What is ImageX?
ImageX is a free disk imaging and cloning utility that is included in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) from Microsoft. It allows administrators and power users to capture images of disks or partitions for various purposes like backup/restore, disk migration, or deployment of standard configurations.
Some key features and capabilities of ImageX include:
- Lightweight and fast - ImageX uses the advanced Windows image file format to quickly image disks.
- Command line interface - It works through the command prompt with various switches to control imaging options.
- Capture full disk images or individual partitions.
- Save image files to various destinations like network shares or split across multiple files.
- Supports multicasting an image across the network.
- Can verify the integrity of image files.
- Automate imaging tasks through scripts and batch files.
Being a Microsoft tool, ImageX integrates very well into environments running Windows operating systems. It can simplify tasks like replacing a failed disk by restoring its image or quickly setting up new machines from a standard reference image. The command line interface does mean a bit of a learning curve, but also allows for automation through scripts.
Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, EaseUS Partition Master, Carbon Copy Cloner, FOG Project, SuperDuper!, EaseUS Disk Copy, DriveImage XML, HDclone, Rollback Rx, FSArchiver are some alternatives to ImageX.