How do I back up Windows 10 before upgrading to Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest operating-system update from Microsoft, which boasts that it is more secure, reliable, stylish, and faster than its predecessor, Windows 10. That is why everyone wants to upgrade.

Before updating Windows, back up your data. A backup helps protect your important files and installed apps, so you won't have to gather them again after the update.

Plus, having a backup provides an escape hatch. If Windows 11 doesn't run well on your device, or you don't like the upgrade, you can roll back to Windows 10 like a boss! This article explains how to back up Windows 10 before you upgrade.

You may also be interested in: How to Downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10? Methods to Downgrade OS

What do you need to back up?

When considering backups, the question often arises of what to back up. The answer is – everything you care about. You must backup important personal files, professional documents, and your operating system files.

There are three types of backups:

• Data files: This includes all necessary documents, images, songs, videos, and other files.
• Operating system and apps: This involves Windows system files, installers, and updated applications.
• Custom settings: Any changes you've made to the operating system or apps should be included in the backup content.

3 Ways to Back Up Windows 10 Before Upgrading to Windows 11 It's wise to back up your important data before upgrading your operating system. Here are three methods to back up Windows 10 before upgrading to Windows 11: 1. Using the Built-in "Create a Recovery Drive" Tool - Open the Settings app. - Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery. - Under "Related settings," click on "Create a recovery drive." - Follow the wizard's instructions to insert a USB drive and create a recovery drive that includes the Windows 10 system. This will also include a system backup that can be used to restore your computer when needed. 2. Leverage "File History" - Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. - If not already set up, connect an external hard drive and turn on "File History." - Ensure your important folders are included in the backup and initiate the backup process. - This will periodically back up your files, making it easy to recover them after the upgrade. 3. Create a System Image - Open the Control Panel. - Select "System and Security" > "Backup and Restore (Windows 10)." - In the left-hand menu, click on "Create a system image." - Choose where to save the system image, such as an external hard drive or network location. - Once completed, you'll have a full system backup to restore your entire system if issues arise during the upgrade. Make sure to check the compatibility of all your hardware beforehand and ensure you have sufficient storage space for the backup. These methods will help protect your data and system in case of any problems after upgrading to Windows 11.

In this section, we've discussed the types of data and requirements that need backup before upgrading the OS. Next, we'll share three of the best methods to back up Windows 10 before upgrading to Windows 11.

Before delving into them in detail, it is worth taking a broad look at what they entail.

Method 1: Best Windows 10 Backup Software - Todo Backup Tool

It's the safest way to proceed. Before you upgrade to Windows 11, you should back up Windows 10 with high-quality software like tools Todo Backup. The tools provided by Todo Backup can create a quick and safe system backup without any issues.

The software allows for easy backup of files, disks, partitions, hard drives, and operating systems. You can store your backups on local drives, external hard drives, NAS, and cloud storage. Todo Backup offers one-click backup and instant recovery for high-speed backup and restoration processes.

You can create a system image to save a copy of your system. There's also disk cloning, bootable media, and disaster recovery options. All these ensure that you don't lose any data when upgrading to Windows 11.

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

Step 2: Click on "System" to start the backup among the four categories listed.

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

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

Step 5: You can set the relevant parameters in the Options at the bottom left as needed. After that, click Backup Now to start the backup process.

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

In short, Todo Backup is the most comprehensive backup tool out there. The software is compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11. Installing Todo Backup can solve all your backup and data recovery needs.

How to Back Up Windows 7 Before Upgrading to Windows 10

This article shows you two methods to back up Windows 7 before installing Windows 10. One is to use Windows Backup and Restore, the other is to protect your Windows 7 data with Backup and Restore before upgrading to Windows 10.

Method 2: Restore from File History in Windows 10

Windows 10 includes a feature called File History that you can use to back up your files. You can use File History to back up your important data and program files to an external hard drive or network location, and then copy these backups back after upgrading to Windows 11.

Back up Windows 10 with File History by following these steps:

Step 1: Connect an external hard drive or network-attached storage (NAS) device to your computer.

Step 2: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. In the Backup menu, click the Add a drive option under Back up using File History. Then, select your external hard drive (or NAS) as the backup location.

Step 3: Click on “More options” beneath the same heading. Two drop-down menus will appear: “Backup frequency” (the time when your files are backed up) and “Retention period” (how long they are kept). Choose according to your needs.

Step 4: Windows will now start selecting the folders to back up. You can view all of them in the “Backup options” window. Here, you can remove or add any specific folders that you want.

Step 5: When you're done, click Back Up Now. The backup process will begin. When it's finished, you'll be able to access these files on your external hard drive.

Method 3: Back up and restore (Windows 7) Windows 10

Backup and Restore was the main backup feature in Windows 7. In Windows 8, it has been replaced by File History. However, some users still consider Backup and Restore to be the most reliable option.

Here's how to back up Windows 10 with the Backup and Restore feature:

Step 1: Go to the Windows Backup settings. In the Backup menu, click on “Open Backup and Restore.”

Step 2: Tap the Set Up Backup option.

Step 3: Choose the disk where you want to store the backup. You can choose an internal or external drive.

Step 4: Choose the "Let me choose" option, and then click "Next".

Step 5: Select all the files you want to back up. Then, click Next again.

6. Click the “Save settings and run backup” option. Windows will now back up all of your data.

Tips for a Smooth and Efficient Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Windows 11 can only run on devices that meet its minimum system requirements. If your system doesn't meet these prerequisites, the upgrade process can be burdensome.

Follow these recommendations for a smooth and effective transition to Windows 11.

• Verify that your device meets the system requirements for Windows 11 (your system should have at least a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage, and a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12).
• Have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 or higher installed.
• Run the PC Health Check app to confirm that your computer is compatible with Windows 11.
• Check for updates to see if your computer is eligible for the upgrade.
• Set up a Microsoft account to facilitate file transfer.
• Become familiar with the new tools and features in Windows 11.

wrap-up work

Windows 11 is the latest update, offering top-notch processing speed, app performance, system support, and security. However, before you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, it's crucial to back up all your important data and program files.

This blog post introduces three methods to back up Windows 10, each with detailed step-by-step instructions. Among them, Todo Backup is recommended as the most viable option due to its data security and versatility. Get the Todo Backup tool now and start backing up immediately.

If this article was helpful, don't forget to share it:

Frequently Asked Questions About Backing Up Windows 10 Before Upgrading to Windows 11

1. Can you back up Windows 10 and restore it to Windows 11?

Yes, you can back up Windows 10 and restore it to Windows 11. You can use tools like Todo Backup or the Windows File History feature to create a backup of your Windows 10 installation.

What should I back up before reinstalling Windows 11?

Before reinstalling Windows 11, back up all your data files (documents, photos, videos), the operating system, installed apps, and custom settings.

3. Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 without losing my programs?

Typically, program files are preserved when upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. However, to safeguard against data loss, it's always advisable to back up your programs before any upgrade.