How to clone Windows Server 2019?

Windows Server 2019 is a powerful operating system designed to meet the needs of businesses with its robust features. Cloning your Windows Server device is crucial for safeguarding valuable data and ensuring business continuity.

There are several ways to clone Windows Server 2019. Normally, users would back up the computer directly with the Windows Server Backup tool and restore the backup data when needed. However, cloning provides a more convenient solution when setting up multiple servers or making backups, as it allows you to create an exact replica of the server, saving time and effort that would otherwise be spent on manual setup.

This article will provide detailed steps on the cloning process and introduce a tool designed for this task – Todo Backup.

Clone Windows Server 2019 with Todo Backup Tool

With its user-friendly interface and safety measures, the Todo Backup tool lets you choose the specific data to clone. It also allows you to schedule the cloning task to run on your preferred date. Follow these steps to clone your Windows Server 2019.

Clone immediately
1. First, click on the Clone option on the left-hand side.

2. From the `Source:` menu, select what you want to clone. You can choose to clone the system, a specific partition, or a whole disk. For this guide, we'll be selecting `System Clone.

3. After selecting the data to clone, set the save location in the To: menu. Drop down this menu and choose the path where you want to store the data. Once you've done that, a Settings option will appear. Choose this depending on your cloning needs.

The Clone sectors option clones all sectors, including empty ones, ensuring an exact image of the source disk/partition on the target disk/partition. If the destination disk is an SSD, the Optimize for SSD option ensures sector alignment during the process.

When ready, click on Proceed to start the cloning process. Please note, however, that this will erase all data on the target disk/partition. Make sure to consider this before clicking on Continue.

Scheduled Clone
If you want to clone automatically at a specific time or on a regular basis, select Scheduled Clone.

First, select the data to be cloned and the destination for storage. Next, customize the plan's name in the Plan Name and Description field, and add a description to ensure clarity.

Once you have done that, configure your clone's settings to your preference. Click Schedule: Off to begin the process.

Click New to set a specific date for the clone process. You can schedule the clone to run once, daily, or weekly. After making your selection, click the Add button.

Additionally, the Advanced Settings option can help ensure a successful cloning process.

When finished, click Save to return to the home page. If no further changes are needed, click Create Task. The clone job will start at the specified time. Please note that all data on the target partition or disk will be permanently deleted when the cloning begins. As such, the target disk will always contain the latest cloned data.

Using Windows Server Backup to Copy Windows Server 2019

Windows Server includes a feature called "Windows Server Backup" that's designed to streamline the backup process. Here's how to back up your Windows Server to an external drive:

1. Launch the Backup Wizard
First, access the console and locate the Local Backup node on the left side. Then, in the Actions pane, click Backup Schedule.... After that, proceed by clicking Next.

**2. Choose the backup type** In the Backup Configuration Wizard, choose the type of backup you want to perform. Windows Server 2012 R2 offers two options: **Full Server** backup and **Custom** backup, which lets you select specific volumes and files to back up. After you choose a backup configuration, click **Next** to continue.

(This image displays the interface of AOMEI Todo Backup software, guiding how to clone Windows Server 2019.)

3. Specify Backup Time
During this process, you will be prompted to set the backup time. You can adjust the frequency according to your needs, whether it's a single backup per day or multiple backups throughout the day. After selecting your preferred option, click Next to proceed.

4. Select the backup destination
Choose a location to save your backup, then click Next.

Once you have completed these steps and reviewed the details, click Backup Now to perform the backup.

Conclusion:

Cloning Windows Server 2019 offers a quick and efficient way to set up multiple servers or create backups. Compared to Windows Server Backup, the tool provides a more straightforward and convenient cloning process. By properly configuring the cloning procedure and selecting the appropriate cloning method, Todo Backup ensures a smooth and successful cloning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cloning Windows Server 2019

**1. Will cloning a hard drive make it bootable?** Yes, cloning a hard drive will make it bootable. Cloning a hard drive involves creating an exact replica of the original drive, including the operating system, applications, and settings.

**2. How long does it take to clone Windows?** This depends on the amount of data to be transferred, the running speed of the cloning software, read and write speeds, your computer system, and hard drive factors. Hence, the waiting time usually ranges between 10 minutes to an hour. If your cloning speed is 100 MB/s, cloning a 100 GB hard drive would approximately take 17 minutes.

3. Is cloning a hard drive faster than copying files individually?
Generally, cloning a hard drive is faster than copying files one by one. This is because cloning creates an exact replica of the entire disk, including the file system and all data, whereas copying files involves reading and transmitting each file separately. Cloning enables more efficient data transfer since it can transmit multiple files simultaneously, resulting in a faster overall speed. However, the speed of cloning or copying also depends on factors such as the size of the hard drive, the speed of the storage devices, and available system resources.

**4. Can you use your computer while cloning the hard drive?** Yes, you can use your computer while cloning the hard drive, but excessive activity might slow down the process and increase the risk of errors. To save time and ensure a smooth cloning operation, it's recommended to use a reliable disk cloning tool like Todo Backup and engage in low-impact activities during the cloning process.