Best program to clone Windows onto new HDD?

[Koshigaya]

RMA'd an HDD that is failing. I want to clone windows onto the new one so I don't have to go through the painful process of installing W10 but there's a lot of different programs to do this with. Anybody have any recommendations based on experience?

[Lotus]

Reflect.

 

But you shouldn't use it. Just take this time for a fresh install.

[GodSpoon]

CloneZilla is always a good option 

[Koshigaya]

Reflect.

 

But you shouldn't use it. Just take this time for a fresh install.

Any reason why? Is cloning hard on the drive?

[Lotus]

Unless you are absolutely perfect with regards to how clean you keep your OS and never even go on the internet, and the simple fact that it's an HDD, a fresh install will help with boot times and get rid of unwanted stuff that you don't even realize you have.

[Captain_WD]

~snip~

 

Hey there Koshigaya,

 

I would also recommend doing a fresh install. Cloning transfer everything including errors and possible damage on the software from the failing HDD. As @Lotus pointed out, a fresh install would also clean your computer from things you don't really need or don't even realize they are there.

If you still want to clone your drive Acronis usually have a free version for the major manufacturers. For WD drives that would be Acronis True Image WD Edition: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=DtMF0U

 

Post back if you have any questions!

 

Captain_WD.