[Stepwise] How to Copy Partitions with Different Cluster Size

Overview of cluster size

Cluster size, also called allocation unit size, represents the smallest unit of disk space designated by the operating system for data storage. It is established by the file system in use during the formatting of the storage device (such as on a hard drive or SSD).

Now, is it possible to clone/copy partitions with different cluster sizes? There is no doubt that this is possible. But there's a potential for data loss if the cloning process isn't executed accurately. In this case, you will need the best disk cloning software to help you clone partitions of different cluster sizes and cause no data loss.

Rest assured that after the cloning operation is complete, the target partition will have its cluster size aligned with that of the source partition when formatted.

The best partition cloning software free download

Since there is no built-in cloning tool in Windows, if you need to clone partition to another partition, you should resort to third-party cloning wizards.

So, which cloning software is best to copy partition different sizes? Try AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition. It allows you to copy partitions or volumes in 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista for free. This tool can also help you solve how to clone hard drive with different sector sizes.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition provides two different partition cloning methods for different needs:

✍ Clone Partition Quickly: Copy all existing files of one partition to another partition or hard drive. In this method, the total space of the destination location should be large enough to accommodate all existing files on the original partition.
✍ Sector-by-Sector Clone: Copy all sectors of the source partition to the target partition, including bad sectors, used sectors, and blank sectors. It ensures that the target partition is the same as the source partition. Of course, this method requires that the target partition is larger than the partition being cloned.

How to copy partitions with different cluster sizes

Before starting the partition cloning process for partitions of different cluster sizes using the AOMEI Partition Assistant (PA) Standard, the following preparations must be made:

☛ Make sure to back up critical data on the target partition as the cloning operation will overwrite any existing content.

☛ Select unallocated space as the clone target. If there is no unallocated space available, consider deleting unused partitions or shrinking existing partitions to create the required unallocated space.

☛ If cloning to a different hard drive, make sure the drive is properly connected and detected by the computer.

Once you are ready, follow the five steps below to use PA Standard Edition to copy partitions with different cluster sizes:

Step 1. Install and open AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition. Right-click on the partition you want to clone and select Clone Partition.

Step 2. Select the appropriate cloning method in the window that appears, then click Next. Here we select Clone Partition Quickly.

Step 3. Select Unallocated Space as the destination and click Next to continue.

Step 4. If necessary, resize the partition or continue using the default settings. Click Finish.

Step 5. Return to the main interface click Apply and Proceed to perform the pending operations.

After the cloning process is completed, partitions with different cluster sizes will be cloned successfully.

Bonus tip: How to change cluster size

Resizing clusters on a hard disk partition plays a key role in optimizing the file system of Windows operating systems. If you do not specify a cluster size when formatting a partition, the default size will be determined based on the partition size. However, in some cases, the cluster size must be changed for better performance or storage efficiency.

Use Windows File Explorer to change cluster size by following these steps:

Step 1. Press the Windows + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click on the target partition that you want to resize the cluster and select Format.... Let's take G: as an example.

Step 3. In the formatting window, find the Allocation Unit Size (Cluster size).

Step 4. Select your preferred cluster size, for example, 64 KB.

Step 5. Select Quick Format and click Start to continue.

Step 6. After clicking Start, a format warning message may appear; click Yes to continue.

After a short duration, the formatting is complete and you have effectively changed the cluster size of the specified partition.

Apart from using File Explorer, you can also resort to AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard to format partitions and change the cluster size.

Summary

With the right cloning software, to copy partitions with different cluster sizes becomes a piece of cake. AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition becomes the recommended solution. This user-friendly and free tool not only facilitates partition copying but also ensures secure cloning of disk to SSD/HDD.

The Professional Edition expands its functionality, supporting advanced features such as converting disks to GPT/MBR without affecting data integrity, reallocating free space, and specifically migrating operating system partitions to SSD/HDD.

For users of Windows Server versions, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server Edition is designed to meet your specific needs