How to Create a Windows 10 System Image Backup on Cloud [Backup Plan for 2024]

Many Windows users are opting to store their backup images in the cloud due to the convenience it offers. Having your Windows 10 backup image on the cloud improves its security and accessibility. Should your local hard drive become corrupted or fail to boot, you won't need to worry about accessing your system files.

This article will walk you through implementing the new backup strategy for your Windows 10 device in 2022. We'll also explore how you can back up Windows 10 images to the cloud using a third-party utility called Todo Backup Free.

What Is a Windows 10 Backup Image?

A Windows 10 backup image is a snapshot of the data contained within your computer's C: drive, including the operating system (OS), configurations, and file history. It is also referred to as:

• Full-system backup
• Windows System image backup
• Whole-system backup.

In most instances, the C: drive consists of at least four partitions. When you create an image backup, it captures every single bit and byte from each of these partitions. Upon restoring the backup image later, it will overwrite the data that was previously stored on your C: drive. Consequently, the contents of the backup image will be freshly written onto your target drive.

Tools to Create a Windows 10 Backup Image

To create a backup on Windows 10, you can utilize the Windows Backup and Restore feature (originally from Windows 7) within Microsoft, or you can opt for dedicated Windows backup and recovery software. Although this tool was initially designed for Windows 7 users, the Windows Backup utility is also accessible for Windows 10 and 11 users.

This inherent function enables you to perform system restore using backup images created in earlier versions of Windows. You have the option to create a backup on a network shared folder or an external drive. Alternatively, third-party software offers a swift and user-friendly way to create Windows 10 image backups. All you need to do is download and install a preferred third-party tool, such as Todo Backup, to initiate the backup process.

What Makes Cloud Backup Popular? Cloud backup has gained immense popularity in recent years, and there are several factors contributing to its rise in demand. Here's a closer look at what makes cloud backup an attractive solution for individuals and businesses alike: 1. **Convenience and Accessibility**: Cloud backup allows users to access their data from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for remote workers or those who frequently travel, as they can easily retrieve files on different devices. 2. **Automatic and Regular Updates**: Most cloud backup services offer automated backup schedules, ensuring that your data is consistently and regularly updated. This eliminates the need for manual backups and reduces the risk of losing important files due to human error. 3. **Scalability**: With cloud backup, you can easily scale your storage capacity up or down as needed. This is especially beneficial for businesses experiencing growth or fluctuating data storage requirements. 4. **Cost-Effective**: Cloud backup often operates on a subscription-based model, which can be more cost-efficient than purchasing and maintaining physical storage devices. Users only pay for the storage they use, and many providers offer tiered pricing plans. 5. **Data Security**: Cloud service providers typically invest heavily in security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication to protect user data. This provides peace of mind against threats like cyberattacks and data breaches. 6. **Disaster Recovery**: In the event of a hardware failure, natural disaster, or other disruptions, cloud backup enables quick and easy data recovery. This minimizes downtime and reduces potential losses for businesses. 7. **Collaboration**: Cloud platforms often facilitate collaboration by allowing multiple users to access, edit, and share files simultaneously. This can streamline workflows and improve productivity. 8. **Version History and Rollbacks**: Many cloud backup services keep previous versions of files, enabling users to revert to earlier copies if needed. This is particularly useful for undoing accidental changes or recovering from malware infections. 9. **Compliance**: For organizations operating in regulated industries, cloud backup providers can help meet data retention and protection regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other industry-specific standards. 10. **Ease of Integration**: Cloud backup solutions can integrate seamlessly with existing software and applications, making it simple to incorporate into your current workflow. These features have collectively contributed to the widespread adoption of cloud backup as a reliable and efficient method for protecting and managing digital assets.

First, cloud backup offers a secure method for storing files, as the likelihood of data loss in the event of a disaster is significantly reduced. Unlike data stored locally, information in the cloud is less susceptible to theft, physical damage, or fires. Second, cloud backup saves time typically spent on manual file backups.

Since cloud backup occurs automatically, given a stable internet connection, you can experience a seamless transfer of data from your local storage to the cloud. A third reason for its popularity is the accessibility of data. Once you've backed up crucial information in the cloud, you can access it from anywhere, even if your local computer becomes damaged.

Fourth, cloud backup minimizes the risks of system downtime following a breach on your local backup. This means that if you encounter issues accessing data on your local storage, you can seamlessly switch to cloud access without compromising the speed of your system.

Lastly, most people favor cloud backup because it enables faster data restoration. In the event of a disaster on your local system, you won't need to waste time searching for backups on another local storage device, such as an external hard drive.

Comparison between Cloud Backup and Local Backup: Cloud Backup: 1. Data is stored on remote servers accessed through the internet. 2. Provides scalability and flexibility to increase storage as needed. 3. Automatic backups can be scheduled, ensuring data is always up to date. 4. Typically offers multiple versions of files for recovery. 5. Easy accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. 6. May have monthly or annual subscription fees. 7. Dependent on internet connectivity for backup and retrieval. 8. Potential security concerns with data stored offsite. 9. Providers usually offer built-in disaster recovery measures. Local Backup: 1. Data is stored on physical devices such as external hard drives or USBs. 2. Offers faster access and retrieval times compared to cloud backups. 3. No ongoing subscription fees; one-time purchase cost. 4. No reliance on internet connectivity for backup or retrieval. 5. Greater control over data privacy and security. 6. Limited by the capacity of the local storage device. 7. Manual backup processes may need to be set up and monitored. 8. Vulnerable to physical damage, theft, or local disasters. 9. No automatic updates or versioning unless using specialized software. Both cloud and local backups serve their purpose, and choosing one depends on individual needs, budget, and security preferences. A combination of both can provide a robust backup strategy.

You can learn more details and comparisons about cloud backup and local backup from this article:

Cloud Backup vs. Local Backup - Which Is Better? Or Both?

Is Cloud Backup Available in Windows 10? Yes, cloud backup is available in Windows 10. Microsoft offers a cloud-based backup service called OneDrive, which is integrated into the operating system. OneDrive allows you to store your files, documents, and other data in the cloud, enabling you to access them from anywhere and keep them safe from local hardware failures. To set up cloud backup with OneDrive on Windows 10, follow these steps: 1. Sign in to your Microsoft account: Open OneDrive from the Start menu or Taskbar, and sign in with your Microsoft account (if not already signed in). 2. Enable Backup: Click on the OneDrive icon in the System Tray, then choose "More" > "Settings." In the Settings window, go to the "Backup" tab, and click "Manage backup." Here, you can choose to backup your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. 3. Customize Backup Settings: You can select which folders to back up and adjust the backup schedule according to your preferences. 4. Start the Backup: Once you've configured the settings, click "Start backup" to initiate the initial upload of your chosen files to the cloud. In addition to OneDrive, there are also third-party cloud backup services available that work with Windows 10, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud. These services typically offer their own desktop applications for seamless integration with the operating system.

Although Microsoft provides access to cloud storage services like OneDrive on Windows 10, it does not offer a built-in cloud backup solution for creating complete system backups. Furthermore, OneDrive has limited cloud storage, which can make storing large files challenging.

Hence, to thoroughly back up your system files, you'll require third-party backup software installed on your computer. This software allows you to backup all data on your C: drive to the cloud, ensuring that you can restore them in the event of a system failure or any unforeseen disaster impacting your computer.

The advantage of most third-party tools is that they offer a generous free storage capacity to store your files.

Best Free Cloud Backup Software for Windows 10

Todo Backup Free is highly recommended as the ideal backup software for your Windows 10 computer. It enables you to create disk images and securely store your system files in the cloud. In the event of a system crash or malware attack, you can rely on it to make a bootable backup and recover image files effortlessly.

Once you download and install the application on your computer, it necessitates an internet connection to connect to the cloud and commence saving your system files. Its cloud storage service is secure, adaptable, and cost-efficient. It offers each user a complimentary storage space of up to 250GB.

Why Choose Todo Backup Over OneDrive?

Compared to cloud storage services like OneDrive and Google Drive, Todo Backup for your Windows 10 boosts backup efficiency. It enables you to perform differential or incremental backups based on a preceding full backup. This feature conserves disk space by backing up only the modified data.

It also enables basic backup scheduling. You can configure it to automatically backup your data on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, thanks to its auto-backup function. Todo Backup also allows for multi-path backup storage. You can back up your data to a network, cloud, or external hard drive.

How to Back Up Windows 10 Image to the Cloud Using Cloud Backup Tools

Tools Cloud Backup allows you to save your Windows 10 image to the cloud using a WinPE bootable disk. This bootable disk facilitates the restoration or reinstallation of your computer system in case it becomes unbootable or fails during recovery mode. To back up your Windows 10 images to the cloud using Tools Todo Backup, follow these steps: 1. Download and install Tools Todo Backup on a working computer. 2. Launch Tools Todo Backup and select "System Backup" from the main interface. 3. In the System Backup window, choose the Windows 10 system disk as the source and specify the cloud storage location as the destination for the backup. 4. If necessary, customize backup options such as compression level, encryption, and scheduling. 5. Click "Next" and then "Proceed" to start the backup process. The software will create a bootable WinPE disk simultaneously. 6. Once the backup is complete, insert the created WinPE disk into your computer that needs to be backed up. 7. Boot your computer from the WinPE disk by changing the boot order in BIOS settings. 8. Upon successful booting from the WinPE disk, Tools Todo Backup will launch automatically. 9. Select "Restore" or "Clone" depending on your needs, and choose the appropriate Windows 10 image from the cloud storage. 10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration or reinstallation process. By following these steps, you can ensure your Windows 10 system is safely stored in the cloud and can be easily restored when needed.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup on your computer, and click Create Backup on the home screen. Then, hit the big question mark to select backup contents.

Step 2. To back up your Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the backup task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system information and all system-related files and partitions will be automatically selected, so you don't need to make any manual selections here. Next, you'll need to choose a location to save the system image backup by clicking on the highlighted area.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, network, cloud, or NAS. Generally, we recommend using an external physical drive or cloud to store the system backup files.

Step 5. If interested, customization settings such as enabling an automatic backup schedule daily, weekly, monthly, or event-based, and creating differential and incremental backups are available under the Options button. Click "Backup Now" to initiate the Windows system backup process. Once completed, the backup task will be displayed on the left side in a card format.

Conclusion

Backing up your Windows 10 image on the cloud is the most secure backup strategy in 2022, as it ensures the safety of your system files. Should you encounter a malware attack or system failure, you can rest assured that you'll have access to your operating system settings and crucial files. You can create a backup of your Windows 10 image files using Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature within Microsoft's tools or through third-party backup software.

The best software for backing up your Windows 10 image to the cloud is Todo Backup Free. This utility offers features like backup scheduling, improved backup efficiency, and bootable backup and recovery. To start using Todo Backup Free today, simply download and install it on your computer.