macrium partition disk tool to copy a partition to another disk is a straightforward, non-destructive process that perfectly transfers all data to a new disk. Crucially, the operation only affects the destination disk you select, leaving your original source disk and all its other data completely untouched and safe. After completing the clone, you may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI to start from the new disk.

To free copy a partition to another disk in Windows 10 without data loss, you'll need to use third-party disk cloning or imaging software, as Windows 10 doesn't have a built-in feature for this purpose. Here's a straightforward approach:

1. Choose a Reliable Cloning Tool:

• Popular free options or tools for safe disk cloning.

2. Prepare Your Hardware:

• Connect the new disk to your PC via a USB-to-SATA adapter, external enclosure, or directly inside your PC if possible.

3. Backup Important Data:

• Before proceeding, back up critical files to prevent any accidental data loss during the process.

4. Clone the Partition:

• To copy a partition to another disk. Open the chosen software and select the partition you want to copy. Then, select the target disk as the destination.
• Follow the software’s prompts to start the cloning process. This usually involves a few clicks and some confirmation steps.

5. Verify the Clone:

• Once complete, check that the cloned partition appears correctly on the new disk. You can use Disk Management to see the new partition.

6. Boot from the New Disk:

• If you want to make the new disk bootable (e.g., clone your OS), ensure the clone is an exact copy of your system drive, and then change your BIOS settings to boot from the new disk.