The portable version usually arrives as a .zip or .7z archive. Right-click the file and extract its contents to your preferred directory (e.g., D:\Tools\Win32DiskImager ).
Flash raw disk images ( .img , .iso , .raw ) directly to removable media.
Use this method to clone your perfectly configured system before making risky modifications. Plug in the drive you wish to clone. win32 disk imager portable
Further reading and next steps
Click the blue folder icon . Navigate to the folder where you want to save your backup, type a name for your file (e.g., my_backup.img ), and click Open . The portable version usually arrives as a
: Choose this if you primarily work with single-boot images, like for embedded Linux devices or dedicated single-purpose drives , and need to perform full backups. Its core strength lies in its low-level, raw reading capability.
Click the to browse and select your source .img file. Use this method to clone your perfectly configured
Win32 Disk Imager Portable is an open-source Windows utility designed to write raw disk images (usually .img or .iso files) to removable storage devices like USB flash drives, SD cards, and CF cards. It can also read these devices to create an exact backup image file on your computer.
Create identical clones of your storage media, preserving file systems, hidden partitions, and boot sectors.
Even the best tools have quirks. Here's what to watch out for:
Because Win32 Disk Imager requires low-level administrative access to write to hardware drives, it is a frequent target for malicious actors who bundle it with malware. Follow these steps to ensure a safe download: