How To Backup Windows 11?

As with any Windows version so far, Windows 11 is still vulnerable to malware attacks, hardware failure, upgrade-related problems, and other common issues. One of the best ways to prevent permanently losing valuable data is to back up important files regularly and store them in a safe location.

Windows 11 has Backup and Restore functionality built right in. While it’s not as easy as backing up your Android phone, it’s still quite easy to use and works well enough not to require a third-party app. Here’s how to back up Windows 11 and restore it when needed. There are several ways you can back up Windows 11, and we’ll guide you through all the solutions.

Methods to Back Up Windows 11

Method 1: Backup Windows 11 Using File History

Windows 11 has a built-in backup tool called File History, which allows you to save all your files to an external hard drive.

1. Attach an external hard drive with enough storage.
2. Search for Control Panel and click the top result to open the app.
3. Click on System and Security > File History.
4. Click the System Image Backup option from the bottom-left corner.
5. Then click the Create a system image option from the left navigation pane.
6. Select the On a hard disk option and select the Windows 11 full backup destination, then click the Next button.
7. Click the Start backup button.
8. You’ll have to wait a while, but the backup will finish. Click No when the wizard asks you if you want to create a System repair disc.
9. Click Close to close the wizard and complete your Windows 11 backup.

Method 2: Backup Windows 11 Using the Backup and Restore Feature

Windows 11 offers Backup and Restore as a file maintenance solution by using Control Panel instead of Windows 11 Settings. But your files are still backed up and safely stored on an external hard drive.

1. Attach an external hard drive with enough storage.
2. Go to Control Panel and select System and Security and Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
3. Click the Set up backup option located on the right side of the window. Enter your admin password if prompted.
4. Select your external hard drive from the list of available drives and click Next.
5. Choose what you want to back up and select Next.
6. Click the Save settings and run backup button on the following window.

Restore a Windows 11 Backup

In the event of a hardware failure or if you’re upgrading the system drive, you can use a previous backup to restore the device installation.

Whenever you restore a backup, avoid interrupting the process as it will cause the backup to fail, and the computer will no longer boot. If you want to avoid problems, it’s recommended to maintain the laptop connected to a power source and a desktop connected to an uninterruptible power supply.

1. Connect the Windows 11 bootable USB flash drive.
2. Check your laptop or PC motherboard manufacturer’s website for the boot menu key specific to your computer. Press the boot menu key right after pressing the power button to start your PC.
3. Ensure you’ve selected the correct language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout, and click Next.
4. Click the Repair your computer option towards the bottom.
5. Click the Troubleshoot option and select System Image Recovery.
6. On the restore tool screen, the backup from the external drive will automatically be selected and click Next.
7. Click the Finish button to begin the restore, and click Yes to confirm.

Conclusion

This article has introduced you to the methods to back up your Windows 11 and the method to recover the Windows 11 backup. Regardless of which backup method you think is best for you, what matters is that you don’t forget to do it. Besides, if you really lost your important data without backup, remember to use our Bitwar Data Recovery Software, which is your trusted data recovery expert。