This post will explain disk imaging software. Disk imaging is mostly used for backup purposes. Additionally, it works well as a stopgap measure while decommissioning a disc. The original disc can be discarded right away, giving the owner time to later browse the contents in search of relevant and significant files. Additionally, forensic investigators employ disc imaging to quickly restore a suspect’s access to a device while making a complete copy of it for inspection offsite.
Here is our selection of the top disc imaging programmes:
1. NinjaOne Backup – EDITOR’S CHOICE
A cloud platform backup solution for MSPs or IT departments providing OS imaging or complete disc copying as well as other backup techniques is NinjaOne Backup, which earned the EDITOR’S CHOICE award. Locally or online, make a backup. With a 14-day free trial, get started.
2. ManageEngine OS Deployer – EDITOR’S CHOICE
An on-premises package that offers OS imaging and deployment services for PC operating systems, device drivers, and settings is called ManageEngine OS Deployer (EDITOR’S CHOICE). This system instals on Windows and Windows Server and comes in free and paid versions with three editions. start your free 30-day trial.
3. Acronis Cyber Protect – FREE TRIAL
Free Trial of Acronis Cyber Protect Acronis Cyber Protect combines disc imaging and file backup tools. It incorporates anti-malware and is accessible for a variety of OS systems.
4. Acronis Disk Director
A business disc imaging solution from Acronis that features low-level disc editing for the recovery of lost or damaged contents. Acronis Disk Director – FREE TRIAL
5. Clonezilla
Clonezilla This free disc imaging system is intended for individual PCs or whole networks and is available for desktop and server operating systems.
6. EaseUS Todo Backup
EaseUS Todo Backup offers three Business Edition options with a choice of disc imaging or file backup. It can be set up on Windows.
7. AOMEI Backupper
A number of packages for disc imaging and backup/restore services, including a Free edition, are offered by AOMEI Backupper. Windows and Windows Server support its installation.
8. Macrium Reflect
A variety of backup and disc imaging plans for Windows, Windows Server, and the Azure cloud are available from Macrium Reflect.
9. SmartDeploy
A unified approach for managing software assets called SmartDeploy offers disc imaging and installation for an infinite number of endpoints. It is powered by Windows Server.
10. Paragon Drive Copy Professional
This backup solution, which is a component of Paragon Hard Disk Manager, is accessible in both Windows and Linux environments. Paragon Drive Copy Professional
11. Iperius Drive Image Backup
Iperius Drive Image Backup On-device software with the option of cloud disc that may be managed from a central console.
12. FOG
FOG is a free, open-source software programme that can take a disc image of Windows, Unix, macOS, and Linux devices via a network and install it on a Linux machine.
It’s possible to use a disc imaging system as a virtual drive. These are often read-only, which is a strong security feature since it ensures that crucial data cannot be destroyed, misplaced, or changed by users who have access to it.
Disk imaging has become less common in business as cloud services have taken over the backup providing market. Disk imaging can now be utilised to distribute software packages that were formerly sold on a physical DVD, but manufacturers are less likely to include a DVD drive in their hardware these days. A disc image is helpful since it functions similarly to containerization and can house the primary application software and an entire bundle of services in a safe environment.
A common setup with all the required software can be recorded on a disc image and transferred to each new device over the network, making disc imaging handy for enterprises that need to onboard a large number of comparable devices. Automating this procedure would free up technician time.
A disc imaging system to select
Although many cloud storage providers employ the same virtual drive idea as many disc imaging solutions, these services are typically excluded from lists of disc imaging services even though they share the same virtual drive technology. This is due to the fact that each file is stored individually rather than as an entire drive compressed into one file, even though they can grant access to stored files through a mounted disc operation.
Systems for installing software called disc imaging are available. Thankfully, the majority of these software applications are compact and run rapidly. Although they must be operated on a host, they are not only effective on the machines where they are installed. The user can copy from one area to another using the normal interface for these systems. This might be done across a network or even the internet.
What qualities should disc imaging tools have?
The following criteria were used to study the disc imaging system market and evaluate the available options:
- Disk imaging software that is integrated into a backup service
- The capability to create a snapshot of the entire disc, including just the meta data,
- Image archiving on cloud servers is a feature.
- Options to selectively copy a disk’s segments
- Disk imaging service that can run over a network
- A chance for a cost-free evaluation
- A valuable instrument that is either free to use or cost-effective to purchase
We have found some helpful disc imaging services by keeping these selection criteria in mind, and we made care to pick systems that can run either Windows or Linux.
12 Best Disk Imaging Software In 2022
In this article, you can know about disk imaging software here are the details below;
Disk imaging software has numerous benefits, including the fact that it isn’t thought of as cutting-edge technology, there are many suppliers on the market, and the packages are typically quite reasonable.
Many disc imaging programmes charge businesses for use while making the software available to private users without charge. Even paid-for packages are frequently available for free during a trial period. Therefore, disc imaging software is affordable. The systems leader will always have a quick way to copy a disc at the drop of a hat if one of these tools is available.
Disk imaging programmes are widely accessible. These have been about for a very long time and are generally quite stable and virus-resistant. A list of several excellent and dependable disc imaging tools was compiled after a market analysis.
The sections that follow include more information on each of these choices.
1. Test NinjaOne Backup for FREE
A cloud platform’s NinjaOne Backup module is intended to help managed service providers (MSPs). NinjaOne offers a multi-tenant architecture in all of its products, which separates client data and makes the Backup unit available as an independent product as well as a companion to NinjaOne RMM. The programme is also appropriate for internal backups by IT departments. This is another disk imaging software.
You have the choice of backing up to local storage or to a cloud platform using NinjaOne. There is a backup plan for remote workers, and it is possible to add many sites to one account. Through a self-service site, customers can request data recovery in this situation. Also check medical billing software
NinjaOne can be used by administrators to capture and store an OS image. The tool can also be used for replication and onboarding because the picture can be applied to other PCs. Optional automated playbooks that will launch to recover data in the event of a disaster are also provided by the NinjaOne Backup service.
PROS:
- Created with managed service providers in mind.
- Possibilities for OS onboarding and imaging
- Backups at the file or application level
- Image or block-level disc storing
- Remote users can retrieve data on-demand using self-service.
CONS:
No price list
Our top selection for disc imaging software is NinjaOne Backup, a cloud-based service that can back up the discs of endpoints at various locations as well as the devices used by remote workers. Disk images might be OS-only images or full reproductions of the entire disc. They can be used as a backup or to make new device setup more uniform. In the case that the original computer is destroyed or damaged, the disc image can be reapplied to it or utilised to migrate to a new device. The backup solution contains image cloud storage and is multi-tenant architecturally designed. The NinjaOne Backup solution is the best choice for managed service providers because to these features.
2. ManageEngine OS Deployer
A management system is provided by ManageEngine OS Deployer for setting up, storing, distributing, and reinstalling desktop operating systems. Along with storing and installing all required hardware drivers, it also permits the standardisation of computer settings.
There are three editions of the OS Deployer available:
Free – A complete OS Deployer implementation that only controls four workstations and one server. Professional – A service that is available to an unlimited number of endpoints that are all connected to the same LAN. Enterprise: A system that can manage and roll out OS across several sites.
Linux and macOS devices are not supported by ManageEngine OS Deployer; it only supports Windows versions. The Free edition of this on-premises software offers all the features available in the Professional version, which is a terrific bonus. It does, however, have a cap on how many endpoints it will support.
The system’s ability to query the hardware and services on each device and only install and activate the drivers it needs is an intriguing capability. Therefore, it is not required to tailor an exact image for the complete environment to accommodate every possible hardware configuration for each sort of machine that you may have on hand.
Key Elements
- Imaging both online and offline
- deployment of multicast and unicast
- Independent Hardware Deployment
- Computer-Specific Preferences
- SID management
In conclusion, ManageEngine OS Deployer gives you the ability to apply saved OS images to all new devices, allowing you to standardise and automate the configuration of your fleet. Only drivers appropriate for the OS version of the device being set up are applied by the deployer’s intelligent processors. Even better, this bundle comes in three editions, one of which is free. Both the paid versions come with a free trial.
PROS:
- Provides simple imaging and deployment options without compromising technological customizations.
- Flexible pricing is a fantastic choice for both large and small organisations.
- Supports the deployment of remote offices, which is perfect for multi-site enterprises
- Images can be deployed regardless of hardware
CONS:
- Because the tool is intended for system administrators, non-technical users may need to spend some time acclimating to the platform.
3. Acronis Cyber Protect
Choosing a disc imaging provider might be challenging because the majority of tools are either Windows or Linux compatible. One of the few disc imaging programmes that supports both is Acronis Cyber Project. It can also run on iOS or Android-powered mobile devices. This is another disk imaging software.
Acronis Cyber Project is a standout product that is well ahead of the competition thanks to its capabilities and added features. Because it is designed for personal usage, the only reason this disc imaging service didn’t land at the top of the list. There is no networked version and it may only be installed on one device at a time. The technician would have to go to each system and manually execute the service in order to retrieve an image or install it, as it must be installed on each compatible PC. That simply isn’t doable in the commercial world of today.
PROS:
- Setting up a backup schedule doesn’t take long.
- Excellent choice for established enterprises as well as residential users
- Has an iOS and Android app that supports mobile devices.
- Has user-friendly features without losing complex ones.
- A fantastic cross-platform solution that is available for Windows and Mac.
CONS:
- It may take some time to properly understand and use advanced features.
4. Acronis Disk Director
Businesses are the target market for this Acronis Disk Director backup software. It runs on Windows and can be used to generate virtual discs. Almost every known operating system can be backed up using the tool.
You can access disc material down to memory block level using the tool’s disc editing capability, which enables you to reconstruct broken pointers on storage segments and restore lost data. Bare metal instals are made possible by the ability to create images of the complete volume or disc, up to and including the operating system.
PROS:
- Designed for larger businesses and enterprises
- Provides cloud hosting in data centres throughout the world, which is beneficial for BDR
- The ability to conduct bear metal recoveries remotely through the WAN is a fantastic capability for faraway installations.
- Combines an easy-to-use interface with the technical resources required by system administrators for both proactive backups and urgent restores.
- Easily accessible on both Windows and Linux
CONS:
- Intended only for network specialists; not for home users
5. Clonezilla
Clonezilla is a free tool that is useful to have on hand for imaging emergency disc backups. The programme can be used on various operating systems because it can be launched from a USB stick.
Three versions of Clonezilla exist:
A portable version of Clonezilla Live that can only be used on one device at a time. To enable use on a device without an operating system, the application generates a bootable sector on the USB. Clonezilla Lite Server – This model may write to numerous devices simultaneously across a network. A central disc image server called Clonezilla SE can support more endpoints than Clonezilla Lite Server can. Also check home design software for macintosh
It isn’t perfect, Clonezilla. The system is unable to perform incremental backups or access specific files within an image. The entire volume or disc will be copied, stored, then written out. The user interface is somewhat awkward. However, many systems administrators choose to include Clonezilla into their own automation routines using the command-line tool.
- One feature of Clonezilla is its minimal weight and compatibility with Linux, Unix, macOS, and Windows.
- Key Elements
- Lightweight
- Accessible on Linux, Unix, and macOS in addition to Windows
- Free and simple to use
- Even if your policy does not mandate routine disc cloning, it is still a good idea to keep this tool on hand for emergency disc copying.
PROS:
- Transparent open-source software
- Has the ability to restore data to bare metal servers.
- The Server version is a respectable choice for larger networks because it can simultaneously clone up to 40 machines.
CONS:
- Following deployment configuration, install on USB or CD.
- The interface is basic and not user-friendly for new users.
6. EaseUS Todo Backup
Disk cloning and incremental backup are EaseUS’s two operating modes. While the cloning service copies disc segments off the hardware, the backup service replicates files by using the operating system. There is a comparable restore system for each service.
EaseUS is particularly alluring because it may be downloaded for free. However, this service is not designed to function for big organisations and is instead targeted towards home consumers. A version that is paid for offers additional features. The disc imaging function is only offered in the Home edition, which is referred to as such. The Free edition simply offers file backups. The Business edition has a scheduler for automated backups and can run over a network.
PROS:
- Free tool with premium features
- Backs ups can be done incrementally or differentially.
- Accepts many recovery mediums (RAID, USB, and NAS)
CONS:
- Only compatible with Windows
- User interface can occasionally be challenging.
- Might not be the ideal choice for replication at the enterprise level
The Business edition of EaseUS Todo Backup may remotely backup data on various operating systems, and all versions of the software run on Windows. Disk cloning features are also included in the Business edition. You can receive a free trial of any of the three plans for the Business edition.
7. AOMEI Backupper
Seven variants of AEOMI Backupper are offered. RMM services are installed on the Windows and Windows Server operating systems and are one of those plans.
The Free edition of AOMEI Backupper is the most popular variation. This is a wonderful choice for home users, but commercial use is prohibited. Strangely, businesses aren’t permitted to use AB Professional either. The AB Workstation plan and these two editions are installed on Windows, not Windows Server. The AB Technician, AB Technician Plus, and AB Server plans were all created for Windows Server. This is another disk imaging software.
There is no lid on the digit of devices Backupper can access under the AB Technician and AB Technician Plus plans, which are charged per technician. Due to the point that these two can operate through a network while the other depends on a protected device, they are also more likely to appeal to midsize and large businesses.
All choices offer disc cloning, file backup and restore management, and encryption-based backup system protection, with the exception of the free version.
A multi-site solution with multi-tenant characteristics that will interest Managed Service Providers is the AOMEI Centralized Backer (MSPs). This plan would benefit both MSPs and central IT departments of major businesses because it provides the ability to serve an infinite number of endpoints on an unlimited number of sites.
PROS:
- Supports versions for businesses and homes
- Provides perpetual licencing
- Offers incremental restorations and continuous backups, which is excellent for recovering deleted files.
CONS:
- Only compatible with Windows
On all of its paid plans, AOMEI provides a 90-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
8. Macrium Reflect
Disk imaging, backup, and recovery are offered by Macrium Reflect. The Free edition of this utility serves as its foundation. These free tools may be used by businesses. It must be installed permanently on the machine that it is imaging. However, if you need to secure a lot of endpoints, you could merely download plenty of free copies.
The software can backup a live operating system onto a USB stick that has a boot sector and instals on Windows. This enables technicians to install all permitted software on a PC, capture an image of the PC, and then utilise that copy as the default configuration for all new PCs.
For larger companies with a increased number of endpoints to monitor, there is a Server edition that runs on Windows Server as well as networked solutions. One network is covered by Site Manager, while remote management capabilities are included in Macrium Multi-Site.
Cloud service Macrium Multi-Site is housed in Azure. Additionally, this offers multi-tenant characteristics that make it appropriate for MSP use.
PROS:
- Has the ability to quickly compress machine data into image files for simple access or reinstallation.
- Supports living imaging, enabling backups to be made while working
- Hyper-ability V’s to backup virtual disc discs
CONS:
- Enterprise prices are somewhat higher than those for comparable tools.
- Created for power users; not recommended for those just learning backup software
Trial versions of every Macrium Reflect product are offered for 30 days.
9. SmartDeploy
A centralised console is provided by SmartDeploy for managing endpoints by businesses. An endpoint is added to the service by the systems administrator, who then instals an agent programme on the endpoint. From there, you can take a disc image or transfer a saved image to a different system. Images may be kept locally or on a cloud server.
Because the service offers a library of apps that may be installed on network devices, it goes a little beyond a disc imaging system. By maintaining a record of that package rather than a disc image, it is feasible to construct a standard setup and then distribute it to all devices, making it easy for new devices to be swiftly configured.
There are three editions of the system: Basic, Essential, and Premium. Only the Premium package includes cloud storage integration. The higher two plans provide control of disc imaging operations across the network and the internet from a single central location, and all plans contain disc imaging. No plan has a cap on the number of endpoints that can be controlled. This is another disk imaging software.
PROS:
- Combines disc imaging, asset management, and backup
- Accepts countless endpoints
- Has the ability to manage drivers, distribute apps, and coordinate Windows upgrades.
CONS:
- Is a “Jack of all trades,” making it unsuitable for individuals who only need disc imaging.
A 15-day free trial of SmartDeploy is offered.
10. Paragon Drive Copy professional
Paragon Hard Disk Manager includes Paragon Drive Copy Professional. Within the context of its disc cloning capabilities, this utility offers partition resizing and backup to a USB stick. With its Recovery Media Builder, the toolkit also offers a bootable disc or stick for accessing corrupted operating systems and retrieving files. Also check P2P Lending Software
By inserting the USB stick into another computer, the tool’s USB stick version makes an exact replica of all the files on a PC that may be used from any location. The solution allows for the network-based generation of secure virtual discs. This is another disk imaging software.
PROS:
- Virtual environment backup and recovery are supported by the server version.
- Creates a recovery environment for potential media recovery via a straightforward wizard.
- User-friendly interface
- Has drive encryption to safeguard backups
CONS:
- More expensive and aimed toward business use
- No cloud backup choices
Both home users and corporations can utilise Hard Disk Manager. Both Linux and Windows platforms can install the software. A 30-day trial of Paragon Hard Disk Manager is offered.
11. Iperius Backup
There are eight editions of Iperius Backup available. Virtualizations, databases, Exchange Server, and tape drives are the four that specialise in backing up particular types of services. The other four editions all come with disc imaging. Free is the cheapest of those eight plans. This does not have a disc imaging tool, however it does feature an automated incremental backup service.
The Desktop, Essential, and Full editions of Iperius Backup all come with disc imaging. These systems are all Windows or Windows Server installations. The backup software must be established on each protected endpoint in order to manage these plans, but a single console may manage them all.
It is possible to send disc images to cloud storage platforms, and Iperius also provides a private online storage service. The Iperius Recovery Environment, another tool offered in the Iperius Backup service, can access corrupted operating systems and put broken files back together. Compression and encryption of disc images are features of all plans. It is possible to automate and control the image capture and loading across a network.
PROS:
- Enables connectivity with cloud services like Amazon S3, Google Drive, and OneDrive
- Automatically uses AES-256 bit encryption to encrypt backups.
- Supports popular database formats including PostgreSQL and MySQL, making it a popular option for DBAs.
CONS:
- Limited to Windows operating systems only
- The numerous nested tabs on the interface might occasionally be perplexing.
- Not the best choice for home backups; designed for technical users
Iperius Backup’s paid versions are all available for 21-day free trials.
12. Fog Software Group
A free and open-source project is FOG. The disc imaging system’s software may access servers and endpoints running Windows, Unix, and macOS in addition to Linux devices to carry out backup and installation tasks. This is another disk imaging software.
Antivirus protection, a volume resizer, and secure disc cleaning are further capabilities of the FOG system. Through multicasting, an image can be gathered across a network and then distributed to numerous other machines. It is possible to establish a standard endpoint setup and automatically apply it whenever a new device is brought in because the image can include the operating system.
PROS:
Is an open-source undertaking.
- Supports imaging of Windows, Mac, and Linux environments but instals on Linux
- Has a community with more than 30,000 members.
CONS:
- No alternatives for compensated assistance
- Less user-friendly than tools from rival companies
- Because the initiative is funded by advertisements, the platform occasionally feels spammy.
FAQs on disc imaging
What is the purpose of disc image software?
There are various purposes for disc imaging software. It can be used to store a default configuration for adding additional devices, and law enforcement frequently replicates suspects’ computers for forensic analysis. A disc image captures the whole state of a machine, including all data and software.
How can using a disc image lessen the issues associated with a complete software reinstallation?
Create a disc image after setting up a machine with every piece of software you want that user role to have. A typical profile for user devices can then be created by repeatedly applying that image. Then, you can ensure that every machine is configured the same way and implement onboarding devices using automated procedures.
How is a disc image software opened?
You require interpretation software in order to open a disc image and browse through it. “Mounting” refers to the process of making a disc image accessible.