Why does a backup in Windows 10 take so long? The answer is here.

The built-in backup utilities of Windows, like Backup and Restore and File History, are supposed to help users back up data in case of data loss. But sometimes, Windows backup runs very slowly. Why does my Windows 10 backup take so long? Have you ever encountered this issue? If so, it's time to figure out the reasons behind slow Windows 10 backup and how to fix it.

Why is my Windows 10 backup so slow?

Why does Windows 10 backup take so long? The time it takes to back up can vary. If your Windows 10 backup is slow, it could be due to one of these reasons:

* **Disk fragmentation.** High levels of disk fragmentation can affect system performance, which increases the time required for backups. * **Amount of data.** The more data you need to back up, the longer it takes. * **Network connection.** If you create a backup over a network, the network performance can affect the process. * **Media type.** The type of media you use for backups affects how long they take. Recordable media is usually slower than high-speed hard disks. * **Viruses and malware.** When performance is an issue, computer viruses are one of the first things many people think of. Infections can also slow down backups.

Is Windows 10's Backup Feature Any Good?

Your version of Windows likely came with a built-in backup tool. For example, many versions of Windows include a Backup utility that lets you back up your files and folders. Windows 10 is no exception, as it offers two different backup options: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and File History.

Backup and Restore was introduced in Windows 7 and has since been one of the go-to backup tools for Windows users. It could take a snapshot of the data on your hard drive and create an image. File History was introduced to users with Windows 8, which allowed Windows users to back up various files like documents, videos, pictures, music, and the desktop folder. But does the backup feature in Windows 10 hold up?

While Windows 10's backup features are decent, they could use some improvements or additions. File History and Backup and Restore can cover your basic backup needs but are incomplete. Backup and Restore only offers “Let me choose” and “Let Windows choose” options. File History only backs up files in your user account, which means it won't cut it if you want a full system backup. It also can't back up open files.

Alternatives to Windows 10's Built-In Backup Tools

Due to some limitations of the Windows 10 backup utility, it's necessary to turn to other alternatives for backing up your Windows computer. In this regard, professional backup software like tools Todo Backup is a good option.

Todo Backup Home can overcome limitations of native Windows 10 backup tools (like slow backup speed in Windows 10), allowing users to quickly and automatically back up different types of files, such as videos, music, documents, and images. In addition, it can help you back up your operating system, hard drive, partitions, and more. It also lets you create an ISO image from a hard drive, and back up SSD to the image. Here are some other features:

• Supports Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7
• Create full, incremental, and differential backups
• Save backups to local drives, Secure Zone, NAS devices, and cloud storage
• Clone hard drive
• Migrate Windows 10 to SSD

Here are the detailed steps to create a system backup on a Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: Launch Todo Backup and click "Create Backup" on the main interface, then click the big question mark to select backup content.

2. To back up your Windows operating system, click Operating System to begin the backup.

Step 3: System information and all system-related files and partitions will be selected automatically; you don't need to make any manual selections. Then, click on the area highlighted below to specify where you want to save your system image backup.

**Step 4.** You can choose another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, a network, cloud storage, or Network Attached Storage (NAS) as the backup location. Generally, we recommend using a physical external drive or the cloud to save your system backup files.

5. If you wish, you can customize settings such as scheduling daily, weekly, monthly, or event-triggered backups, and differential and incremental backups. Click “Options,” then click “Backup Now” to begin the Windows backup process. The completed backup task will appear as a card on the left.

Finally, some closing thoughts.

Have you found the answer to "Why is my Windows 10 backup so slow?" There can be numerous reasons for a slow Windows 10 backup process. If you encounter this issue, referring to the scenarios mentioned above might assist you in resolving the problem.

But, personally, using a professional backup software is a simple way to cope with the long Windows 10 backup process. Todo Backup will be an ideal helper to back up everything on your Windows computer to keep data safe. Give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### 1. How do I know if the backup was successful?

You can validate a backup by restoring a few files from the full backup and comparing them with the originals. This gives you a snapshot of the data's integrity.

2. What does a Windows 10 backup include?

A backup in Windows 10 is typically a system image. A system image is another name for a “full backup,” which contains everything on a Windows computer, including settings, apps, and files.

3. How do I know when the Windows 10 backup is complete?

Double-click the target backup drive in File Explorer, select “This PC” from the drop-down menu, and see if Windows 10's File History is backing up your data. If it is, a progress bar and other details will be displayed on the screen.

4. How can I back up my entire Windows computer?

Click the "Start" button, then type "backup" in the search box, and click "Backup and Restore". Click "Back up your files" under "Back up your files" or "Back up your entire computer". Choose where you want to save your backup, and click "Next". An easier way is to use professional backup software like tools Todo Backup, which can create a Windows system image with just a few clicks.