Restore System Image Windows 10 to Another or New Computer

Updated on Jun 18, 2024 | by Oaklynn

Quick Navigation:

Why Restore System Image to Another Computer?
Can I Restore Windows 10 Backup to Another Computer?
How to Create and Restore Windows 10 Backup to Another Different Computer
Part 1: Create System Image Windows 10 for Another Computer
Part 2: Create boot repair USB to boot another computer
Part 3: Restore System Image to Another Computer
Part 4: Make Disk on Another Computer Bootable
Wrapping Things Up

Why Restore System Image to Another Computer?

In most cases, users restore Windows 10 system image to a new hard drive and install it on the same computer. However, there may be instances where you need to restore the system image to a different computer, which can be a bit more complex.

Below are common scenarios in this situation:

You can restore your Windows image backup to another computer, but you'll need to ensure the hardware is compatible and the backup is compatible with the new computer. You can use the Windows Backup and Restore tool or a third-party software like Acronis or EaseUS to create a bootable media and restore the image.
You get a new computer and want to replace the old computer with the new one.

But how do you do it with a secure boot?

Can I Restore Windows 10 Backup to Another Computer?

Since you backed up Windows 10 to an external hard drive, the backup image can't be directly used on another computer due to the likelihood of hardware differences and specific drivers needed. This means you'll need to reinstall Windows 10 on the new computer and restore the backup image, but you might encounter issues with driver compatibility.

If a Windows 10 backup image is created using the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) utility, it cannot be backed up or restored to a different computer, and may result in an "Inaccessible Boot Device" error.

Restoring a system image to a new computer, even with different hardware, can be a bit tricky. Some users are unsure whether to use a system image or a backup, and there's controversy among them. However, there are some suggestions that can help.

✘ Reinstall Windows 10: Reinstalling Windows 10 requires a Windows 10 recovery drive or installation disc to boot the computer, and it will remove installed programs and personal data, leaving a fresh version of Windows, making it a drastic measure.

✔ Use reliable software that supports creating system image Windows 10 for another computer and dissimilar hardware restore: The system partition contains the operating system, system drivers, programs, data, etc. so you don't need to worry about any loss.

The second way is the easiest and safest method, allowing you to avoid the hassle of system and program installations, as well as data migration. This approach is straightforward and saves time and effort. For more information, please see below.

How to Create and Restore Windows 10 Backup to Another Different Computer

To successfully restore the system to another computer, try using Qiling Disk Master Professional, a top-rated backup software for Windows. This tool allows you to create a system image of Windows 10, which can then be restored on another computer with a secure boot.

The System Backup feature in Windows 10 allows you to create a system image that can be used on another computer, and it can be set to run automatically at scheduled intervals, with old backups automatically deleted to maintain available disk space.
Universal Restore is the core feature that allows a system image to be successfully restored to another or new computer, automatically installing all necessary drivers for the new system to boot.
Create Bootable Media: This tool allows you to create a bootable media, which can be used to boot a computer if it's not booting or it's a bare computer.

To restore a Windows Server backup to a different computer, download and install Qiling Disk Master Professional on your computer. Then, use Qiling Disk Master Server to restore the backup.

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Part 1: Create System Image Windows 10 for Another Computer

Step 1. Launch Qiling Disk Master, and click on System Backup in the Backup column.

Step 2. Qiling Disk Master selects the system partitions as the source by default, allowing for easy selection of the external drive as the destination path to save the Windows 10 system image.

★Tip: Besides, you can also backup Windows 10 OS to NAS or share network, CD/DVD, USB flash drive, etc.

Step 3. To create a system image for Windows 10, press the "Proceed" button. This will initiate the process of creating a system image, which is a complete backup of your Windows 10 installation, including all installed programs and settings.

Part 2: Create boot repair USB to boot another computer

Step 1. Switch to the Tools tab and click Create Bootable Media.

Step 2. Select a bootable media option, such as a USB device, and click "Proceed" to create a Windows 10 boot repair USB.

Notes:

The created bootable disc is universal, working with any operating system (Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista) and boot mode (Legacy BIOS and UEFI).
If your new computer is bootable and you don't have any extra device, you can download Qiling Disk Master and create a Windows 10 recovery environment on it.
To boot multiple computers at the same time, you can use a PXE boot tool, which is supported by the Workstation edition.

Part 3: Restore System Image to Another Computer

Before restoring a system image, ensure you are aware of three crucial things:

The target computer must have the same boot mode as the source computer, either Legacy BIOS or UEFI, to ensure a successful transfer. If they differ, adjust the target computer's boot mode to match the source computer's.
To ensure a smooth transition, make sure the disk on the other computer is of the same type as the one you're currently using. If you're using Legacy BIOS, use an MBR disk, and if you're using UEFI, use a GPT disk. This ensures compatibility and prevents any potential issues during the transfer process.
Check if the capacity of the new disk is larger than or equal to the size of the backup image.

To restore a Windows 10 system image to another computer, follow these steps: First, ensure that the system image is compatible with the target computer's hardware. Then, boot the target computer from the installation media, such as a USB drive or CD/DVD. Next, select the language and other preferences, and click Next.

Step 1. To boot your new computer, insert the previously created boot disk, restart the computer to the BIOS, navigate to the "Boot" tab, move the boot disk to the first option, save the changes, and then reboot to load Qiling Disk Master.

Step 2. Connect an external disk containing the system image, then click Restore > Select Image File to choose the Windows 10 system image file.

Step 3. Choose the "Restore this system backup" option and select "Restore system to other location". Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 4. Select the new hard drive to receive the system image and click Next.

Step 5. The Universal Restore option is checked by default when restoring a system image to a computer with different hardware. If not, it should be checked to install the necessary system drivers. After that, click Proceed to restore the Windows 10 backup to another computer.

Tips:

If you need to install a system in bulk or configure multiple computers to be exactly the same, you can use the Qiling Image Deploy tool to deploy a system image to different computers simultaneously. This feature is available on the Technician or TechPlus edition of Qiling Disk Master.
The techplus edition still allows creating a portable version of the software, enabling it to run from a flash drive, making it usable on any computer without reinstalling. This feature is particularly cost-effective for server users.

Part 4: Make Disk on Another Computer Bootable

Step 1. Restart your computer to BIOS and set the new disk as the first boot devoce.

Step 2. To resolve the issue, go to the BIOS Mode under the Boot tab and check if it matches the source computer's boot mode. If not, switch to Legacy BIOS or UEFI.

Step 3. Save changes and exit to boot from the new disk.

Wrapping Things Up

Microsoft does not offer software to restore a system image to another computer, so users can opt for third-party software that allows creating and restoring system images across different computers.

Qiling Disk Master Professional meets your needs and offers features like schedule backup, backup scheme, recovery environment, PXE boot tool, and Qiling Image Deploy, among others. For more features, check the edition comparison page.