What is cloning software and how does it work?

Cloning software, like the Clone Disk utility in Acronis True Image, copies the entire contents of one drive to another, resulting in an identical disk, with the operating system and installed programs copied. It is typically used for one-time operations when migrating to a larger hard drive or a new machine. On the other hand, the backup and recovery method offers greater flexibility. You can learn how Acronis cloning software works here: https://kb.acronis.com/content/61665

What is the best disk cloning software capabilities?

The best disk cloning software should efficiently clone active disks, create full image backups, and support quick recovery across different hardware. Key features include multi-file system compatibility, cross-platform support, ransomware protection, and cloud integration. It should also allow partition cloning, disk migration, and scheduled backups. Software like Acronis True Image outstands in these areas, offering a reliable solution for cloning and data migration.

What is the difference between disk cloning and data migration?

In Acronis True Image, cloning copies the entire contents of one drive to another, resulting in an identical disk, with the operating system and installed programs copied. Migration implies the possibility of converting the partition layout of the target disk while cloning.

Can I clone my operating system and install applications to a larger hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD)?

Yes. To clone your drive, follow these procedures for Windows and for Mac . In any case, we strongly recommend to make a backup of your old hard disk before you clone it. It could be your data saver if something goes wrong with your original hard disk during cloning. For example, there were cases when users chose the wrong disk as the target and thus wiped their system disk. In addition, you can make more than one backup to create redundancy and increase security.

Can I migrate my system to a different hardware configuration using Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office)?

Yes, by using Acronis Universal Restore. It allows you to create a bootable system clone on different hardware. Use this utility when recovering your system disk to a computer with a dissimilar processor, different motherboard or a different mass storage device than in the system you originally backed up. This may be useful, for example, after replacing a failed motherboard or when deciding to migrate the system from one computer to another. Instructions on using Acronis Universal Restore with a cloned drive can be found here: https://kb.acronis.com/node/61665

Does Acronis cloning and migration software have size limits for the hard drives and systems to be cloned or migrated?

It is not necessary that the destination disk is of the same size as the source one, it can be bigger or smaller, but its overall size must be larger than the used space of the source disk plus 10%. For example, you have a 1000 GB hard drive in your Mac, only 200 GB is used. If you want to clone it, the destination drive size must be 200+10%=220 GB, or larger. If your destination drive is too small, try deleting some unnecessary data from the source drive or moving the data to an external drive, USB flash drive. You can also move the data to cloud storage.

The ultimate cloning software for Windows and Mac

Name: True Image
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (62 reviews)

100% Detection Rate and 0 False Alarms in independent tests

OPSWAT Anti-malware Platinum certification

Cloning software for fast and easy data migrations

Whether you're upgrading your hard drive, moving to a new computer, or creating a full disk clone for backup, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why millions of users rely on Acronis True Image — a powerful, user-friendly cloning software that makes system cloning and migration fast, seamless, and stress-free.

Upgrade a hard drive
- Migrate to a larger or a faster drive
- Disk migration from a faulty drive to a new one
- Move from an HDD to an SSD drive ― no extra work needed, except cloning and replacing the drive
Move to a new computer
- Full system migration with complete data and settings transfer
- Easy migration without reinstalling apps and adjusting settings
Make a backup
- Create a full image backup of your drive
- Never miss a single file with a complete drive backup
- Backup your system before updates, upgrades, or testing new software

The power of Acronis cloning software

Make your disk cloning and data migration tasks simpler with user-friendly, fast and reliable cloning software trusted by IT professionals and home users.

Easy-to-use disk cloning software: Cloning your hard drive has never been easier. Our intuitive cloning software allows you to create a replica of your drive without stopping and rebooting. Acronis True Image supports HDD, SSD and NVMe drives on Windows and macOS.
Restore Windows to any hardware: Acronis Universal Restore allows you to create a bootable system clone and recover to a new computer with a different processor, motherboard or drive than the original system.
All-in-one backup drive: With the Acronis Survival Kit tool, you can easily create a bootable system image and recover it on a new computer with a different processor, motherboard or drive than the original system

“It’s worth every penny if you absolutely positively want the best cloning and security. I use Acronis at work.”
User on Reddit

Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs

Don’t wait! This special offer ends January 14, 2026.

Essentials

Local backup and anti-ransomware protection

One-year subscription

$34.99per year

Flexible backups: full image to file level
Active disk cloning
Quick recovery / Universal restore
Ransomware protection

FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version
Phone, email and chat support
Available for Windows and macOS

Advanced

Local and cloud backup and security

Compare cloning software

When choosing cloning software, users often compare Acronis True Image against others to understand which tool offers the best combination of features. The table below highlights how Acronis stacks up against leading competitors in key areas such as cloning, support of different platforms, integrated security and overall user experience.

Feature	Acronis True Image	Macrium Reflect	Clonezilla	EaseUS Todo Backup
Cloning / disk imaging	Active disk cloning while the operating system is running, full image and drive cloning.	Full, incremental, differential imaging; clone to dissimilar hardware.	Sector/block-level cloning; works via live environment.	Cloning and imaging; backup and migration support.
OS support	Windows and macOS, and you can also back up your mobile device.	Windows	Windows, macOS and Linux	Windows, and some macOS support (depending on version).
Live / active cloning	Yes – you can clone while the system is active.	Yes – with bootable rescue options.	No – you must boot into live environment.	Limited – may need to reboot or use external media.
Ease of use / UI	Intuitive interface that is user-friendly and has multiple advanced options available.	Clean interface, good for advanced users.	It’s technical and text based. Also, you must do things manually.	Beginner-friendly, wizard-style setup.
Security features	Anti-ransomware, malware protection, vulnerability scans, and files will be analyzed to ensure backups won’t have viruses.	Encryption is supported, but it has limited built-in malware protection.	No security features; this product is only focused on cloning.	Encryption is supported, but it offers limited cyber protection.
Performance / speed	Fast cloning and backups, including incremental and differential, plus it supports SSD and HDD migration.	Strong performance, fast incremental or differential backups.	Efficient imaging but slower for full cloning tasks.	Decent speed but depends on the hardware used. When opting in for a paid version, it gets faster.

Case study
Renowned composer William Goldstein relies on Acronis True Image to protect his valuable music files
“The backups I make with Acronis True Image are part of my life. They make it possible for me to access my work and be able to get back to it.”
William Goldstein
Grammy-nominated composer, pianist and recording artist
Read case study
Case study
Acronis True Image has saved my career on numerous occasions
“I was hit by a ransomware attack and a gentleman told me on the phone that I should pay a certain amount of money to get my data back. But in the back of my head, I knew that I had the ace card as I had Acronis True Image.”
Eli Yablonovitch
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley
Read case study

Trustpilot reviews

Acronis solutions are trusted by thousands worldwide

Supported platforms

Microsoft Windows

Windows 11 (all editions)
Windows 10 (all editions)

Windows file systems

NTFS
Ext2/Ext3/Ext4
ReiserFS(3)
Linux SWAP
HFS+/HFSX
FAT16/32/exFAT

Apple macOS

macOS Tahoe 26
macOS Sequoia 15
macOS Sonoma 14
macOS Ventura 13
macOS Monterey 12

macOS file systems

APFS
HFS+
FAT32
NTFS (including Boot Camp)

Mobile operating systems

iOS 15 or later
Android 10 or later

Acronis Mobile: Easy, secure and portable

Never worry about losing your photos, videos, contacts or important files again. With the Acronis Mobile app, you can easily back up everything that matters on your phone and keep it safe in the cloud. Access your files anytime, anywhere from the Acronis Cloud, whether you're switching devices or just want peace of mind. It’s fast and always ready to protect your digital life.

How to back up your mobile device via Wi-Fi to a PC or Mac

Looking for help?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cloning software and how does it work?
Cloning software, like the Clone Disk utility in Acronis True Image, copies the entire contents of one drive to another, resulting in an identical disk, with the operating system and installed programs copied. It is typically used for one-time operations when migrating to a larger hard drive or a new machine. On the other hand, the backup and recovery method offers greater flexibility. You can learn how Acronis cloning software works here: https://kb.acronis.com/content/61665
What is the best disk cloning software capabilities?
The best disk cloning software should efficiently clone active disks, create full image backups, and support quick recovery across different hardware. Key features include multi-file system compatibility, cross-platform support, ransomware protection, and cloud integration. It should also allow partition cloning, disk migration, and scheduled backups. Software like Acronis True Image outstands in these areas, offering a reliable solution for cloning and data migration.
What is the difference between disk cloning and data migration?
Can I clone my operating system and install applications to a larger hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD)?
Yes. To clone your drive, follow these procedures for Windows and for Mac. In any case, we strongly recommend to make a backup of your old hard disk before you clone it. It could be your data saver if something goes wrong with your original hard disk during cloning. For example, there were cases when users chose the wrong disk as the target and thus wiped their system disk. In addition, you can make more than one backup to create redundancy and increase security.
Can I migrate my system to a different hardware configuration using Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office)?
Yes, by using Acronis Universal Restore. It allows you to create a bootable system clone on different hardware. Use this utility when recovering your system disk to a computer with a dissimilar processor, different motherboard or a different mass storage device than in the system you originally backed up. This may be useful, for example, after replacing a failed motherboard or when deciding to migrate the system from one computer to another.
Instructions on using Acronis Universal Restore with a cloned drive can be found here: https://kb.acronis.com/node/61665
Does Acronis cloning and migration software have size limits for the hard drives and systems to be cloned or migrated?
It is not necessary that the destination disk is of the same size as the source one, it can be bigger or smaller, but its overall size must be larger than the used space of the source disk plus 10%. For example, you have a 1000 GB hard drive in your Mac, only 200 GB is used. If you want to clone it, the destination drive size must be 200+10%=220 GB, or larger. If your destination drive is too small, try deleting some unnecessary data from the source drive or moving the data to an external drive, USB flash drive. You can also move the data to cloud storage.

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