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

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.