Before upgrading or modifying an embedded device, a raw image backup allows you to restore the device to its exact previous state.
Before you begin, ensure your target removable drive is plugged into your computer and contains no valuable data.
Warning: Ensure this is the correct drive! Writing an image will erase all data currently on that device. Click . 4. Reading an Image from a Drive (Backing Up) Insert your SD card or USB drive.
Download the latest version from a reputable source, such as SourceForge . Ensure you are downloading from the official Win32 Disk Imager page. 2. Installing and Running Run the installer. win64 disk imager
If you want to ensure the file isn't corrupted, click next to the Hash section to view the file's checksum. Once satisfied, click the Write button at the bottom of the window. Confirm the overwriting warning dialog box to begin the process. Do not remove the device or close the software until the "Successful" dialog box appears. Step-by-Step Guide: Cloning a Drive (Creating a Backup)
Select the target drive letter from the dropdown menu.
A built-in "Verify" pass re-reads the written device and compares every byte against the source file to catch write errors caused by hardware issues. Before upgrading or modifying an embedded device, a
Free to use and open for community improvements.
Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11; tested on Windows Server 2008/2012/2016 Format Support Primarily raw image files ( ) and standard ISO files Portability
It writes sequentially, so performance is limited by your drive and USB port speed. It does do asynchronous writes or caching tricks – safer but slower. Writing an image will erase all data currently
: Win64 Disk Imager is an aging but still functional tool. It’s fine for experienced users who just need to write or backup raw images occasionally. However, for most people today, Balena Etcher (for writing) or USBImager (for both read/write) are safer, faster, and more feature-rich replacements. Keep Win64 Disk Imager on a USB stick as a lightweight backup utility, not your daily driver.
files onto removable media, making them bootable for systems like Raspberry Pi Ubuntu on Arm Read (Backup) Operations
Here is a breakdown of its key capabilities:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tool, its features, use cases, and how to use it safely in 2026. What is Win32/64 Disk Imager?