System State Backup and System Image Backup in Windows 10 [2024]

What is System State Backup?

Before we proceed with creating a system state backup, let's first understand what a system state backup is:

This kind of backup is useful because if the system crashes, you can restore it to a previous state.

What does a system image backup include?

System state on a Windows computer includes several components that are critical to the proper functioning of the machine. These components include the registry, the COM+ Class Registration database, boot files, and the Volume Shadow Copy service. When you back up system state, all of these components are saved in a single file. If your system fails, this backup file can be used to restore system state. In addition to being an important part of disaster recovery, system state backups can also be used to move a computer from one domain to another.

A system backup includes the following files:

System State Backup vs Bare-Metal Recovery

Bare Metal Recovery (BMR) is a feature of Windows Server that helps you recover your system completely in the event of a catastrophic failure.

What is the difference between them?

With system state backup, you can restore individual components without affecting the others. For example, if the registry becomes corrupted, you can restore it from a backup without having to restart the system.

However, BMHRestore will overwrite everything on the hard drive, including the operating system, applications, and user data.

BMHRestore is primarily used when your system fails due to hardware problems or some other major issue that keeps it from running normally. A System State Backup is typically used to protect against data loss due to software failures or corruption.

Part 1: Backing Up System State on a Windows Server System

Step 1. Use Windows Server Backup

Note: Windows Server Backup is not preinstalled.

1. Install the Windows Server Backup tool.

When you click the "Start" button, you should see "Server Manager" at the top. Click on it to open.

Open Server Manager

2. Go to “Features” > Click “Windows Server Backup” > Click “Next” and then “Install.”

3. Run Windows Server Backup. Navigate to the Actions pane on the right, and click Backup Once… .

Click to start backup.

4. Follow the instructions in the Backup Wizard.

Under Backup settings, select Advanced options.

Under “Backup settings,” select “Configure backup,” and then click “Custom” on the right.

Go to Save as type and choose the location to save based on your preference.

5. Click “Next,” and then click the “Backup Now” button to begin.

2. Run the system state backup software

Attention: Do you want an easier way to manage your steps and get more server backup options?

In addition to Windows Server Backup, you can use a secure and professional backup software for server devices – tools Todo Backup.

Tools Todo Backup for Business is a reliable and efficient backup solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of features to ensure the safety of corporate data, including file backup, system backup, email backup, and database backup. User-friendly and robust, Tools Todo Backup for Business provides advanced protection for your business's critical data.

Part 2: Backup Windows 10 System Image

How can I create a full backup of my OS, registry, and other data if I'm using Windows 10 rather than a server PC?

System State backup in Windows 10 is essentially a backup of the Windows 10 system image.

1. Create a System Image Backup with Windows 10 Backup Software (Free)

Todo Backup provides excellent system backup service for this purpose, and it's free for home users.

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

Step 2. To back up the Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the backup task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system and all system-related files and partitions will be selected automatically, so you don't need to make any manual selections here. Next, you'll need to click on the illustrated area to choose where you want to save your System Image backup.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, a network, cloud, or NAS. Typically, we recommend using an external physical drive or the cloud to save your system image files.

Step 5: If interested, customize the settings with the "Options" button, like enabling daily, weekly, monthly, or event-based automatic backup schedules, and performing differential and incremental backups. Click "Backup Now", and the Windows system backup process will begin. The completed tasks will be displayed as cards on the left.

A more useful guide – Create a Windows 10 System Image on a USB drive:

Create System Image on USB Drive in Windows 10/8/7

If you need a complete guide on how to create a system image on a USB drive, stay here. This article will lead you through the process in three parts.

Built-in Tool - Windows 10 Backup and Restore Windows 10 comes with an integrated tool called "Backup and Restore," which helps users create system backups and perform data recovery. Here's a brief guide on how to use this tool: 1. Open "Control Panel": Click the "Start" button, then type "Control Panel" in the search bar and open it. 2. Select "Backup and Restore": Find and click on the "Backup and Restore" option within the Control Panel. 3. Create a backup: Click on "Back up your files" or "Set up backup." Follow the wizard's prompts to choose the folders and drives you want to back up. You can also select where to save the backup, such as an external hard drive or a network location. 4. Create a System Image: In addition to regular file backups, you can create a "System Image" that backs up the entire operating system, programs, settings, and all files. In the "Backup and Restore" interface, choose "Create a system image" and follow the instructions. 5. Restore a backup: If you need to recover files or the entire system, go back to the "Backup and Restore" screen. Choose "Restore my files" or "Restore all users' files" to retrieve personal files. To restore the entire system, select "Use System Restore" or "Restore from a system image." Please note that this built-in tool might not be as feature-rich as third-party backup software, but it provides a straightforward way to protect your data from accidental loss.

1. Type "Control Panel" into the search bar. 2. Click **Backup and Restore (Windows 7)** in the **System and Security** section. 3. In the **Backup and Restore** window, click **Create a system image**.

• Select the save location: an external drive or a USB device.
• Confirm backup settings, like the EFI system partition, the C drive, and the recovery partition.
• Click Start Backup.

Frequently Asked Questions about System State Backup

How long does a system state backup take?

This depends on the size of your files. A system state backup can take an hour or more to complete.

2. Does Windows 10 have a system backup?

Yes, Windows 10 includes the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) utility, which you can use to back up system files.

3. How often should the system state be backed up?

You should back up your system state every two months, not to exceed 60 days.