---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-does-restore-do-in-disk-utility
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-does-restore-do-in-disk-utility
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Disks, APFS and formats"
question: "What does Restore do in Disk Utility?"
alt_questions:
  - "disk utility restore volume"
  - "copy one drive to another disk utility"
  - "restore vs erase disk utility"
  - "clone volume disk utility"
short_answer: "It copies the whole contents of one volume or disk image onto another, erasing the destination first. Double-check the destination; use Finder to copy only some folders."
tags: ["disk utility", "restore", "copy"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-erase-or-format-a-drive-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-disk-images-and-sparse-bundles"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does Restore do in Disk Utility?

**Restore** copies the entire contents of one volume (or a disk image) onto another, **erasing the destination first**. It's useful for making an exact copy of a data drive or writing a disk image to a drive.

Double-check which volume is the destination — everything on it is replaced. To copy only some folders, use Finder instead.