Simple Way: Backup C Drive to External Hard Drive [3 Effective Methods]

Are you looking for ways to save C drive to an external storage device? This page from tool brings you three effective methods to back up C drive to external hard drive.

Why is it necessary to back up the C drive to an external hard drive? Backing up the C drive (usually the system drive) to an external hard drive is crucial for several reasons: 1. **Data Security**: The C drive typically stores the operating system, applications, and crucial system files. Backing it up safeguards these vital data from loss due to hardware failures, virus infections, or accidental deletion. 2. **System Recovery**: When performing major updates, optimizations, or reinstalling the operating system, a backup of the C drive allows for a quick restore if issues arise. 3. **Hardware Upgrades**: When switching computers or upgrading the internal hard drive, a backed-up C drive can be easily migrated to the new hardware, saving time and effort. 4. **Disaster Recovery**: Natural disasters, power outages, or unforeseen circumstances may lead to data loss, and an external hard drive backup provides a secure storage location. 5. **Regular Maintenance**: Regularly backing up the C drive is a good data management practice, helping maintain a clean and efficient system. 6. **Version Control**: Having multiple backup versions enables you to revert to a specific system state, which is useful for resolving software conflicts or incorrect configurations. 7. **Space Saving**: If the C drive runs out of space, backing it up externally frees up internal hard drive space while keeping your data secure. Thus, regularly backing up the C drive to an external hard drive is a wise and necessary precaution to protect your data and system integrity.

Drive C, which we refer to as the "system drive". Issues with booting up your computer are usually caused by system data errors or problems with the system drive. If users simply move system data to another location, it could lead to the machine failing to start up properly or certain programs not running as they should. Operating systems and applications can be reinstalled, but it can be difficult or impossible to restore your system files. Therefore, backing up Drive C to an external hard drive is a good option.

External hard drives are easy to use, portable, and increasingly inexpensive. You plug them in via a USB connection when you want to back up your data, and unplug them when you don't, so they do not expose your data to potential threats.

3 Effective Ways to Backup C Drive to External Hard Drive

Right-click the "Start" icon on your screen and open "Disk Management" to check. If you find any hidden system partitions, you'll need to back them up along with drive C:. If not, just select drive C:.

With the system partition identified, you can proceed with backing up your C drive to an external hard drive. Make sure you have an external hard drive with enough space to store your system data. Three methods will be presented here, along with a comparison of their efficiency and level of difficulty.

Method 1: Use Professional Disk Backup Software

As we all know, there are many backup software options available on the market. When choosing a method to back up your data, factors such as price, convenience, results, number, and size of files should be considered. The Todo Backup tool can provide you with the best user experience. It is a professional, stable, and user-friendly software that enables you to effortlessly back up your C drive to an external hard drive.

This excellent backup software also provides a secure hard disk drive duplication/clone solution to transfer data from the old disk to a new one, backing up your Windows 10 system disk clone or hard drive image in case of computer crashes or system failures. Now you can learn how to clone a hard drive with this hard drive cloning software step by step.

Step 1: Choose What to Back Up

Step 2: There are four backup categories: Files, Disks, System, and Mail. Click on Disks.

Step 3: Choose to back up the entire disk or a particular partition, as needed, and then click “OK.”

Step 4: Choose where you want to save your backup.

Step 5: For disk/partition backup, you can choose to save the backup image to a local drive or NAS.

Step 6: Once the backup is complete, the task will appear on the left. Right-click on any task to manage your backups further, such as restoring a backup or creating an incremental backup.

Method 2: Use the Backup Utility Built into Windows

If you don't want to download and install third-party software, you can use the built-in Backup and Restore (Windows 7). This tool creates system images and backs up files and is available for Windows 7, 10, and 11. It allows you to store all system-related files on an external hard drive.

However, you may encounter issues like Windows Backup stuck at 97%, Windows Backup didn't back up all files, or Windows 10 backup keeps failing when using this tool.

Now, follow the steps below to back up C drive to an external hard drive.

Step 1: Open Backup and Restore by going to Control Panel \ System and Security \ Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. Click on Create a system image on the left.

Step 3. In the “Where do you want to save your backup?” window, select your external drive and click “Next.”

Step 4. In the next window, it will ask you to confirm the system backup, including drive C and any hidden drives.

Step 5: Once you've included all the system-related drives, you can click on Start Backup to begin the process.

Method 3: Back Up C Drive with Command Prompt

The WBadmin command-line tool is another built-in Windows utility that can help create a System State backup and a backup of the C drive. It also allows you to save the C drive to an external hard disk. This tool requires some coding knowledge, as it needs commands to be run from the Command Prompt to back up files or the system.

So, if you're not comfortable with coding, you might want to try one of the other two options mentioned above.

Read More: How to Backup Computer Files From the Command Prompt in Windows 10

Here are the steps to back up your C drive to an external hard drive:

Step 1. Type cmd in the search bar, find "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator." Or, press Windows + R, type cmd, then hit Enter.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type wbadmin start systemstatebackup -backupTarget:[-quiet], and then press Enter.

Now, WBAdmin will begin backing up the system, including the registry, boot files, Shadow Copy service, COM+ Class Registration database, and so on.

Additional tip: The easiest way to back up your C drive

As you can see, there are three ways to protect your Windows system disk. Which one is the best and the easiest? If you're still not sure which method to choose, read on for our conclusions.

• Tool Wishlist Backup ?

A professional backup and recovery tool that's the easiest and best way to save you time and effort, with minimal technical requirements – ideal for beginners and experts alike.

• Backup and Restore

Built-in system image backup tools, without the need for third-party software, are moderate in complexity and steps, suitable for those with a certain level of computer literacy.

• WBAdmin command prompt

The most difficult of these methods requires coding knowledge and is not very beginner-friendly; moreover, if you make a mistake in the code, the process can fail.

Closing Arguments

Backing up the C drive to an external hard drive is a crucial activity that ensures the safety and security of important data. Whether for personal use or business purposes, having a reliable backup system is vital to prevent the loss of critical information and files.

With just a few clicks, Todo Backup can back up your C drive, making it easy for novices and experts alike to protect their data. Give it a try.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backing Up C Drive to External Hard Drive

How do I clone my entire computer to an external hard drive?

You can use the tool Todo Backup to back up your entire computer to an external hard drive, which is a great application for this purpose. It features System Backup, Disk Backup, File Backup, and Application Backup, ensuring the safety of all data stored on your computer.

2. Should the backup drive be internal or external?

Computer backups can be stored on both internal and external hard drives. However, it's recommended to keep your backups on an external storage device, as this ensures they're safe even if your computer becomes physically damaged or your internal hard drive fails.

What is the best way to back up a computer?

When choosing the best computer backup method for you, there are several factors to consider, including:

• Backup Sources. It can back up data from various sources, such as systems, disks, files, applications, and more.
• Backup Strategies. You can apply different types of backups to different content, like full backups, differential backups, or incremental backups.
• Backup Speed. A good backup tool must ensure fast backup speeds.
• Widespread Compatibility. An ideal backup tool will be compatible with various operating systems.
• No Data Loss. Some backup methods might get stuck during the process or lose some data. You should choose a reliable tool to ensure complete backups.

Todo Backup is an excellent tool that can meet all these needs and protect your computer in every way.