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For ordinary files, connect both external drives to the same computer, then copy the files from the source drive and paste them onto the destination. That keeps the originals in place. If you need to reproduce partitions or disk structure, you need a disk image or cloning workflow instead; a normal File Explorer or Finder copy is not a full-disk clone.
Choose between copying files and cloning a disk
The right method depends on what you want the destination drive to contain:
| What you need | Approach | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Selected documents, photos, or folders, while keeping the source unchanged | Copy and paste in File Explorer or Finder | Does not reproduce the disk’s partition or boot structure. Western Digital; Microsoft |
| Move files and remove the original copies | Use a move operation | The files may no longer remain on the source. On macOS, Western Digital notes that drag and drop or cut and paste moves files; copy and paste preserves them. Western Digital |
| A device-level image for later restoration | Use a disk-imaging utility | The image may include free space; Apple Disk Utility also has APFS and failing-disk limitations. Apple |
| Duplicate partitions or replace a disk | Use a cloning workflow intended for your platform and use case | Target partitions may be erased, and Seagate warns its Windows-disk clone to external USB may not boot. Seagate |
Before copying, connect both drives and check space
- Connect the source and destination drives to the same computer. If you cannot connect both at once, you may need a suitable cable, adapter, or hub.
- Confirm that both drives appear in File Explorer on Windows or mount in Finder on macOS.
- Check that the destination has enough available space for the files you plan to copy. On macOS, select the drive in Finder and choose Get Info to check its available space.
- Use copy rather than move if you want to keep the original files on the source drive.
Copy files in Windows
- Connect both drives and open File Explorer. Confirm that the source and destination drives appear.
- Open the source drive. Select the files and folders you want to transfer. If the files are stored in other locations on the computer, repeat the copy for those locations.
- Copy the selection, open the destination drive, and paste it into the intended folder. You can use separate File Explorer windows for the source and destination. Wait for the transfer to finish before disconnecting either drive. Western Digital’s transfer guidance
- Open the destination and check that the copied files are present. When finished, use Windows’ Eject option before unplugging the destination drive. Microsoft’s backup guidance
Copy files in macOS
- Connect both drives and make sure they appear in Finder. Select the destination drive and choose Get Info to check available space.
- Open the source drive in Finder and select the files and folders to transfer.
- Copy the selection, open the destination drive, and paste the items into the intended location. Copy and paste leaves the source files in place, according to Western Digital.
- Wait for the transfer to finish, inspect the destination, then eject the drive in Finder before disconnecting it.
When you need a disk image or clone
Disk image with Disk Utility
Apple Disk Utility can create an image from a connected device and restore it to another volume. A device image includes both data and free space: Apple’s example uses an 80 GB USB device containing 10 GB of data and produces an 80 GB image. Disk Utility cannot create images of individual APFS volumes. Apple also cautions against imaging a disk believed to be failing or containing corrupted information because the resulting image may not be a reliable backup. Apple Disk Utility User Guide
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Cloning partitions
A cloning tool copies partitions rather than just selected files. In its DiscWizard guidance, Seagate recommends making and validating a full backup of the original disk before cloning. It warns that cloning a Windows disk to an external USB drive might not produce a bootable drive, and that cloning can require deleting partitions on the chosen destination. These cautions apply to the described Seagate workflow; do not assume every cloning tool has identical behavior. Seagate DiscWizard guide
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Before starting any clone, confirm which drive is the source and which is the destination, read the tool’s target-erasure prompts carefully, and keep a separate verified backup of important data. Do not proceed if you are unsure whether the destination’s existing contents will be deleted.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
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- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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