Introduction

Backing up data is crucial in today's data management landscape. It safeguards against human mistakes, hardware failures, virus attacks, power outages, and natural disasters. If you attempted to back up your files or the Windows 10 operating system but encountered a message saying "Windows 7," this article is here to assist you in finding solutions and guiding you through the process of backing up your data. In this article, we will explore the methods of backup using built-in Windows tools: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and File History. Additionally, we recommend the best free backup software, Todo Backup, to cater to your needs. 1. **Backup and Restore (Windows 7)**: - **Step 1**: Go to 'Control Panel' and select 'System and Security'. - **Step 2**: Click on 'Backup and Restore'. - **Step 3**: Choose 'Set up backup' and follow the on-screen instructions to select the drive where you want to store the backup. - **Step 4**: Customize your backup settings if needed, then click 'Save settings and exit'. - **Step 5**: Initiate the backup process by clicking 'Back up now'. 2. **File History**: - **Step 1**: Access 'Control Panel' and choose 'System and Security'. - **Step 2**: Click on 'File History'. - **Step 3**: Connect an external drive and turn on File History. - **Step 4**: Configure the settings as per your preference, such as frequency and retention period. - **Step 5**: Start the backup process by clicking 'Turn on'. 3. **Todo Backup (Free)**: - **Step 1**: Download and install Todo Backup on your Windows 10 PC. - **Step 2**: Launch the software and select the backup type you need (e.g., System Backup, Disk Backup, File Backup). - **Step 3**: Choose the source (files, system, or disks) and the destination where you want to save the backup. - **Step 4**: Customize backup options like scheduling, compression, and encryption. - **Step 5**: Click 'Start Backup' to initiate the process. These methods will help you create a secure backup of your valuable data. Remember to always keep your backups up to date and store them in a safe location.

Why Does Windows 10 Backup Say Windows 7?

Why Does Windows 10 Backup Display "Windows 7"?

According to official responses from the Microsoft Community, Microsoft has reintroduced the classic Backup and Restore feature from Windows 7. This feature was deprecated in Windows 8 and omitted in Windows 8.1, but it has been restored. It is also referred to as "Windows Backup." Hence, there's no need to worry; this tool still enables you to backup your PC in Windows 10 and restore a system image to a different computer in Windows 10. Additionally, you can utilize it to learn how to backup your Windows 10 PC similarly to how you would back up a Windows 7 PC.

Back up and restore (Windows 7)

How to Backup Computer Despite Windows 10 Backup Prompting for Windows 7?

Sometimes, unfortunate events like data corruption or loss can occur to our computers. Thankfully, Windows provides several tools to ensure that our data is safely backed up. When it comes to backup, the first tool that comes to mind in Windows 10 is File History. This feature not only creates backups but also enables the restoration of previous files. Although Microsoft still includes the older Windows 7 Backup and Restore feature in Windows 10, it functions similarly when you need to create backups, allowing you to perform selective or even full backups. However, these built-in solutions might not be comprehensive enough for all scenarios. That's where free backup software like Todo Backup steps in, offering a more complete data protection solution. Let's examine each of these tools in detail.

Fix 1: Backup by Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Backup and Restore in Windows 7 enables you to create backups on a network, a USB flash drive, CDs or DVDs, or even an external hard drive. Both Windows and computer professionals advise regularly backing up your data to an external drive and then keeping it in a secure location. To learn how to back up your data using Backup and Restore in Windows 7, please follow these steps: 1. **Access Backup and Restore**: Click on the Start button, type "backup" in the search box, and select "Backup and Restore" from the results. 2. **Configure Backup**: In the Backup and Restore window, click on the "Set up backup" option. This will guide you through the process of selecting the external drive where you want to store your backups. 3. **Select Backup Drive**: Connect your external hard drive to your computer. The wizard should detect it automatically. Choose the external drive from the list provided and click "Next." 4. **Choose Items to Backup**: You can choose to back up all files and folders (recommended) or select specific items. If you opt for custom backup, browse through the listed items and check those you wish to include. Click "Next" when done. 5. **Schedule Backup**: You can choose to run the backup immediately or schedule it for a specific time. If you want to schedule it, select "Let me choose" and pick a suitable time. Alternatively, if you prefer immediate backup, choose "Backup now." 6. **Review Settings**: Review your backup settings, ensuring everything is correct. If you're satisfied, click "Save settings and exit" to begin the backup process. 7. **Wait for Backup**: The backup process may take some time, depending on the amount of data you have. Do not disconnect the external drive during this process. 8. **Finish and Store**: Once the backup is complete, safely eject the external hard drive and store it in a secure location away from your computer. Remember to repeat this process periodically to keep your backups up to date. In case of data loss, you can use Backup and Restore to restore your files from the latest backup.

Step 1. Locate the tool by clicking "Start," typing backup in the Start Search field, and then choosing "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" from the program list.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7) in the program list

Notice:
If you close programs, please ensure that any open documents have been saved and the programs are closed. Alternatively, you can click "Close Programs".

Step 2. Scroll down and click on "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" under Looking for an older backup.

Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Step 3. Click "Set up backup" when you see "Back up or restore your files".

backup-by-backup-and-restore-windows-7-3

Step 4. Choose the external hard drive that you connected for storing the backup image.

Create a system image on a hard disk

Step 5. Select "Let Windows choose (Recommended)" to back up all user files and the system partition. Alternatively, choose "Let me choose" if you wish to customize the backup items.

Set up backup

Step 6. Click "Save settings and run backup" to initiate the Windows 10 Backup and Restore (Windows 7) process.

Review your backup settings

After a couple of hours, the Windows 10 system backup and data backup will be completed.

Fix 2: Backup through Todo Backup Tools

Due to limitations and occasional instability in Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7), it's advisable to explore a professional yet free backup software alternative, such as tools Todo Backup. Its dependable performance and user-friendly features have earned it countless recommendations and accolades. Here are some key features that can help protect your data: 1. **Disk Backup**: Create a complete backup of your system drive, including the operating system, applications, settings, and files. 2. **System Backup**: Safeguard your entire Windows system, ensuring a quick recovery in case of a system failure. 3. **File Backup**: Selectively back up important documents, photos, videos, and other files to prevent data loss. 4. **Incremental and Differential Backup**: Save time and storage space by only backing up changes made since the previous backup. 5. **Scheduled Backup**: Set up automatic backups at specific intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly) to ensure your data is always up to date. 6. **Clone**: Duplicate your system or data disks for upgrading or replacing hardware without reinstalling everything. 7. **Disk Partition Management**: Resize, move, or create partitions to optimize your disk usage. 8. **Data Recovery**: Retrieve lost or deleted files from your backups or directly from your hard drive. 9. **Backup Encryption**: Protect your sensitive information with password-encrypted backups. 10. **Backup Compression**: Compress backups to save storage space while maintaining data integrity. tools Todo Backup offers a comprehensive solution for protecting your valuable data without the need for advanced technical knowledge. Give it a try to experience its reliability and convenience firsthand.

    • Different types of backup (including full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup).
    • Save the backup to a third location (local drive, Cloud, and NAS).
    • You can schedule backups at any time according to your needs.
    • Encrypted Backup with password protection.
    • Backup and recover various types of data.
    • Substantial free Cloud storage.
    • Ready-to-use backup files.

Using the tool Todo Backup, you can effortlessly and automatically back up your data. Follow these specific steps: 1. Download the Todo Backup software. 2. Install it on your computer. 3. Launch the program. 4. Select the type of backup you want (e.g., full backup, incremental backup, or differential backup). 5. Choose the files or folders you wish to back up by clicking "Add File" or "Add Folder." 6. Specify a destination location for the backup file. You can choose an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage. 7. Set up a schedule if you want the backup to be automated (optional). You can choose daily, weekly, or monthly backups. 8. Click on "Backup Options" to customize settings like compression level, encryption, and notifications (if needed). 9. Review your backup settings and ensure everything is correct. 10. Click "Start Backup" to initiate the backup process. Once completed, your data will be safely backed up according to your chosen settings.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup on your computer, and click Create Backup on the home screen. Then, hit the big question mark to select backup contents.

backup outlook mail step1

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

backup outlook mail step2

Step 3. Your Windows operating system information and all system-related files and partitions will be automatically selected, so you don't need to make any manual selections at this stage. Next, you need to choose a location to save the system image backup by clicking on the indicated area.

system backup

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

backup outlook mail step4

Step 5. If interested, you can access customization settings such as enabling an automatic backup schedule for daily, weekly, monthly intervals, or upon specific events, as well as creating differential and incremental backups by clicking the Options button. Press "Backup Now", and the Windows system backup process will commence. Once complete, the finished backup task will be displayed on the left side in a card format.

backup outlook mail step 5

Fix 3: Backup via File History

We're already familiar with backing up using Backup and Restore in Windows 7 and professional software. Now, let's explore another method - backing up through File History, which comes pre-installed in Windows 10. Unlike Backup and Restore (Windows 7), File History focuses solely on saving users' data. While Backup and Restore (Windows 7) retains the most recent file version, File History has the capability to save multiple versions. This feature allows you to quickly restore an earlier version of a file if needed. Let me guide you through the steps to set up a backup using File History: 1. First, ensure that your external storage device, such as an external hard drive or USB, is connected to your Windows 10 computer. 2. Open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar and selecting the appropriate result. 3. In the Control Panel, search for "File History" and click on the resulting option. 4. In the File History window, you will see an option labeled "Turn on File History." Click on it to enable the feature. 5. You will be prompted to select the backup location. Choose the connected external storage device from the list provided. 6. If you wish to customize the settings further, click on the "Advanced settings" link. Here, you can choose how often File History should create backups, how long to keep them, and exclude specific folders from being backed up. 7. Once you've configured the settings to your liking, click "OK" to apply the changes. 8. Now, File History will start backing up your selected user data automatically according to the schedule you set. You can check the progress in the File History window. 9. To restore a file from a previous version, simply open File History by accessing it through the Control Panel or searching for it in the Start menu. Browse for the file you need, select the desired version, and click "Restore" to retrieve it. That's it! You have successfully set up File History to back up your important data in Windows 10. Remember to regularly check your backup storage device and ensure it's functioning correctly to maintain a reliable backup system.

Step 1. Connect an external hard drive to your computer. Step 2. Click on the "Start" button (the Windows logo) in the taskbar, and then select "Settings". Step 3. In the Settings window, choose "Update & Security". Step 4. Under the "Backup" section, click on "Add a drive". From the list that appears, select your connected external drive.

Backup via File History

Step 5. When you select a drive, your computer will enable the Automatically back up my files option to initiate automatic backup. Every time you connect your external hard drive to your computer, File History will automatically create file backups.

Automatically back up my files through File History

Conclusion

Whether it's data or your health, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Windows 10 provides two excellent built-in tools that allow you to back up your data or system. However, these tools come with certain limitations and may not always function as intended. In such cases, I highly recommend using the professional backup software, Todo Backup, to alleviate your worries about data loss and ensure peace of mind.

Why Does Windows 10 Backup Display Windows 7 FAQs?

Other questions about Windows 10 backup that you may ask regarding Windows 7:

1. What does "Backup and Restore" in Windows 7 mean on Windows 10?

That means you can also use it to back up a PC in the same way you'd back up a Windows 7 PC.

Does Windows 7 backup still function with Windows 10?

Yes, you can utilize the Backup and Restore feature in Windows 10 to back up all your favorite files. This option is ideal when you have an external storage device at hand.

What is the distinction between Windows System Restore and Windows Backup?

Windows Backup requires manual intervention, whereas Windows System Restore operates automatically. Windows Backup necessitates an external hard drive to store file backups, whereas Windows System Restore functions solely within your computer. Windows Backup ensures comprehensive data protection through system backup, whereas Windows System Restore does not provide the same level of safeguard.