What is the most efficient, native way to image a Windows partition?

What is the most efficient, native way to image a Windows partition?

• Is the native method generally the best method for most users?
• How does the native method differ from conventional cloning?
• What are the pros and cons of native versus third-party tools?

How do I configure system partitions on a new drive for applying an image?

• Annotation:
  • Many have taken issue with the "image" nomenclature with "image" being the correct terminology per Microsoft
    • It's not up to an individual to change a developer's nomenclature and if I was to arbitrarily and individually change the nomenclature, it would only sow more confusion when referencing Microsoft Docs [Windows' man pages]
  • While I can't definitively point to any specific Windows whitepaper, Windows'"image" nomenclature likely comes from how Windows is referred to from a servicing standpoint, which is as an "image", and is why DISM has the /Online and /Imageparameters:
    • Online image servicing deals with a %SystemDrive% while booted to it
    • Offline image servicing deals with a non-booted to %SystemDrive%
    • Image management deals with the topic of this question