Creating a system backup is quite a healthy practice. It helps your system recover from many crises such as system failure, drive errors, operating system corruption, etc. In this post, we will share how you can take Windows 11/10 System Backup.
How To Perform Windows 11/10 System Backup?
You must understand that Backup is a preventive measure. However, if you are already stuck in a problem without backup, DiskPart commands can come in handy to fix them. Windows 11/10 provides you with a few ways to perform the backup, but they are hidden in the settings.
Backup using File History
The File History option of Windows 11/10 allows you to backup the files and documents present in the system’s Libraries, i.e., Documents, Pictures, Music, etc. You have to select an external drive for the backup.
To set up File History, follow these steps.
- In the Windows search box, please search for the Settings, and open it.
- Go to Update & Security
- From the left pane, choose Backup
- Now, click on the Add a drive, and select the desired drive for the backup purpose.
Backup using Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
The old Backup and Restore feature of Windows 7 is back in Windows 11/10 after Microsoft removed it from Windows 8.1. The Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool of Windows 11/10 allows you to restore any of your old Windows 7 backups on the Windows 11/10 system. However, you can also use the tool for backing up the Windows 11/10 PC precisely as you backed up the Windows 7.
Unlike the File History method, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) can be used for backing up any folders or files. Here are the steps to configure it.
- Please search for the Control Panel in the Windows search box and open it.
- Change the View by setting it from the top-right of the Control Panel interface. Please set it to Large icons or Small icons.
- Now select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click on the “Set up backup” to begin Windows backup.
- Choose the drive where you want to store your backup and click next.
- Now, you will be allowed to choose what you like to back up. You can let Windows decide what to backup or manually select the specific folders and files for backup.
- Next, in the last step, you would be given a choice to schedule the backup as per your preference.
- Set the schedule, and then click on Save settings and run backup.
Creating a System Image Backup
In the Backup and Restore (Windows 7), you would also find the option to create a System Image. This option lets you create an exact image of your system, i.e., the whole system backup. Everything would be backed up on personal files, system apps, installed apps, and system folders. In case of a hard disk failure or any other problem, you need to restore the image. That’s it.
Here is the procedure to create a system image.
- From the Control Panel, open the Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Refer to the previous method for the steps to reach there.
- From the left pane, click on Create a system image.
- A new window would be opened, which would allow you to select the location where you want to save the backup. You can either select a system partition, external hard disk, DVD, or a Network Location. Choose your preferred option and click next.
- Now select which system partition you would like to backup. You can choose one or multiple drives. Click Next to continue.
- In the next step, verify the chosen drives for backup and click on Start backup.
Creating a system image seems an excellent option for a complete backup. However, it has certain limitations.
- You require a hard drive with a larger space for the entire device backup.
- The backup process is relatively slow. It may require an overnight for the completion.
- In the case of restoration, you can’t restore an individual file or folder from the image. It is either complete restoration or nothing.
Final Words
So, these are the top ways to perform a backup in Windows 11/10. It is essential to create a system backup, as sometimes the worst can happen with your pc. You can’t take the gamble of keeping your necessary documents and files on a single system. Apart from these built-in Windows 11/10 backup options, you can also use third-party backup tools if required. Another option is a Cloud Backup such as OneDrive.
