Sometimes you’re gonna wanna clone a system disk when it is in use.

Then, here comes a question: can you clone hard drive while Windows is running?

Of course, you could do it with ease with professional software.

Clone vs Image: What Are the Differences? Which One to Choose?

In this post,MiniToolwill guide you on how to clone HDD while it is running with MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Both clone and image are important.

Some users want to know the differences between them.

MiniTool ShadowMaker clone disk

This post introduces details about clone vs image.

Can You Clone Hard Drive While Windows Is Running & Why?

Then, a question comes: can you clone hard drive while Windows is running?

disk clone options

Of course, you could perform the cloning operation for the disk with a running system.

Why clone HDD while it is in use or Windows is running?

Besides, it’s possible for you to stop cloning immediately in case something unexpected happens.

It works properly in many operating systems including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7.

Forcloning HDD to SSD, this software can easily do that with its Clone Disk feature.

Furthermore, it has the ability toclone SSD to larger SSDandmove Windows to another drive.

Now then, how to clone HDD while running Windows 11/10?

Step 3: HitToolsin the left pane and clickClone Disk.

Step 4: MiniTool ShadowMaker enables you to set some options for the cloning.

Otherwise, two disks will suffer from thedisk signature collision, causing one disk to be offline.

So, dont change the disk ID mode.

Just do it and then the cloning process will start without restarting Windows.

Can You Use a Computer When Cloning a Hard Drive?

It is feasible to use your rig during the process of cloning a hard drive on Windows 11/10.

MiniTool ShadowMaker will continue cloning the disk.

Too many activities may slow down the cloning process and raise the risk of errors or issues.

Final Words

Is it possible to clone hard drive while Windows is running?

How to clone a hard drive while it is in use on a running system?