How to Backup an External Hard Drive to Another External Hard Drive in Windows 10

Introduction

If your external hard drive is failing, running out of space, or experiencing decreased performance, you might choose to purchase a new external hard drive with greater storage capacity and improved performance. When upgrading, you'd naturally want to preserve the data from your old drive on the new one. But how do you back up an external hard drive to another external hard drive in Windows 10? Is it time-consuming and complicated? In simple terms, the answer is that it's straightforward and easy.

Continue reading to learn how to easily back up an external hard drive to another external hard drive on Windows 10.

See also:

How Can I Backup Everything from One External Hard Drive to Another?

All hard disks have a finite lifespan; eventually, they may start to fail or experience performance issues due to normal wear and tear. If you have an older hard disk and wish to back up all your files onto another drive to prevent data loss, you can do so quite easily. However, before backing up your files, it's crucial to ensure that the new external hard drive is formatted with Microsoft's latest "New Technology File System" (NTFS) file system. You can learn more about NTFS in this NTFS file system guide.

If your hard drive uses the FAT32 format, convert it to NTFS. FAT32 allows storage of files under 4GB in size, but anything larger will not be supported. FAT32 is an older file system developed by Microsoft. NTFS, on the other hand, is Microsoft's next-generation file system, offering better disk space management and faster read and write speeds for hard drives utilizing the NTFS format.

Here are the steps to guide you on changing the file system to NTFS if it's currently running on FAT32:

Step 1. Press "Win+R" and type diskmgmt.msc, then press the "Ok" button to open "Disk Management."

Step 2. Right-click on the new drive and then click on "Format."

Step 3. Name the volume label, and then under the "File system" dropdown, select "NTFS".

Step 4. Click "OK" to change the drive to the "NTFS" format.

Once the file system has been upgraded to NTFS, your external drive will be capable of accommodating large files. Additionally, it will experience improved write and read speeds.

So, how to back up an external hard drive to another external hard drive in Windows 10? We've narrowed it down to the 3 best methods to save you time and ensure all your files are backed up from one external hard drive to another.

How to Backup an External Hard Drive to Another External Hard Drive in Windows 10 Backing up an external hard drive to another external hard drive is essential for preserving your data in case of any unexpected issues. In Windows 10, you can use built-in backup tools or third-party software to create a clone or a complete copy of your external drive. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it using Windows' built-in tools: 1. **Connect both external hard drives:** Connect the source external hard drive (the one you want to back up) and the destination external hard drive (where the backup will be stored) to your Windows 10 computer using USB cables. 2. **Create a backup using File History:** File History is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that allows you to back up your files and folders. To use it, follow these steps: - Press `Win + I` to open Settings. - Click on `Update & Security` > `Backup` on the left panel. - Under "More options," click on `Add a drive`. - Select the destination external hard drive from the list. - Turn on File History by clicking the `More options` link and then `Turn on`. - You can now configure the backup settings as needed, such as the frequency of backups and which folders to include. - Once configured, click `Backup now` to start the backup process. 3. **Clone the drive using Disk Management:** If you want a complete copy of the drive, including the operating system and boot information, you can clone the drive using Windows' built-in Disk Management tool: - Press `Win + X` and choose `Disk Management`. - Locate the source external hard drive (usually labeled as Drive E, F, G, etc.) and right-click on it. - Select `Copy disk` or `Clone disk`. If this option is not available, you might need a third-party cloning software like Clonezilla or Macrium Reflect. - Follow the on-screen instructions to select the destination external hard drive and initiate the cloning process. 4. **Wait for the backup or cloning process to finish:** This may take some time depending on the size of your data and the speed of your external hard drives. Make sure not to disconnect either drive during the process. 5. **Verify the backup or cloned drive:** After the process is complete, check the destination drive to ensure that all files and folders are present and intact. Remember that backing up your data regularly is crucial, so set up automatic backups or schedule cloning processes to keep your data safe and secure.

If you're wondering how to back up an external hard drive to another external hard drive in Windows 10, we've got three fantastic solutions to help you transfer all your files to your new drive.

• Method 1. Backup an External Hard Drive to Another with Todo Backup Tools
• Method 2. Backup an External Hard Drive to Another by Copying Data
• Method 3. Backup an External Hard Drive to Another using Windows Easy Transfer

Method 1: Backing Up an External Hard Drive to Another External Hard Drive using Todo Backup Step 1: Download and Install Todo Backup First, download the Todo Backup software from a reliable source. Install it on your computer by following the on-screen instructions. Step 2: Connect Both External Hard Drives Connect the external hard drive you want to back up (source) and the destination external hard drive to your computer using USB cables. Ensure both drives are properly connected and recognized by your system. Step 3: Launch Todo Backup Open the installed Todo Backup software. The main interface should appear, providing various backup options. Step 4: Choose Backup Type Click on "Disk Backup" or "External Disk Backup" depending on the available options. This will initiate the process of backing up the entire external hard drive. Step 5: Select Source and Destination In the next window, choose the source disk, which is your external hard drive that needs to be backed up. From the drop-down menu, select the drive letter corresponding to the source drive. Then, specify the destination for the backup. Click on "Add" or "Browse" to locate and select the destination external hard drive. Step 6: Configure Backup Settings Here, you can customize your backup settings. You may choose to compress the backup file, encrypt it for added security, or schedule regular backups. Adjust these settings as per your preferences. Step 7: Start the Backup Process Once you've configured the settings, click on "Start" or "Backup Now" to begin the backup process. Todo Backup will create an image of your source hard drive and save it to the destination drive. Step 8: Monitor Progress and Completion During the backup process, Todo Backup will display the progress. Wait until the backup is complete. Once finished, safely eject both external hard drives and store them in separate locations for secure storage. Remember to update your backup regularly to keep it current with any changes or additions to your data on the original external hard drive.

If you're someone who frequently backs up your data or values your information and wishes to prevent loss, the free backup software - Todo Backup is the ideal program for safeguarding your data. Todo Backup is also among the acclaimed free backup software for Windows 11, offering more than just data backup. This tool enables you to create a bootable rescue media, store files in the cloud, shield your files from ransomware, back up an external hard drive to another external hard drive in Windows 10 or earlier, set up scheduled backups, and many other features. Download it and follow the steps below to back up an external hard drive to another one.

Step 1. Begin by selecting the backup content.

Step 2. There are four backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on Disk.

Step 3. You can choose to back up the entire disk or a specific partition. Select what you need and click OK.

Step 4. Choose the location where you want to save the backup.

Step 5. For disk/partition backup, you can opt to save the backup to a local drive or to a NAS.

Step 6. Once the backup process is finished, your task will be listed on the left. Right-click on any task to manage your backup, such as recovering it or creating an incremental backup, and so on.

Method 2: Back Up an External Hard Drive to Another External Hard Drive by Copying Data Step 1: Connect both external hard drives to your computer Connect the source external hard drive (the one you want to back up) and the destination external hard drive (where the backup will be stored) to your computer using USB cables. Step 2: Open File Explorer Click on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or press the Windows + E keys to open it. Step 3: Navigate to the source hard drive In File Explorer, locate and double-click on the source external hard drive to open its contents. Step 4: Select the files and folders to back up Press and hold the Ctrl key while clicking on individual files and folders you wish to back up, or press and hold the Shift key to select a range of files and folders. Alternatively, you can simply click on the top file, then scroll down and press Shift + Click on the last file to select all files and folders within that drive. Step 5: Copy the selected items Right-click on the selected files and folders, then choose "Copy" from the context menu. Step 6: Paste into the destination hard drive Navigate to the destination external hard drive in File Explorer. Right-click within the window and choose "Paste" to start copying the files. Step 7: Wait for the copy process to complete The copying process may take some time, depending on the size of the data being transferred. Make sure not to disconnect either hard drive during this process. Step 8: Verify the backup Once the copying is finished, check the destination hard drive to ensure that all files and folders have been successfully copied over. This step is important to confirm the integrity of the backup. Step 9: Safely eject the hard drives After verifying the backup, right-click on each external hard drive in the taskbar notification area and choose "Eject" before physically disconnecting them from your computer. Your external hard drive has now been backed up to another external hard drive using the data copying method. This method is suitable for smaller backups or when you need to choose specific files to back up. For larger backups, consider using a dedicated backup software for more efficient and automated processes.

The simplest method to create a backup of your files is by copying and pasting them from your old drive to the new one. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively: 1. Connect both the old and new drives to your computer, ensuring they are properly plugged in and recognized by your system. 2. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to view the contents of your drives. 3. Navigate to the location on your old drive where your files are stored. This could be a specific folder or the entire drive. 4. Select the files and folders you wish to back up. You can use the "Ctrl + A" shortcut (Windows) or "Command + A" (Mac) to select all files if you want to copy everything. 5. Right-click on the selected files or folders and choose "Copy" from the context menu, or use the "Ctrl + C" shortcut (Windows) or "Command + C" (Mac). 6. Navigate to the root directory or the desired folder on your new drive where you want to store the backup. 7. Right-click within the empty space of the new drive and choose "Paste" from the context menu, or use the "Ctrl + V" shortcut (Windows) or "Command + V" (Mac) to paste the copied files. 8. Wait for the copying process to finish. Depending on the size of your files, this may take some time. 9. Once the transfer is complete, verify the integrity of the files by opening a few of them to ensure they are not corrupted or incomplete. 10. If you're satisfied with the backup, you can consider erasing the old drive or using it for other purposes. Remember, it's always a good idea to maintain multiple backups in different locations to protect against data loss. You might also consider using cloud-based backup services for an additional layer of security.

Step 1. Connect both the old and the new drive to the computer.

Step 2. Open both the external hard drive windows and keep them side by side.

Step 3. Select the files you want to copy/move from your old drive, and press "Ctrl+C" to copy or "Ctrl+X" to cut.

Step 4. Click on the new external drive window where you want to paste your files, and press "Ctrl+V" to paste them.

Depending on the size of the files and the physical write and read speeds of both hard disks, this process might take some time to fully copy or move your files from the older external hard drive to the new one.

Method 3: Back up an External Hard Drive to Another External Hard Drive using Windows Easy Transfer

If your computer is running Windows 8 or an earlier version, you can utilize Windows Easy Transfer to back up your files and settings from one computer to another, and likewise, you can transfer the same files from one external hard drive to another. Windows Easy Transfer simplifies the process of moving all your data from an older drive to a newer one.

It transfers the following data:

• Windows settings
• User Accounts
• Desktop
• Taskbar options
• Emails
• Documents
• Pictures

Here's how you can back up an external hard drive to another external hard drive using Windows Easy Transfer: 1. Connect both external hard drives to your Windows computer: Ensure that you have two external hard drives - the source drive (the one you want to back up) and the destination drive (where the backup will be stored). Connect them to your computer using USB cables. 2. Launch Windows Easy Transfer: This utility was available in Windows Vista, 7, and 8 but is not included in Windows 10. However, you can still use it by downloading the Windows Easy Transfer Companion from Microsoft's official website if you're using Windows 10. 3. Install Windows Easy Transfer Companion (if necessary): If you downloaded the tool, follow the installation instructions provided. 4. Open Windows Easy Transfer: Once installed, locate the program in your Start menu or search for "Windows Easy Transfer" and click on it. 5. Choose "This is my old computer": In the wizard, select the option indicating that you're using your old computer, as you're transferring data from one external hard drive to another. 6. Select the connection method: Choose "Use a cable to connect directly to this computer" since both hard drives are already connected to your PC. 7. Connect the drives: The wizard should detect both drives. Make sure to identify which is the source and which is the destination drive. 8. Select what to transfer: Choose "Select files and settings manually" to pick specific items to back up or select "Transfer all files and settings" for a complete backup. 9. Review and start the transfer: Preview the items that will be transferred and click "Next." Read through the final confirmation screen, then click "Start Transfer" to initiate the backup process. 10. Wait for the transfer to complete: The time taken will depend on the size of the data being transferred. Do not disconnect either hard drive during the process. 11. Verify the backup: After the transfer is finished, disconnect both drives safely and reconnect the destination drive to ensure the backup was successful. Please note that Windows Easy Transfer might not be the best choice for backing up external hard drives in Windows 10, as it's not officially supported. Consider using alternative backup software like Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect, or built-in tools like File History (for internal drives) for more reliable and modern backup methods.

Step 1. Connect both external hard drives to the PC.

Step 2. Click on the "Start" menu and then open "Control Panel".

Step 3. Select "System and Security", followed by "Backup and Restore".

Step 4. On the bottom-left window pane, click on "Windows Easy Transfer".

Click on the "Windows Easy Transfer" option to open it.

Step 5. When the Windows Easy Transfer window opens, click on "Next".

Step 6. Ensure that your new external hard drive is connected, and then choose "An external hard disk or USB flash drive."

Step 7. Now select "This is my old computer."

Step 8. Now, wait while your PC scans for files and provides an estimate of their size.

Step 9. Click "Next," enter your Windows password, and then click "Save."

Step 10. Save the file onto the new external hard drive.

After you back up your files to the new drive, you can use Windows Easy Transfer again to restore the data.

Here's how to accomplish that:

Step 1. Open Windows Easy Transfer.

Step 2. Click on "Next", and then select "An external hard disk or USB flash drive".

Step 3. Next, choose "This is my new computer" and then click on "Yes."

Step 4. Go to the hard drive where you saved the file and select "Open."

Step 5. The data will now be restored.

Final Verdict can be translated into English as "Ultimate Decision" or "Final Judgment."

Todo Backup is an all-in-one solution for backup and disk cloning in Windows 11. Rather than relying on manual copying or using outdated options like Windows Easy Transfer (for newer Windows versions), users can utilize a specialized backup tool like Todo Backup to perform tasks such as backing up an SD card, disk backup, hard drive backup, or even creating a rescue media disk.

Using the Todo Backup tool, you can set up automatic backups of your entire hard drive, specific folders, or individual files according to a schedule. Restoring backups is also made straightforward. You have the option to encrypt your backups for added security and save them to the cloud, your hard disk, or an external drive.

The Todo Backup program offers numerous tools in its free version and also provides a free trial period during which you can utilize all its premium features for a limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Back Up an External Hard Drive to Another External Hard Drive in Windows 10

1. Can you clone a hard drive to an external hard drive? Yes, it is possible to clone a hard drive to an external hard drive. This process involves creating an exact replica of the internal hard drive on an external hard drive. There are various software tools available that facilitate this process, such as Clonezilla, Acronis True Image, or built-in features in operating systems like macOS's Disk Utility or Windows' built-in Backup and Restore. The cloned drive can be used for backup purposes, upgrading to a larger capacity, or transferring data between different computers.

Yes, you can clone a hard drive to an external hard drive by creating a system image of your computer. Here's a simplified explanation: 1. **Backup Software or Tools**: First, you'll need backup software, such as Windows' built-in "Create a system image" feature, Mac's Time Machine, or third-party tools like Clonezilla, Acronis True Image, or tools Todo Backup. 2. **Connect the External Hard Drive**: Connect the external hard drive to your computer using a USB cable or other appropriate connection method. 3. **Create a System Image**: In Windows, follow these steps: - Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) or Settings > Update & Security > Backup (Windows 10/11). - Click on "Create a system image" and follow the prompts to select the external hard drive as the destination for the image. - Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of your hard drive. On a Mac, with Time Machine: - Connect the external hard drive and open Time Machine preferences. - Follow the prompts to set up the external drive for backups. - Once configured, initiate a backup, and Time Machine will clone your internal hard drive. 4. **Restore if Needed**: If necessary, you can use the system image to restore your computer to its exact state when the image was created, including all files, settings, and applications. Remember that cloning a hard drive duplicates all data, so ensure the external drive has enough capacity to hold the entire contents of your internal hard drive. Also, always verify the integrity of the cloned drive after the process is finished.

2. How do I back up my Dell computer to a flash drive?

Step 1. Click on the "Windows" button, and open "Control Panel".

Step 2. Select "System & Security", and then choose "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Step 3. Click on "Create a system image" in the left window pane.

Step 4. Now, select your external hard drive and click "Next," then choose "Start backup" to commence backing up your Dell computer to the flash drive.

3. How do I transfer files from my old Dell computer to my new Dell computer? To transfer files from your old Dell computer to your new Dell computer, you can follow these general steps: 1. Backup your old computer: Ensure that you have all important files backed up on an external hard drive or USB drive. You can also use cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. 2. Connect the devices: Connect the external hard drive or USB drive to your old Dell computer and copy the files you want to transfer. Once done, disconnect it safely and connect it to your new Dell computer. 3. Transfer files manually: Navigate to the location where you saved the files on the external drive and copy them onto your new computer's desired folder. 4. Use migration software (optional): Dell offers a tool called "Dell PC Migrate" which helps in transferring files and settings automatically. You can download it from the Dell Support website. Follow the software's instructions to initiate the transfer process. 5. Network transfer (if both computers are on): If both computers are on and connected to the same network, you can use built-in Windows tools like "File Transfer" or third-party software to transfer files wirelessly. 6. Check file integrity: After the transfer is complete, verify that all files have transferred correctly by opening and reviewing them on your new Dell computer. Remember that the specific steps might vary depending on the versions of Windows installed on your computers and the tools you choose to use.

You can transfer files from your old Dell computer to your new Dell computer by following the three methods outlined above.