Clone SD card - how it works
You can back up individual files or folders on an SD card as normal using Windows Explorer, but you need special software for cloning. In this practical tip, we explain how to create an exact copy of your memory card.
How to clone an SD card
If you clone an SD card, you will get an exact copy of all files and folders on the disk. The easiest way to create such a duplicate is with the free software "Win32 Disk Imager". Of course, you also need an SD card reader and an additional, empty SD card.
- Install the freeware "Win32 Disk Imager" on your PC and start the program. If the error message "The requested operation requires higher rights" appears the first time, simply run the tool again.
- Then insert the SD card to be cloned into the card reader of your PC and wait until Windows has recognized the hardware.
- Select the drive letter of your card reader in the "Device" drop-down list at the top right of the program.
- Click on the folder icon to the left and enter the storage location and the file name of the image of the SD card.
- Use the "Read" button to start the process. Depending on the size of the SD card, this can take some time.
- After the process, remove the SD card and insert an empty SD card into the reader.
- Now make sure in "Win32 Disk Imager" that the previously created image file is selected or open it after clicking on the folder icon.
- In the "Device" drop-down list at the top right, select the drive letter of your card reader again.
- Finally, click the "Write" button and wait for the process to finish. The second SD card is then an exact copy of the first.
If you accidentally deleted important images, you may be able to restore them from the SD card with a little luck.