How to copy c drive to external hard drive on Windows 11/10?

Using Windows Raw Disk Access to copy C drive to external hard drive involves directly accessing the physical disk at a low level, bypassing the Windows filesystem. This method is typically used for creating exact, sector-by-sector copies of a disk, which can include all files, system data, hidden files, boot sectors, and even unallocated space.

In simple terms, raw disk access means working directly with the actual data stored on the disk without relying on Windows to interpret or manage the files. When you use raw disk access to copy your C: drive, you're making an exact clone of the entire drive's contents, bit by bit.

This approach is useful if you want a complete backup that can be restored to exactly replicate the original system, including hidden or system files that are normally protected or hidden from regular copying methods. It’s also helpful for migrating or backing up a system without worrying about file permissions or the state of the operating system.

Process of how to copy C drive to external Hard Drive:

    Boot from a live environment or a bootable rescue media.
    Use the software to clone or image the entire C: drive sector-by-sector.
    Save the image or clone to an external hard drive.
    Ensure the target drive has sufficient space and is properly formatted if restoring.