Create a bootable Windows 11 backup

"Initiate backup" refers to starting a backup process, while "normal backup" refers to a standard or routine backup operation that is typically performed regularly to save and protect data in case of loss or damage.

Creating and maintaining good backups of your data is a good habit to have. But there's a subtle difference between bootable backups and regular backups. Here's what you need to know.

Start backup

A system image is a backup of your entire system, including your Windows operating system, settings, programs, and user accounts.

Differences Between Bootable and Normal Backups

A bootable backup is when you create a system backup on a device that allows you to boot from it and restore your data. This is different from a regular backup, where you don't have a bootable device with the system image/backup on it.

A regular backup aims to save your files and important data, without recording your entire operating system. They won't help you boot the system when it fails to start, though. This is why bootable backups are more popular.

Recommended read: How to Backup Windows 11 to USB

With a bootable backup, you can easily restore your computer to a previous state. This is great when you can't boot from your system normally. You just boot from the bootable backup drive, and – presto! – your data is restored.

Yes, you can create a bootable backup in Windows 11. To do this, you typically need to use third-party software or built-in tools like the Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD) or the Media Creation Tool. Here's a general outline of the process: 1. **Backup Your Data**: First, ensure that your important files and documents are backed up to an external drive or cloud storage. 2. **Create a System Image**: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, then click on "More options" and "Create a system image." Follow the prompts to save the system image to an external hard drive or network location. 3. **Download or Use Third-Party Tools**: If you want to create a bootable USB or DVD, you might need software like Rufus, Acronis True Image, or the Windows Media Creation Tool. Download and install the tool of your choice. 4. **Create a Bootable Media**: Using the software, select the ISO file you created in step 2 (system image) and follow the instructions to write it to a USB drive or burn it to a DVD. Make sure the media is properly formatted before proceeding. 5. **Test the Bootable Backup**: After creating the bootable media, test it by restarting your computer with the USB or DVD inserted. Check if your system boots from the media and allows you to restore the backup. Remember, this process might differ depending on the specific software you use. Always refer to the software's documentation for detailed instructions.

Ever since Windows 11 came out, users have shifted to using it. So, if you're a Windows 11 user, you need to create a bootable backup for safety. But can you create a bootable backup in the new system? The answer is yes. But first, let's look at the backup options available in Windows 11.

Windows 11 Backup Methods

• File History: File History is an integrated backup tool in Windows. As the name suggests, it's used to back up files. It helps you create and restore backups of specific points in time through file history tracking.
• OneDrive Folder Sync: You can sync all your data with a OneDrive account, making it accessible from any device. However, it only backs up files and folders.
• Settings Sync: Settings Sync is a new feature introduced in Windows 11 that allows you to keep the same settings across all your computers. In other words, it's used for backing up settings.
• App Backup: You can use the App Backup feature to back up and restore applications to a specific point in time.
• Backup and Restore (Windows 7): While this backup method is suitable for users needing to restore older version backup files, Windows 11 users can also utilize this feature for backup purposes. Notably, it's the only tool in the Windows system that allows users to create bootable backups.

While Windows 11 offers several ways to back up your data, its built-in backup tools don't provide an option to create a bootable backup. Therefore, you might need an alternative method to create a bootable backup for Windows 11.

"Todo Backup" can be translated to "To-Do Backup." This generally refers to a backup software or tool that schedules or performs on-demand backups of data and settings on a computer, ensuring the ability to restore them in case of data loss or system failure.

is an excellent data backup tool that lets you create an automatic backup for Windows 11. It comes with a wealth of features to create a bootable backup for Windows 11.

Advantages of Todo Backup Tool

• One-Click System Backup: It features a user-friendly interface that allows you to create a backup of your Windows system, user settings, and generate a bootable backup with just a single click. It can also restore your system in case of a crash.
• Cloud Storage and Network Drives: Todo Backup offers a convenient feature that lets you save your backup files directly to cloud storage and network drives.
• Custom Backup Schedules: As a user, you have the flexibility to create your own customized backup schedules.

How to Create a Bootable Backup in Windows 11

As mentioned above, though Windows 11 comes with many backup tools, only one of its features can be used to back up the system. In this section, we will detail how to create a bootable backup. Besides, you will see an easier way with Todo Backup.

Method 1: Use Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Step 1. Open Control Panel from the Windows 11 taskbar.

Click Backup and Restore in Control Panel (Windows 7).

Step 3: Click the Create a system image option on the left.

Step 4: You will need to have a backup drive ready, which can be a USB drive, hard disk, DVD, or a network drive. Select where you want to create the bootable backup, and then click the Next button.

Select the backup drive

Step 5: Windows will automatically select the system drive; click Next to proceed.

Step 6: Review your backup settings, and then click the Start Backup button.

The backup process will commence, and you'll need to wait for it to finish. That's it! After going through all these steps, you'll have successfully created a bootable backup on Windows 11.

Method 2: Using Todo Backup Tool

First, download the Todo Backup tool by clicking the button below, then follow the steps to create a system backup.

Step 1: Run Todo Backup and then click “Create Backup” on the home screen, and then click “Select backup content”.

Step 2: Click on "System" among the four categories to start backing up.

Step 3: The system partition will be selected automatically, you just have to choose the location.

Create System Backup, Step 3

Step 4. You can choose to save the backup file on your local disk, cloud storage, or NAS. You can also connect an external hard drive to save the system backup file.

Step 5: You can customize settings in the "Options" on the bottom left. Then, click "Back Up Now" to start the backup process.

* After the backup is complete, you can right-click the backup task on the left to check its status, restore it, open it, or delete it.

How to back up files on Windows 11? There are several ways to back up your files on Windows 11. Here are some common methods: 1. **Using File History**: - Click the "Start" button and then choose "Settings" (the gear icon). - In the "Settings" window, select "Update & Security." - On the left menu, click "Backup." - If you haven't set up a backup location yet, click "Add drive" and choose an external hard drive or network location. - Turn on "File History," and your system will automatically back up your files on a regular basis. - To perform a manual backup, click "Back up now." 2. **Using Copy and Paste**: - Locate the files or folders you want to back up. - Press `Ctrl+C` to copy them. - Insert an external hard drive or navigate to the location where you want to save the backup. - Press `Ctrl+V` to paste the files. 3. **Using Cloud Storage Services**: - Subscribe to a cloud storage service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. - Download and install the corresponding application. - Log in to your account and follow the app's instructions to set up synchronization. - Move your files and folders into the cloud storage service's folder; they will be automatically uploaded and backed up. 4. **Creating a System Image**: - Click the "Start" button, search for "Create a system image," and open it. - Choose the drive you want to back up, typically drive C:. - Select an external hard drive or network location to save the image. - Click "Next" and confirm the operation; your entire disk will be backed up. Choose the method that best suits your needs and remember to check your backups regularly to keep your data up to date.

A quick and straightforward method to back up your files in Windows 11 is by using its built-in backup tool. Although the Windows Backup utility isn't new, Windows 11 offers more flexibility. You can use the "File History" feature or choose the "Keep personal files and apps" option. Let's dive into the steps to back up your files in Windows 11: 1. **Open Settings**: - Click the "Start" button on the taskbar or press `Win + I` on your keyboard to open Settings. 2. **Go to "Update & Security"**: - In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security" from the left-hand menu. 3. **Select "Backup"**: - Within "Update & Security," choose "Backup" from the left-side menu. 4. **Connect a backup storage location**: - If you don't have an external drive connected, the system will prompt you to do so. Make sure your USB drive or network location is connected and ready. 5. **Enable "File History"**: - On the "Backup" page, click "Add a drive." Select the drive you want to use for backups, then click "More options." 6. **Configure File History settings**: - Under "More options," you can set backup frequency, how long to keep versions, and more. Adjust these as needed. 7. **Start the backup**: - Back on the "Backup" page, click "Back up now" to initiate the backup process. File History will scan and back up the files in your specified folders. 8. **Use the "Keep personal files and settings" option (only when resetting your PC)**: - If you want to reset your PC while keeping your personal files and apps, go to the "Recovery" tab and select "Reset this PC," then choose "Keep my files." That's the basic process for backing up your files in Windows 11. Remember to regularly check and update your backups to ensure your data is secure.

Windows 11 Backup

Step 1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Backup.

Step 2: There are three backup options: OneDrive folder sync, remember my apps, and remember my references. We'll use OneDrive folder sync for this example.

Step 3: Click Manage sync settings.

Step 4: You can back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Check the folders you want to back up and click the Start Backup button.

Windows 11 File History

Step 1: Search for “File History” in the taskbar, and click on the most relevant result.

Step two: Connect an empty external drive and turn on File History.

The default backup folders are “Libraries,” “Desktop,” “Contacts,” and “Favorites.” You can also choose which folders to back up.

Conclusions

A bootable Windows 11 backup is superior to a regular file backup because it can help you boot your device and restore all your data when your computer fails to start. Windows 11 offers various backup options, such as File History, OneDrive folder sync, settings sync, and app backups.

Given the tweaks to the backup tools in Windows 11, it's fair to assume that Microsoft wants to encourage users to rely more on cloud backups, in this case, to OneDrive. Such an approach has its pros and cons, but if you still value offline backups, the best recommendation for Windows 11 is Todo Backup. In addition to bootable backups, it offers automatic backups, cloud and network options, and more.