How to Backup and Restore Windows 11/10 (Multiple Ways)

Taking a backup of the entire machine is one of the best strategies to tackle software problems, malware, and corrupt files, which could result in data loss. Thus, if one doesn’t regularly create backups, there may be chances of losing data, which one may have spent a lot of time setting up. This post will guide you on Backup and Restore Windows 11/10 to avoid any loss.

How to Backup and Restore Windows 11/10

With Windows, you can create a backup of the files and settings using different methods, including manually copying files to external storage, saving files to OneDrive, or third-party applications. However, we recommend using the built-in methods from Windows to Backup and restore. Following any of the methods mentioned below can accomplish the task.

1. Backup Restore System Image
2. Backup Restore using File History
3. System Restore

Ensure to evaluate each of them, and have enough storage space on the backup drive.

1] Backup Restore System Image

Windows Backup and Restore is traditionally available with all versions of Windows launched after Windows 7. This tool allows users to create and save a backup at different locations, such as a secondary drive or a folder connected to a network folder. However, we recommend using removable storage, easily disconnected and stored.

• To create a backup, navigate to the Control Panel by searching for the same in the search box, and then navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
• From here, click on the Setup Backup option. It will prompt you to select a drive to back up the files; once selected, click Next, and here, you’ll be prompted to choose Which data you want to Backup. You can either let Windows choose, or you can do it manually.
• Once done, click on Next, then Save and Continue. With this, Windows will start creating a backup, wait for a few minutes, and you’re good to go.

Here you can also choose to change the backup timing. You may also get to see the Windows information that a system repair disc might be required to restore a system image.

Do note that you can choose to skip backing up user data, which occupies a lot of space. You can decide to Backup only the system image instead of all the data, which is handy to install Windows.

How to Restore Backup in Windows 11/10

If you used Backup and Restore to back up files or create system image backups in previous versions of Windows, your old Backup is still available in Windows 11/10 and can be restored quickly. One can follow the below-mentioned method to do so:

• To restore a backup, navigate to the Control Panel by searching for the same in the search box, nextly navigating to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
• Under the Restore Menu, Windows will list the backups available and which could be restored. You have two options: Restore all users’ files and select another backup to restore files. If you can’t find one, you can always choose the Select Another Backup to Restore files from the option and enter the path to it.
• Select the Backup, and click on the Continue button. Windows will now start restoring the files from the Backup instantly.

Related: How to create a full backup of Windows 10 on a USB drive 

2] Backup Restore using File History

Windows also has the option to just Backup the files and folders to an external storage location or a drive-in case any of the files are lost, deleted, or damaged. It can be done using File History. Here’s how:

Open the Settings application using the Search Box and navigate to Settings > Update and Security> Backup.

1. Under the Back, up using File History Menu, click on Add Drive option and select the External Drive you want to Backup to.
2. Now, head over to the More Options menu to configure the files you want to Backup and whether you want the process to happen automatically.
3. Once done, click on the Backup Now option to start the process immediately.

Note: This option is not available in Windows 11 Settings anymore. You can still use the Control Panel method.

How to Restore using File History

To restore the data one has backed up using the File History, here are the steps one needs to follow:

• Pull up the Search Box and type in Restore Files; under the results, search for the option for Restore using File History and click on it.
• Search for the files you need and which version of the files you want to restore. Once you have found the File, you wish to restore, click on the Restore button.
• If you click on the Restore button directly, it will return the files to the original location. To save it to a different location, right-click on Restore and click on Save to.

3] System Restore

System Restore points can play a significant role in rolling back Windows to an older state when some application, driver update, or malware causes issues. It is a snapshot of some of the internal system files and the Windows registry and saves them as Restore Points for further usage. Here’s how to Create and Restore System Restore Points in Windows 11/10

Recommendation when taking Backup of your data

• Preferably backup Data to a drive that isn’t the same in which the Windows OS has been installed, such as Backup to a Removable Drive or a secondary disk.
• Always store media files that you Backup at a secure location to prevent unauthorized access to your files.
• Try to store the backups in a fireproof location, which is different from the computer’s actual location. Also, do consider encrypting the backup data.

Note: Manufacturers often configure a recovery partition on a computer. Under Disk Management, a recovery partition is displayed as a hard disk drive.

I hope the post was helpful, and you were able to Backup and Restore on Windows 10. With that said, How often do you back up your files? Do let us know in the comments section below.

How Do I Backup My Entire Computer to an External Hard Drive?

To back up the entire computer to an external drive, you have to follow the given steps-:

• Go to Start > Settings > Update and Security> Backup tab> Add a drive. You can also use the control panel to reach the settings.
• Now your PC will search your hard drive.
• Now click on your hard drive showing on the screen, and it will take you to back up now careen.
• Click the Backup Now option.

What Does Windows System Backup Actually Backup?

The Windows system backup usually takes backups of everything on your computer, including apps, settings, installation files, and files stored in different drivers.

Is System Image a Full Backup?

Yes, system images are the complete backups of the hard drive of your PC. It usually backups the entire drive, even a single partition, and operating system (Linux and Windows).

Does File History Backup Everything?

No file history doesn’t back up everything! File history has a predefined set of items for the backs up automatically. It usually takes backups of both default and custom libraries, desktop and contacts, along with OneDrive. If you want to Backup a particular folder, you have to create or include it in an exciting library.