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OpenSuperClone
What it is
OpenSuperClone is a free Linux data recovery utility based on Scott Dwyer’s HDDSuperClone. It offers advanced drive cloning and records the recovery process so work can stop and resume. Virtual Disk Mode supports targeted extraction, with options to read from the source, destination, or neither, and it can work with DMDE, R-Studio, and UFS Explorer. Direct AHCI and IDE modes can bypass operating-system drivers, while the project documents direct USB access. USB HID relay boards and YEPKIT YKUSH switchable hubs can power-cycle drives. A script engine supports advanced drive interaction, with Visual Studio Code language support available for its script language. Downloads include DEB and RPM packages, source instructions, and a Linux Live ISO. The project is GPLv2 licensed. Virtual drive functions require a kernel module. NVMe SSDs need Generic Source Device Mode because they do not appear in default passthrough mode. The wiki remains incomplete, and v2.6.0-alpha1 is for developer testing rather than end users.
For and against
For
- Logged recovery can stop and resume
- Virtual Disk Mode enables targeted extraction
- Supports direct AHCI, IDE, and USB access
- Includes relay-based drive power cycling
- Provides packages, source instructions, and a Live ISO
Against
- Linux is the only listed platform
- Virtual drive functions require a kernel module
- NVMe needs Generic Source Device Mode
- Wiki documentation is incomplete
The verdict
OpenSuperClone provides a broad Linux recovery toolkit with cloning, scripting, direct access, and relay control. Its documentation and release-status notes call for care, especially with virtual drives and NVMe media.
Who it suits
It suits Linux users handling drive recovery, cloning, and targeted extraction. Users working with NVMe devices or virtual drives should understand the stated mode and kernel requirements.
Plans and prices
OpenSuperClone
Linux utility · GPLv2 · Virtual Disk Mode requires a kernel module
Read 10 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Alpha release note
- The v2.6.0-alpha1 release is marked as a pre-release intended for developers to test features, not for end users.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Bootable recovery
- Yesgithub.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Compatibility limit
- NVMe SSDs do not appear in the default passthrough mode and require Generic Source Device Mode.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Direct access
- Direct modes can communicate with drives through AHCI, IDE, or USB to bypass the operating system.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Documentation status
- The project wiki says its documentation is a work in progress and incomplete.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project offers pre-built DEB and RPM packages, and its wiki also lists an Arch User Repository package.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Drive cloning
- It provides advanced drive cloning capability described as akin to ddrescue.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Drive power control
- The software can use generic USB-attached HID relay boards and YEPKIT YKUSH switchable USB hubs to power-cycle drives.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Kernel module requirement
- Virtual drive functionality requires a kernel module, which is automatically built and installed when DKMS is present or can be installed manually.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- License
- The software is licensed under GPLv2.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Live environment
- The project README links to a Linux Live ISO containing OpenSuperClone.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Maintainer profile
- The maintainer profile describes Julian Frohmüller as a computer repair technician interested in data recovery and lists Cologne, Germany.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- Linuxgithub.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- OpenSuperClone is a disk cloning and data recovery utility that creates sector-by-sector disk clones or images using a multi-phase approach for damaged or unstable media.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Recovery workflow
- The recovery process is logged and can be stopped and resumed at any time.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Relay support
- The software can use generic USB HID relay boards and YEPKIT YKUSH switchable USB hubs to power-cycle drives.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Release status
- The v2.6.0-alpha1 release is marked as a pre-release intended for developers testing new features, not end users.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Script engine
- OpenSuperClone includes a script engine for advanced interaction with drives.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
