Files, System, and Disks - Backing Up Everything on Windows 11

Translate into English

Regardless of the computer or operating system you use, it's essential to develop a routine for backing up your data. In Windows 10, some users might utilize the built-in File History feature to safeguard various file versions, ensuring protection against unsaved data loss. Others might opt for manual backups to cloud storage services. Then there are those who prefer third-party backup software, as these tools often offer more extensive and comprehensive functionalities compared to the native backup options provided by the system.

So, what choices do users have regarding backups after upgrading to Windows 11? This article will guide you on how to back up Windows 11, encompassing file, system, and disk backups.

Windows 11 Backup - Files, Folders, and Desktop Data

When it comes to backup, most users typically think of safeguarding essential files such as Word and Excel documents, essays, and the like. In the Windows operating system, there's a feature designed for file backup, known as File History. This tool allows you to retrieve documents from days or even months ago at any given time. It also enables the restoration of files that were unintentionally deleted, and you can compare the differences between a file's previous and current states. In essence, File History captures the entire evolution of a file from creation to completion. In Windows 11, the setup process for File History differs slightly from that in Windows 10. Let's explore how it operates in the newest Windows system.

Backup Files with File History

Step 1. Click the Start tab in the Taskbar, search for File History, and open the most relevant result.

Step 2. In Windows 11, you'll need to back up selected files to an external drive. Connect a backup drive to your computer and enable File History.

Step 3. File History will automatically copy files from Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites to the connected drive.

Step 4. On the left panel, you'll find several options to customize your backup plan.

• Restore personal files: Restore files from a File History backup.
• Select drive: You can change the backup location here. Only external drives and network drives are available.
• Exclude folders: Here, you can choose not to back up specific folders or libraries.
• Advanced settings: Select how frequently you want to save file copies and for how long to retain saved versions. By default, your computer will save file copies every hour and keep the file versions indefinitely.

Step 5. After customizing the backup plan, File History will initiate the first backup automatically. You can pause it anytime by clicking the Stop button.

As you can observe, Windows 11 restricts the folders that can be backed up with File History. You cannot opt to back up other files except for a select few designated folders. We speculate that Microsoft made this change to encourage more users to utilize OneDrive for data synchronization. Alright, let's explore what's new about OneDrive syncing in Windows 11.

Synchronize Files with OneDrive

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup. Here, you'll find the new built-in backup feature of Windows 11. The first tab pertains to OneDrive folder syncing. By enabling this feature, the folders you choose will be safeguarded and accessible across your devices. Of course, you'll need to be logged into your Microsoft account on all your devices for this to work.

Step 2. Click on "Manage sync settings," and you'll notice that only Desktop, Documents, and Pictures can be synced to your OneDrive. Once initiated, both new and existing files will be added to OneDrive as a backup.

Step 3. Click Start backup to begin the initial sync process.

Step 4. Once the syncing is complete, you can check the backup status by clicking the OneDrive icon in the Taskbar. You can also pause the syncing or opt to close OneDrive.

Backup More Files with Backup Software

From the two built-in Windows 11 backup methods mentioned above, it's evident that Windows doesn't offer users extensive options to customize backup folders. If a user wishes to back up folders other than the ones specified, a recommended backup software comes into play - tools Todo Backup.

The standout feature of Todo Backup is its ability to let you add any folders you wish to include in your backup plan. You have the option to back up your files to a local drive, external drive, cloud storage, or network drive. Essentially, it offers the same functionality as the built-in backup tool but with enhanced capabilities, allowing users to genuinely customize their file backup schedule.

Step 1. To start a backup, click the Select backup contents option.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. On the left, both local and network files will be displayed. You can expand the directory to select the backup files.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts and select a location to save the backup.

Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options, then click Backup Scheme to set the backup schedule and initiate the backup upon a specific event. You can also select additional options to customize the backup process according to your needs.

Step 5. The backup can be stored on a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS device.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to both a third-party cloud drive and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, select Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the Todo Backup cloud drive. Sign up for a Todo Account, then click Todo Cloud and log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to initiate the backup process. Once completed, the backup job will appear as a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup job to perform additional actions on it.

Windows 11 Backup - System Image

In addition to backing up files, it's crucial to back up the system as well. This is because a system backup includes all the system files and configurations on your computer, enabling you to reinstall the system or restore a functional setup that has pre-installed all the software you need.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

In Windows 11/10/8, users had the option to utilize the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature to create a system backup image. It is strongly advised that you back up your system to an external hard drive or another disk. To initiate the process of creating a system image, follow these steps: 1. Connect the external hard drive or the secondary disk to your computer. 2. Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar. 3. Type "Backup and Restore" in the search field and click on the corresponding result. 4. In the Backup and Restore window, click on the "Create a system image" link on the left panel. 5. On the "Create a system image" screen, select the external hard drive or the additional disk as the location to save the backup. 6. If you wish to include additional data, click on "More options" and choose the folders or drives you want to include in the backup. 7. Review your selections and click "Start backup" to commence the process. 8. Wait for the backup to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of your system and the speed of your storage device. 9. Once the backup is finished, label the drive or make a note of the backup location for future reference. 10. Remember to keep the external hard drive or backup disk in a safe place, disconnected from the computer when not in use. By creating a system image, you ensure that you have a complete copy of your system in case of any unforeseen issues, allowing for a quick and efficient recovery.

Step 1. Open Control Panel and click Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. On the left side, you'll see an option labeled "Create a system image." Select this to proceed.

Step 3. Select the backup location for your system. You can save the image to a hard drive, DVDs, or a network location.

Select the backup location

Step 4. The system partition and system drive will be selected by default; click Next to continue.

Step 5. Verify the backup settings again and click Start backup.

Creating a system image will take approximately 10 minutes, please wait patiently.

Tools: Todo Backup

Todo Backup and the built-in tool in Windows 11 have minimal differences when it comes to creating system images. However, Todo Backup offers additional customization for system backup plans, including scheduling backups, setting the retention time for backup files, and supporting the saving of system backups on a cloud drive.

Step 1. To start a backup, click the Select backup contents option.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. On the left, both local and network files will be displayed. You can expand the directory to select the backup files.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts and select a location to save the backup.

Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options, then click Backup Scheme to set the backup schedule and initiate the backup at a specific event. You can also choose from various additional options to customize the backup process according to your needs.

Step 5. The backup can be stored on a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to a third-party cloud drive as well as its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, select Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the Todo Backup cloud drive. Sign up for a Todo Backup account, then click on "Todo Cloud" and log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to initiate the backup process. Once completed, the backup job will appear as a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup job to perform additional actions on it.

Windows 11 Backup - Back Up Disk or Partitions

Aside from files and systems, there might also be users who wish to back up all files on a specific partition. Unfortunately, in Windows 11, users are not provided with the functionality to back up disks or partitions directly. If you have such a requirement, we still recommend utilizing a tool like Todo Backup. As you can see, Todo Backup is a comprehensive tool in terms of backup, capable of fulfilling almost all users' backup needs.

Step 1. To start a backup, click the Select backup contents option.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. On the left, both local and network files will be displayed. You can expand the directory to select the backup files.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts and select a location to save the backup.

Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options, then click Backup Scheme to set the backup schedule and initiate the backup upon a specific event. You can also select additional options to customize the backup process according to your needs.

Step 5. The backup can be stored on a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to a third-party cloud drive as well as its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, select Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also select the Tools cloud drive. Create a Tools account and then click Tools Cloud to log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to initiate the backup process. Once completed, the backup job will appear as a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup job to manage it further.

Final Words

Generally, Windows 11 still offers backup utilities that can meet the backup needs of most users. However, compared to Windows 10, the built-in backup tools have more restrictions. It appears that Windows 11 is aligning with the trend of using cloud drives for backup and encouraging users to adopt this method as well. Nevertheless, if you prefer to store your backup files on a hard drive, third-party backup software such as Todo Backup could be a suitable option.