Clone a Windows 2016 Server HDD to a bootable SSD for replacement/backup

Steven_A113AR5 

Yes, Microsoft Server 2016 has a built-in tool called "Windows Server Backup" that can be used to clone the HDD to an SSD, including replicating the drive partitions. Here are the general steps to use this tool:

1. Connect the SSD to the machine and make sure it is recognized by the operating system.
   
   
2. Launch "Windows Server Backup" from the Administrative Tools menu.
   
   
3. Select "Local Backup" and then "Backup Once" to create a one-time backup job.
   
   
4. Choose the "Custom" option and then select the "Bare Metal Recovery" option to include all partitions in the backup.
   
   
5. Specify the destination for the backup, which could be a network location or an external hard drive.
   
   
6. Review the settings and start the backup job.
   
   

Once the backup is complete, you can swap out the HDD with the SSD and boot up the machine. If the machine does not boot up successfully, you may need to adjust the boot order in the BIOS settings.

As for saving a backup clone in case of the drive's failure, you can use the same "Windows Server Backup" tool to create periodic backups and store them in a safe location. You can also use a hardware fingerprint to ensure that the backup image can only be restored on the same machine. This can be done using tools like Windows Deployment Services or System Center Configuration Manager.

If you prefer a third-party cloning tool, there are many options available such as Acronis True Image, EaseUS Todo Backup, and Macrium Reflect. These tools offer more advanced features and can be more user-friendly than the built-in Windows tool.

Hope this helps!