Clone An SD Card On A PC

An SD card is a small device with large storage for data transfer. We can easily transfer any large data from one source to other devices using an SD card, a highly portable device. The process is simple, select the file of need and press copy and paste it into the computer. Many people prefer cloning the SD instead of copy-pasting. A clone is the copy of the hardware or software you cloned or remade. Cloning an SD card on a PC will replicate the specific application onto the PC with its functions intact.

And, if you are wondering how to clone an SD card on a PC, this article is for you.

How to clone an SD card on a PC?

Cloning an SD card will require third-party applications. The process is faster and will be over quickly. Before starting the process, you need to make some preparations:

Back up all your previous data to avoid losing data. Cloning modifies data on your computer where you can lose important files and storage.

Cloning would require the same storage space as that of the source. It’s not a major worry as your computer has high inbuilt storage.

You would require an SD card reader if it’s not inbuilt or you are using a Micro SD card.

Ensure that you are connected to the internet and have a constant power supply to avoid interruptions during SD card cloning.

After you have ensured all those mentioned above, let’s begin cloning;

Connect your SD card to your computer. An SD card reader is advisable if your PC does not have an inbuilt reader.

Open the cloning app and look for the Disk Clone option.

You can clone all the data on your SD, or you can clone only a selected part. Choose whatever is your requirement.

Select the source, i.e., the SD card, and select the destination that would be your computer.

Adjust all the other details as per the requirements.

Press on start/okay as displayed on your app to begin the cloning process.

The process mentioned above is a general method to be followed for cloning an SD on the PC. You can use various applications for cloning.

Some of the applications that we would like to suggest are the Win32DiskImager app and Clonezilla. Do not download the applications from suspicious websites. Refer to their original websites and download the application from there.

The website also provides steps for cloning that you can refer to. It will also guide you with different options and settings in cloning.

Let’s see an example here; we are using the Win32DiskImager application. We would also recommend this application; you can easily find it online.

Insert SD card on your computer using a memory card reader.

Go to the Win32DiskImager website and download the application from the link on the website. Read any instructions if provided.

Open the file after downloading and installing. It will open with a page for inputs on the cloning process. Please fill it out properly to begin cloning.

The first requirement is to add the image path, i.e., in .img form, of the required file from the SD card you need to clone.

Under the device option, select  SD card as the source of your data cloning.

You will notice that the ‘Read’ option will be available. Press it to save the image details that you have added.

Press okay after all your data is read and copied by the application.

Now go back to the device option and choose ‘My Computer’ for pasting the data onto your computer.

The ‘Write’ option will be available now. Press it to copy the image details on your device.

Press okay after the data from the SD card is copied and end the process.

You can also use other websites and applications for the same task. Most of the free applications clone the complete SD card. If you want only parts of it to be cloned, you would have to pay for the websites providing such services. Some websites may offer it for free, so you would have to look it up.

Why should you do cloning?

You may be wondering why clone the SD card when you can copy and paste the data. Cloning has many benefits over copy-pasting that would make you rethink copy-pasting:

As mentioned before, the storage capacity of the source and the target device should be similar due to that cloning an SD card increases its storage capacity. Cloning upgrades the SD card by expanding its storage space.

A full backup is performed while cloning an SD card. It’s beneficial as not only is your data being copied but backed up and saved for future uses.

You have a chance to lose your data if left on an SD card. Cloning ensures that the data is backed up at a different location and can be accessed whenever required.

Copying and pasting is a long process. Cloning may require a third-party app, but it is faster and more effective than copy-paste.

You may have encountered a loss of data if the copy-paste process is interrupted. That is not the case with cloning the data. Even if cloning is interrupted, your data won’t be lost. Despite that, you should ensure no interruptions while cloning the data.

When should you do cloning?

What are the different scenarios where you would require to clone your data? Below we will list some of the situations where cloning would be necessary.

Backup

If you need to create an instant backup for your data stored on an SD card, then cloning that data would be automatically backed up.

File transfer

For instant transfer of files, cloning is advisable. It is a faster way of file transfer with an assurance that it won’t be deleted even if interrupted.

Create bootable drive

You can transfer software through the cloning process. The software transfer would help create a new bootable drive to start a device. A new bootable drive would power up new applications and devices.

Upgrade SD card

Cloning an SD card to a PC or other devices would upgrade and expand the storage capacity of the SD card. The storage of SD cards increases as data is cloned to a PC.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, you will get the hang of cloning through the steps we mentioned before. Cloning is the best method to save, store and transfer files from one device to another. You can transfer files from one SD card to another or other devices like computers, laptops, etc. You can use websites like Win32DiskImager, EaseUs, Macrium reflect, and Clonezilla. We have concluded that cloning is easier and faster than copy-paste.

Therefore, if you are looking for a better way of storing and transferring your files, you should try cloning. You need not worry about your storage running out or needing new storage. You can move your old files and increase the storage of your SD card through cloning.

With the new process you learned, try experimenting with sharing files and backing up your data. Explore new websites and applications that provide cloning services. For further information, keep visiting us.

FAQs

Can I clone the SD card to a PC using my phone?

Ans. You can use the phone as the SD card reader while cloning the data. Mobile phones can be used as USB devices containing SD cards and to transfer files. Whenever your phone runs out of storage, you can plug it into your computer and clone the files to your PC storage.

How is cloning different from copy-paste?

Ans. Cloning is like developing new data based on previously existing data, while copying is like making a replica of the provided data. The size of the data is restored by cloning, whereas copying reduces the size of data. Cloning is taste, then copy-paste.

How does cloning help the data?

Ans. Cloning helps with data restoration and protection. Your data could be lost if there is damage to the SD card. Cloning it on the computer will back up all your data, and it will be stored for future uses.

How to backup a Micro-SD card to a computer?

Ans. The process is similar to that of backing up an SD card to a computer by cloning. Micro-SD card is the miniature form of the SD card. You need an SD card reader to connect the Micro-SD card with the computer.

Are there other methods for cloning?

Ans. For cloning data on Mac and Linux systems, there is a different procedure. These systems have inbuilt cloning options, unlike windows. You can clone an SD card using a Duplicator. Even a virtual Hard disk can be used for cloning.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.

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