Aomei Backupper Review: Easy Backups & Cloning For Windows for Free 2023 Updated

I am reviewing the Aomei Backupper Program, which is a popular choice for backup software on Windows. I also explain how to set up a scheduled backup onto a NAS device and how to clone a system drive to a new SSD installed in a laptop.
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[@jdramaqueen4369]

I can't believe that your classes are offered free!!. I learned so much from just watching your videos !!!! Thank you always, Mr. Berry. You are a wonderful teacher!! and funny too.

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you

[@edhansen876]

This looks like a pretty good backup system. I do use the backup program on Windows provided by Microsoft but this looks very intriguing and I will try it just to see how it works for me. Thanks for going through the process because that always helps when you're trying a new program. All of your videos are very professionally done and I enjoy them very much. Thanks. AAAA++++++

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you

[@Jslav-jj2xq]

Found pro version on e bay for $20, sent link and code in 4 hours, downloaded, cloned hdd to ssd, replaced hdd and works perfectly...so far

[@selmateacher7]

Awesome. Thank you

[@jdramaqueen4369]

Great info!!

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you

[@chrisking525]

Thank you soooo much! Very nice tutorial.

[@selmateacher7]

You're welcome. I always try to help. I hope you subscribe and enjoy my newest videos.

[@johngoard8272]

Now I have been using AOMEI for years nowas it is far less complicated than other softwares such as Macrium which frankly I have had no luck with at all. My only query is how do you back up the C: drive to an E: external drive as often I have backed up only to find it has backed up to the C: drive itself or the internal D: drive and what is better to do a disk backup or a system backup as I just want a backup source to restore the C: drive from??

[@selmateacher7]

I would recommend a system backup, as it gets system files that are not just on the C drive.

[@dk7863]

👍

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you

[@SuperLittleTyke]

I Installed the free version of AOMEI today and successfully created a backup. After the backup finished the program prompted me to create a Recovery Environment and I went through all the stages. But when I clicked the final Next, a window popped up inviting me to buy the Pro version. It seems the Recovery Environment isn't included in the free standard version. So instead I attempted to Create Bootable Media, choosing the Windows PE option and a DVD. This took a while, but eventually failed at 98% completed. The program had hung. I had to use Task Manager to end the process. Then I tried it again, to a CD this time. It hung at 99%. I reported both errors to the support people at AOMEI. Finally, I tried the .iso route and that succeeded. I subsequently burned the .iso to CD with ImgBurn. To be sure I have enough fail-safes I also created bootable media using the Linux option, but I didn't bother trying writing to CD/DVD, I just created another .iso. This was also successful. But I'll see whether I can still find the free version of Macrium Reflect 8 and compare it to AOMEI.

[@selmateacher7]

Oh wow. I am sorry to hear of the issues. As you may know, I am a teacher and not an AOMEI employee. I see the .iso was successful. In class , we have been using different back up options. We were not encountering those issues at 98 or 99% . I hope AOMEI gets back to you soon.

[@SuperLittleTyke]

@@selmateacher7 They did get back to me. They wrote: "There indeed is an error during burning WinPE to CD. We will fix it later." They go on to suggest the .iso route instead of creating bootable media direct to CD, which is exactly what I had done, anyway (creating an iso).

[@selmateacher7]

@@SuperLittleTyke I am glad they got back with you and the said that they will fix it. In the past, they were communicative and friendly in our interchanges and that was one reason why I made the video and use their software in my class.

[@patrickanders6776]

I tried this and could not proceed unless I paid for the service...Aomei is great but cannot clone any more for free

[@selmateacher7]

Ouch.. I am sorry to hear that, That is very frustrating , as we were using the free version to clone in class.

[@brooks2814]

Hello, I backup up some excel files and photos, but when I go to the completed backup, it is an afi file and I cannot open it in Windows Explorer. Can anyone advise how to open the destination file to view the excel files and photos? Thank you.

[@selmateacher7]

Yes, you can use Aomei app to open that file, Double-click the AFI file to open. If it doesn't open, launch program > Restore > select folder icon > Open > Next. Next, choose where you want to save contents > Start Restore.

[@MAGAMAN]

If you just want to move files somewhere else, just copy them to a different place. This is backup software, it creates a backup image. There is also a sync option, but I'm guessing that would confuse the hell out of you.

[@terencelo8751]

The disc clone is no longer available in the free standard version.

[@selmateacher7]

I am sorry to hear that. I hope they add it again soon. that is a great free feature that we used in class.

[@paulbettyweber1251]

Aomei is not what it was a few years ago. The last HHD replaced a few years ago with a Western Digital was very easy to clone to a new SSD however a new W.D. ssd was impssable to clone with the Aomei due to all their up-selling. I gave up then I down loaded and cloned new SSD with Mini Tool Partition/Shadow in only a few minutes.

[@selmateacher7]

Very true. Others have found it on sale online, if you need the pro features.

[@thedeegee1601]

The UI seems similar to Acronis, but you get to buy a lifetime license, which is much more appealing.

[@selmateacher7]

interesting. thank you for the info.

[@dingdongchingchong8659]

Agreed. The monthly subscription from Acronis made me walk away and looking around for other backup programs that are perpetual license available.

[@selmateacher7]

@@dingdongchingchong8659 You can cancel anytime after you create your clones. right?

[@dingdongchingchong8659]

​@@selmateacher7 I'm not sure. But I don't like the idea of paying monthly for a backup service I use seasonally. I guess I can cancel after I create the clone, but the inconvenience of it all. I decided to go for AOMEI since they do provide perpetual for Windows 11. There is a free version. I'll try that for now. But it looks promising.

[@thedeegee1601]

@@dingdongchingchong8659 Been using Aomei for a month now, and had to restore a backup already, works great running the bootdisc from a USB drive. Got it when it was on a sale as well.

[@elvisonstage]

Will you please tell me...will the AOMEI Backupper Professional work with copying flash drive video recordings to a DVD? This program was referred to me for this purpose. I feel that YOU will definitely know!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you for the question. Normally I just use the Windows explore and Windows built in app to do that. 1. insert the flash drive into the computer, and select, "Open folder to view files" 2. Transfer the video from the memory card onto the computer. To do this, find the video file you want to burn to DVD by double-clicking any video file in the memory card window to view the video in the computer's default media player. When you find the file you want, click on it, hold down the mouse button, drag the file icon to the desktop of the computer and release the mouse button to add it to the computer desktop. 3.Launch the windows DVD-burning application, such as Windows DVD Maker. Add the video file that you transferred to your computer to the burning application. To add the file, click the "Add Items" or "Add Video" button, find the video file in the window that comes up and double-click it. 4. Now insert a DVD-R into the computer's DVD drive. Click the "Burn" or "Write" button in the DVD-burning application to write the file that you transferred from the memory card to the DVD.

[@stevenziegler2523]

Thanks for the video, how would I create an image of my current ssd to save on an external hard drive to reinstall if my current drive failed. Which option would I select? Thanks

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you for the comment and question. That is the 'clone' option, and as seen in the video, the 'pro' version has more options for cloning smaller drives to newer, larger drives.

[@sagesaith6354]

Hello Mr. Berry (I hope I spelled that correctly) -- I have a few questions, if I may please ask. I have an HP laptop running Windows 7 that's beginning to show signs of wear. I want to make an image of the hard drive to port to a newer laptop. I already have all my documents backed up on other media and plan to remove them to make the image smaller and the process faster. What I want to do is port Windows 7 and the current version of MS Office to the newer laptop. Questions: Is this possible to do with Aomei Backupper? I'm willing to get the pro version if that is what is needed. Can it be done by creating the image on a USB flash drive or external drive connected via USB and then booting and loading the image to the newer laptop? How are differences between drivers resolved -- for example, will an image from an HHD work on an SSD? What about video drivers, other drivers? Any help or direction you may provide will be most appreciated!

[@selmateacher7]

It is possible , yes, but The Windows 7 for that older laptop has drivers and licences for that hardware setup. Your newer laptop will have it's own OS already. All you need is the Office program and your data, docs, etc. If you tried to take the OS from one laptop and just copy or port it over to the new one as you said, the system will give you an error , as it expects the old hardware. The new laptop will have it's own drivers already , so cloning is best used when using the same laptop, but upgrading the HDD. I recommend just bringing over your data, and apps.

[@sagesaith6354]

​@@selmateacher7 -- thanks selmateacher7 - hmmm .. I'm wanting to keep Win 7 as the OS -- I basically work 99.9% "offline" with this machine -- Word, Excel, Finale Notepad, and (don't laugh please) -- Windows Paint. I use Paint in conjunction with Finale's Maestro font to create muscial scores and snippets for teaching purposes (gives better control of formatting than the music software does) ... By "newer laptop will have it's own OS already" -- are you meaning the DOS layer? So how do I get my current Win7 to a different laptop -- can I get a close approximation and then patch in the needed drivers -- video/screen, mouse, keyboard, USB, etc. --assuming/hoping they'll work with Win 7?

[@selmateacher7]

@@sagesaith6354 I mean that the newer laptop will have a newer version of Windows. Yes, Windows 11 works perfectly, offline. Trying to install win7 on the new hardware is simply not going to work. Even if you took the old HDD and installed in the new laptop, it will not boot up, as the Win7 will be looking for the old hardware from the old laptop and it will give you a bluescreen. with an error. If you install win7 on the new laptop, you may have hardware incompatibilities and you may have big headaches. I recommend that you take Win11 and use it just like you did Win7 and you will will learn the new OS in a few hours . Really, they are really similar now. It is not Win 8.1. About your programs, you will need to install those on the new computer and transfer your data from the old machine. So, Win 11 does work well , offline and you can use the old 32 bit app without issue. I still use an older 32bit app from Win3.1 on my Win11 without any problems.

[@sagesaith6354]

@@selmateacher7 Thanks Berry -- I was under the impression that Windows 11 required an online login to a Microsoft account in order to use it -- which seems idiotic and the penultimate height of asininity, since one would be unable to use their computer at all if they did not have internet access -- totally unacceptable!.

[@selmateacher7]

@@sagesaith6354 The first time, yes. but I often have no internet and I do login in to my win11 pc without issue. Many of my students just create an account to get the win11 OS on a PC, but then use the local account to log into the computer without the net'.

[@ozrob8726]

In your opinion, how does this compare with utilities like Macrium Reflect and EaseUS Todo?

[@selmateacher7]

Very similar. I do like the other options seen in this tool for scheduling, but Macrium Reflect and EaseUS Todo also have good options. One plus for the app seen in the video was just how easy it was to make the back up. many of my students are senior citizens and they did find this app easier to use.

[@ozrob8726]

@@selmateacher7 Yes, it does appear to be easier, as you say. Thank you.

[@selmateacher7]

@@ozrob8726 Thank you.

[@vladislavjisa]

I have one question - you have used the same type MBR/GPT Drive type as you have installed during cloning of disk without changes?

[@selmateacher7]

This is correct. I use it as a back up.

[@tenkin5105]

I want to install a new SSD card (4TB) to my laptop so I wanted a "copy" of the data from the data that was on my previous SSD card (1TB). I used AOMEI to make a backup on an external hard drive. It is done. However, what should I do next? Once I remove the 1TB SSD card and replace it with the 4TB, how do I transfer the data from the backup to the new SSD card?

[@selmateacher7]

Oh I see, You can boot from the original disk, correct, then install and run AOMEI Backupper on the original disk, then restore backup to new SSD. If that is not an option in your configuration, then you can boot from the original disk, then install and run AOMEI Backupper on the original disk, and then create a WinPE bootable USB or CD. After that, you can connect the new SSD on your computer, and boot the computer from WinPE usb or cd that you created to do the restore. In the case where your are not replacing the drive that holds the OS, you can use the restore option in the program. Here is the link to create the WinPE bootable USB or CD: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/download-winpe--windows-pe?view=windows-11

[@tenkin5105]

@@selmateacher7 Thank you for your answer, but I feel like I may have expressed myself poorly. My laptop has 2 SSD card: 1. The default one (around 500 GB) 2. The extra one (1 TB) I copied the content of the extra one (1 TB) on an external USB hard drive. Can I just switch the 1 TB SSD card for the 4 TB card and then just transfer the backup's content (saved on the USB hard drive) on the 4 TB card?

[@andy957]

is this still a good solution in 2024?

[@selmateacher7]

I just made a new video on them. They are now offering their back up software for free.

[@moby1388]

System clone only copies the operating system ie: Microsoft Windows. Disk clone copies everything from the other drive. I always keep a cloned disk drive as a spare in case I have a major problem.

[@georgeforeman7121]

I just did a system clone yesterday and am running on that drive right now... It has everything, the OS and all my files.

[@selmateacher7]

Thank you for sharing.

[@kennethlau2034]

How come when I finish the disk clone. The boot menu did not recognize the drive at all? Please advise.

[@HopeNicholas-d8p]

Thiel Spring

[@hamidkhoshbakht8560]

I tried it, it is not free for cloning anymore

[@selmateacher7]

That is not good. We were using that free feature in class. I'll see if there is another app that does the clone.

[@ribbytrivia]

Wow! Didn't even change the sequence and script from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZS1nIGGqM6gn9U 🤣😂😅

[@selmateacher7]

LoL Actually that took alot of work to recreate a similar background. The software rep sent me the idea of the scripts to use and which features they want to show in the video. They did come out to be similar, huh.

[@ribbytrivia]

@@selmateacher7 Oh. That's why. The software rep probably sent the same script to that other guy 😅 I was also contacted by them. Creating the video now. Probably copy something from you guys as well 🤣

[@selmateacher7]

@@ribbytrivia LOL. Do you want me to send you the greenscreen background samples as well?

[@ribbytrivia]

@@selmateacher7 Thanks! That's too generous, but I'm good. I'll just wing it with my screen recording.

[@MAGAMAN]

Out of about 5 times using this (chinese?) software is has failed 3 times.

[@selmateacher7]

really? It worked when I tested it. I made a backup of my windows

[@MAGAMAN]

I have found Aomei is buggy software that is not reliable at all. Several of their updates have completely broken the software and I had to revert back to an older version and turn the updates off. If you backup your drive and try to only restore a partition it will likely fail and you will have to do a full restore of the entire disk.

[@selmateacher7]

oh wow. I have not looked at the updates. ouch.

[@SuperLittleTyke]

Yes, having tried the free version for the first time today, I was not overly impressed overall.

[@selmateacher7]

@@SuperLittleTyke It is sad that they changed it and removed the useful features.

[@oldmanjoe6808]

Aomei is glitchy trash before and after update. Totally unreliable.

[@selmateacher7]

Ouch. I am sorry to hear that. we were using it in my computer classes without any issues. I wonder if there may be some other issue going on?

[@zafarsyed7517]

Cloning portion of the video didn't show the process at all. A lot more stuff was skipped. Next time please do a better video.

[@selmateacher7]

I am sorry to see that. I did show the cloning steps. It is rather easy with a few clicks. I am a technology instructor and we follow those steps in class and so far the students have had no issues. But there are other cloning apps out there that may be better and cheaper, as they just changed their options on this free version. Thank you for the comment, I try my best to help.

[@azalty]

AOMEI is just so slow

[@selmateacher7]

The backup process may be slow but it is complete with regard to every detail, as I did check. Also, some storage and chipset architectures, with their front-side buses respond at different overall speeds, either lengthening or shortening the time to complete.

[@azalty]

@@selmateacher7 I can get it, but having to spend 8 hours on an incremential backup after I've already done the original one is just not good.

[@silvergeronimo1190]

bought a brand new ssd and this video didnt help me at all. i have no clue where to send my back up since he doesnt mention how to do it any other way but his own.

[@selmateacher7]

You will need to set up the SSD with the system first. What kind of interface does your SSD have? Connect it to the system and win10 should set it up. After that you will be able to back up the OS to it.

[@pinkwiener23]

Says you need pro to clone for me …

[@selmateacher7]

@@pinkwiener23 I wonder if that is a recent change, as I was able to clone with the free version before. I am sorry to hear that.

[@jasminkumarvanazara9083]

You did not show what do when when we get to upgrade to pro video. Even with basic standard version. With all due respect such a waste of time.

[@selmateacher7]

I am sorry to hear that. I try my best to be informative. When you go 'Pro" version, it adds the ability to change the size of the formatted partitioned drive.

[@jasminkumarvanazara9083]

@@selmateacher7 thanks

[@colemartines2638]

Have you found a cloner that is truly free iv been trying to clone all day after NY ssd install to find EVERY software in the past year is paid...

[@selmateacher7]

@@colemartines2638 Have you tried "EaseUS Partition Master Free ver" ?

[@colemartines2638]

@@selmateacher7 yes I needed premium for a full disk clone

[@anonyfamous42]

Aomei is a chinese company 😂

[@selmateacher7]

AOMEI Technology, the company behind this product, was founded in 2009 in China by an entrepreneur named Jack Mei but relocated its headquarters to the US later on. The company specializes in data management tools, and Backupper is its most popular product

[@Nick41622]

Aomei free does not work. Total garbage. I tried to create a bootable drive. Aomei said it was created successfully but the USB was virtually empty on 3 separate PCs.

[@selmateacher7]

I am so sorry to hear that. Did you contact their support? I am not associated with them, I am a technology instructor.

[@Nick41622]

@@selmateacher7 No. I just got rid of it.

[@selmateacher7]

@@Nick41622 I have used that app in my computer repair class a few years ago. It worked back then.

[@Nick41622]

​@@selmateacher7 This was just a week or 2 ago.

[@selmateacher7]

@@Nick41622 I see. Thank you for letting me know.

[@DearCult45cultist]

the AOMEI Backupper Program is a crock of you know what. I downloaded the program and installed it and followed the instructions exactly and all it would do when I clicked clone it goes to the AOMEI website and tells me that I have to buy the pro version even though in the free version it still has the clone feature. This is absolute bait and switch nonsense.

[@selmateacher7]

That is very sad to hear. We were using this app in class, before they changed it.