ImageUSB by PassMark Software simplifies the process of mass cloning USB flash drives by allowing you to write a single image file to multiple devices simultaneously. Unlike standard file copy commands that only replicate visible data, this utility creates exact bit-level copies of your source drive, preserving unused space, slack space, and the Master Boot Record (MBR). This level of precision makes it an essential tool for forensic investigations and situations where boot sector integrity is critical. The software operates as a portable application, meaning you can run it directly without a lengthy installation process on compatible Windows systems.
Key Features
- Concurrent Mass Duplication: Write a single UFD image to multiple USB drives at the same time, significantly reducing the time required for bulk deployment tasks.
- Bit-Level Cloning: Preserve the exact structure of the original drive, including boot sectors and partition tables, which ensures that duplicated bootable drives function exactly like the source.
- Zero Wipe Functionality: Securely erase data from flash drives by overwriting the entire volume with zeros, or choose to specifically target the MBR and GPT entries to reset a drive's structure.
- Image Verification: rigorous data integrity checks using MD5 and SHA1 checksums confirm that the written data matches the source image perfectly after the duplication process completes.
- Broad Format Support: Create and write images using standard formats like .bin, .img, and .iso, with experimental support for extracting ISO contents directly to the drive.
Use Cases
System administrators frequently use this tool to deploy consistent OS installation media across dozens of workstations in a corporate environment. Forensic investigators also rely on its bit-for-bit imaging capabilities to preserve evidence on suspect drives without altering the original data structure.
This free utility stands out for its ability to handle difficult-to-format drives and its strict adherence to preserving the original drive's geometry, making it a reliable choice for technical professionals using Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11.
Version 1.5.1007 — April 2025
- Improved device detection logic to correctly identify certain USB drives that were previously misclassified as fixed disks.
- Fixed a specific bug that prevented ISO files from being successfully written to Kingston Type-C drives (256GB capacities and larger).
- Resolved an issue where removable storage devices could be incorrectly flagged, ensuring smoother ISO writing operations.
