For Backup Beginners: Windows 11 Backup vs Windows 10 Backup vs Todo Backup

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There's no denying that Windows 11 carries forward many features from its predecessor, Windows 10, in various aspects. The two operating systems do exhibit differences when it comes to backup options. This blog serves as a straightforward tutorial for novices on how to create backups in Windows 11 Backup, Windows 10 Backup, and with the utility Todo Backup.

What changes have been made to the backup options in Windows 11?

When Windows 11 was officially launched, it introduced numerous alterations to the user interface, usability, and performance of this latest operating system iteration. One significant change in Windows 11 pertains to how users can create backups using its inherent features. There are two primary methods for backup in Windows 11: by preserving your file history on an external hard drive and by synchronizing your files and folders with OneDrive.

However, in Windows 11, users are unable to locate File History within the Settings menu and must instead search for it in the Control Panel. Within the backup section, users are presented with only three options: OneDrive Folder Sync, Remember My Apps, and Remember My Preferences. This change might indicate that Windows is taking cues from its competitor macOS, which encourages users to rely on cloud drives for file backups.

How to create a backup in Windows 11? Creating a backup in Windows 11 is essential to protect your files and data from accidental loss or system failures. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a backup: 1. **Open the Settings app**: Click on the Start menu, represented by the Windows logo, and then click on the "Settings" icon (gear-shaped). 2. **Go to Backup settings**: In the Settings app, navigate to the "System" category, and then click on "Backup" on the left sidebar. 3. **Turn on Backup**: If it's not already enabled, toggle the "On" button under "Backup using the Windows Backup feature." 4. **Add a drive**: You'll need an external hard drive or a USB drive connected to your computer for backups. Click on "More options" and then "Add a drive." Choose the drive you want to use for backups from the list. 5. **Select what to backup**: By default, Windows will back up your Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders. To add more folders, click on "Add folders" and choose the desired locations. 6. **Set up scheduled backups**: Under "Backup frequency," choose how often you want Windows to create backups (daily, weekly, or monthly). You can also adjust the time by clicking "Change schedule." 7. **Save system image**: For a complete backup, including system files, click on "More options" and then "Create a system image." Follow the prompts to save the system image to your chosen drive. 8. **Confirm backup settings**: Review your backup settings and ensure everything is as desired. Click "Save settings and exit" to start the backup process. 9. **Wait for the backup**: The first backup may take some time, depending on the amount of data. Subsequent backups will be quicker as only changes are saved. Remember to keep your backup drive safe and disconnected when not in use to prevent potential damage or theft. Now you have successfully set up a backup in Windows 11. To initiate a backup manually, return to the Backup settings and click "Backup now."

Despite this, the majority of users still depend on their PC to acquire files. However, to prevent any accidental data loss, it is crucial to make a backup in advance. Be it Windows 11 Backup, Windows 10 Backup, or utilities like Todo Backup, you can have peace of mind knowing your files are secure.

Additionally, with Windows 11, creating backups is straightforward. The process of backing up your data in Windows 11 consists of two parts: I) Creating a backup using File History and II) Creating a backup using Windows Backup. Below are detailed instructions for both approaches: I) Creating a backup with File History: 1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings. 2. Click on "System" and then select "Backup" from the left sidebar. 3. If File History is not already turned on, click on "Turn on" under "More options." 4. Connect an external storage device, such as a USB drive or an additional hard disk. 5. Under "Backup using File History," click "Add a drive" and select the connected drive. 6. Once the drive is selected, File History will start backing up your files automatically. You can customize the settings by clicking on "More options." 7. To create a manual backup, click on "Backup now." II) Creating a backup with Windows Backup: 1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I. 2. Click on "Update & Security" and then choose "Backup" from the left sidebar. 3. Under "Backup," click on "More options." 4. Scroll down and select "Backup with File History" (if it's not already selected). 5. Click on "Backup now" under "Advanced options" to initiate a one-time backup. 6. Choose the drives you want to back up and click "Next." 7. Select your preferred backup location, which can be an external drive or a network location. 8. Review your settings and click "Start backup" to begin the process. Remember to periodically check and update your backups to ensure your important files remain secure.

1. Create a backup using File History

As the name implies, File History is designed to save various versions of a chosen file. In Windows 11, users are no longer able to add folders beyond the default ones. If you wish to continue using File History, follow the steps outlined below to learn how to utilize it.

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

Step 2: Connect an external hard drive as a backup drive.

Step 3: Open File History will copy files from the Desktop, Libraries, Contacts, and Favorites.

Step 4: You can also specify in the advanced settings how frequently File History should perform backups and for how long previous backup versions should be retained.

Note: You can disable File History backup anytime from the settings.

2. Synchronize files and settings in Windows Backup

Windows Backup is a new feature in Windows 11 that allows you to back up all the settings you've chosen on your PC when you're signed in with your Microsoft account. Here's how to enable Windows Backup and initiate the synchronization process: 1. **Open Settings**: Click on the Start button, represented by the Windows logo, and then click on the "Settings" icon (the gear-shaped icon). 2. **Go to Update & Security**: In the Settings window, navigate to the left pane and click on "Update & Security." 3. **Select Backup**: On the right side of the Update & Security window, click on the "Backup" tab. 4. **Add a drive**: Under "Backup using Windows Backup," you may see a message asking you to add a drive. Click on "Add a drive" to choose a storage location for your backups. This can be an external hard drive or a network location if you have one set up. 5. **Turn on Backup**: If the "Backup" option is not already turned on, click on "More options" and then toggle the switch next to "On" under "Back up my files." You can also customize which folders and files to include or exclude from the backup. 6. **Set up sync**: To start syncing your settings, scroll down and click on "Sync your settings." Here, you can choose which categories of settings you want to synchronize across devices linked to your Microsoft account. 7. **Confirm Backup**: After configuring your backup preferences, click "Save settings and exit" or similar to apply your choices and start the backup process. Now, Windows Backup will run according to your configured schedule, ensuring your settings are backed up and synced with your Microsoft account. Remember that an internet connection is required for syncing to work properly.

Here's how to enable Windows Backup:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup, where you will find the new Windows Backup feature.

Step 2: Choose what you want to sync. If you wish to use OneDrive to synchronize your folders, click on "Manage sync settings." This will make Desktop, Documents, and Pictures accessible across all your devices.

Two other items can be backed up:

Remember My App

Windows 11 can retain a record of the applications you have installed. These can be reinstated on a new device.

Remember my preferences

You can also restore preferences such as passwords, languages, and other Windows settings.

Note: If you don't have your Microsoft account or OneDrive associated with your PC, you'll need to sign in with your Microsoft account.

Windows 10 Backup Utility: File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) In Windows 10, Microsoft has integrated two backup features that are similar to the ones found in Windows 7 - File History and Backup and Restore. Here's a brief explanation of both: 1. **File History:** File History is a feature introduced in Windows 8 and carried over to Windows 10. It allows you to create automatic backups of your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and music. To enable and use File History: - Connect an external storage device (USB drive or network location) to your Windows 10 computer. - Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. - Click on "Add a drive" and select the connected storage. - Turn on File History by toggling the switch. - You can customize settings like how often backups should occur, how long to keep them, and which folders to include. - Once set up, File History will periodically back up your files automatically. 2. **Backup and Restore (Windows 7):** Although this feature is primarily associated with Windows 7, it is still available in Windows 10 for users who prefer it. This utility allows you to create a complete system image or backup specific files and folders. Here's how to access it: - Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. - At the bottom, click on "More options." - Scroll down and click on "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)." - Here, you can choose to create a system image, set up a backup plan for your files, or restore from an existing backup. While File History focuses on individual files and frequent backups, Backup and Restore provides a more comprehensive approach, including system images that can be used for a full system recovery. Users can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences.

Similar to Windows 11, Windows 10 also includes a built-in backup tool: File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7). These two backup features serve as the primary backup options for Windows 10 users. Although neither of them can create a complete backup of your entire computer, they can effectively safeguard all your personal data and files.

The primary aspects of File History in Windows 10 are identical to those in Windows 11. It enables you to back up your significant files from various PC folders, such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, and portions of the AppData folder. Additionally, you have the flexibility to choose which specific folders to back up and configure the backup schedule according to your preference.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7) is a feature that was initially introduced in the Windows 7 operating system. This utility allows users to create a system image on an external hard drive, providing a means to backup their data and system settings. In case of any system failure or issue, users can restore their computer to its previous state using this backup.

Best Windows Backup Alternative - Todo Backup Tools

Although Windows backup tools are indeed included with your PC and can be utilized as needed, they offer users limited permissions and customization choices. Nevertheless, you can opt for third-party software such as Todo Backup to safeguard your files, folders, or even your entire computer. Todo Backup empowers users with more control over customizing backup plans and provides additional options for creating backups. Let's explore some of the features offered by Todo Backup.

Multiple Options: When performing a backup, you have various choices including backup of files, disks/partitions, system, and Outlook email backup.
Backup Scheduling: You can customize backup creation times with options for incremental backups, differential backups, scheduled backups, backups triggered by specific events, and more.
Comprehensive Software: Todo Backup is an all-encompassing software that integrates all standard backup functionalities in a single package and operates seamlessly on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

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 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 their 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. Create 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 manage it further.

Windows 11 Backup versus Windows 10 Backup versus Todo Backup Tools

In summary, the built-in tools in Windows 10 and 11 are useful for creating small backups of your personal data and files. However, both File History Backup and Windows Backup do not support backing up your entire PC. Hence, if you intend to create a complete backup of your computer, it is recommended to utilize third-party software like Todo Backup to guarantee that all your files are securely backed up on your storage device. For more information about Todo Backup, please visit our website.