How to Perform an Incremental Backup in Windows 11 [2 Methods]

Are you familiar with incremental backups? Incremental backup is a type of backup strategy that only captures data that has been modified since the last backup operation. For instance, it's commonly employed when dealing with large amounts of data. Incremental backups are advantageous as they save both restoration time and storage space by focusing on changed data. But does Windows 11 support incremental backups? You'll certainly find the answer in the following section.

Does Windows 11 Perform Incremental Backups?

Certainly! As the built-in backup utility in Windows 11, File History enables incremental backups. This means that subsequent copies of data only include changes made since the previous backup. Users can utilize File History to safeguard their essential files, frequently accessed documents, cherished photos, or videos. To facilitate efficient and swift backups, users can opt for incremental backups by configuring advanced settings. So, why is it necessary to perform an incremental backup, and what benefits does it offer?

Why Do We Need Incremental Backup for Windows 11?

We all recognize the paramount significance of data backup. However, selecting an appropriate backup approach is equally crucial. There are three main backup techniques: incremental backup, differential backup, and full backup. Incremental backup is a favored method as it only backs up newly added or modified data, resulting in faster backup speeds and minimal storage consumption. The reasons for performing an incremental backup on Windows 11 are as follows:

• It utilizes less media and generates a smaller image file size.
• It is the fastest backup option since it only backs up increments.
• It conserves storage space compared to other backup techniques.
• Each backup increment can store a distinct version of a file or folder.

Incremental backup is indeed advantageous, but how do you execute an incremental backup in Windows 11? What is the most straightforward method? You'll find the answer in the following section.

Moreover, both Incremental Backup and Differential Backup are handy. Do you know their difference?

How to Perform an Incremental Backup in Windows 11 - 2 Methods

Are you attempting to perform an incremental backup on Windows 11? Is it proving to be a hassle? Don't worry. This section will respectively present two methods for conducting an incremental backup on Windows 11.

Method 1. Windows 11 Incremental Backup Software - Todo Backup Home

This backup utility enables users to create simple backup plans. Furthermore, it simplifies the process of performing an automatic backup in Windows 11 with just a few steps. With its assistance, users can clone Windows 11 or back up other crucial files. Now, let's demonstrate how to execute an incremental backup in Windows 11 using the tool Todo Backup.

Step 1. Click the "Select backup contents" button to initiate the backup process.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the location where you want to save the backup.

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password in "Backup Options", set the backup schedule, and choose to start the backup at a specific event in "Backup Scheme". There are also numerous other options available for you to explore, allowing you to customize the backup task according to your needs.

Step 5. You can save the backup to your local drive, the tool's cloud service, or a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to both third-party cloud drives and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, select Local Drive, scroll down to add a Cloud Device, then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the tool's built-in cloud drive. Click on Tools Cloud, sign up with your Tool Account, and log in.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. Once the backup is complete, it will be displayed as a card on the left panel. You can right-click on the backup task to access additional management options.

By following these steps, users can easily complete an incremental backup. In addition to performing incremental backups, Todo Backup tools can also assist with various issues such as:

If you're curious about more detailed functions of Todo Backup, keep reading.

What Else Can Windows 11 Users Do with Todo Backup?

It is a user-friendly backup software for Windows 11. It enables users to backup files, folders, or even perform a backup of one hard drive to another. This backup utility simplifies the process of backing up and restoring files. Moreover, it offers a hassle-free way to conduct incremental backups on Windows 11 using Todo Backup Home. It empowers users to create a Windows 11 disk image and clone disks for free. The specific features include:

• Provide 250GB of free cloud storage.
• Support system clone and disaster recovery.
• Back up and restore data securely.
• Enable users to create a system image and perform system image recovery.
• Facilitate disk backup, restore system backups, and restore files, as well as Cloud backup.

If you're trapped by various backup issues, simply download it, and it'll assist you.

Method 2: Windows 11 Incremental Backup - File History

File History is an excellent built-in backup utility provided by Windows. It offers various backup options and enables users to customize their settings. As the default backup tool in Windows 11, File History also supports incremental backups.

Note:

A full backup serves as the basis for an incremental backup. Therefore, you must perform a full backup before you can create an incremental backup.

Guide 1: Perform a Full Backup with File History

Now follow these steps to perform a full backup with File History.

Step 1. Select "Update & Security," and then choose "Backup Using File History."

Step 2. Choose the backup destination. Users can have more backup options by clicking "More options".

Step 3. Begin the backup process.

This way, users can complete a full backup. However, they would then require an advanced setting to initiate an incremental backup.

Guide 2: Perform Incremental Backup on Windows 11 with File History

After the full backup, follow these steps to perform an incremental backup:

Step 1. Go to Control Panel > File History and choose "Advanced settings".

Step 2. Determine the backup frequency for File History, as it defaults to backing up files every hour.

Step 3. Determine how long the computer keeps file backups.

File History will then back up any changed or newly added data since the last backup.

Conclusion

This text describes two methods for performing an incremental backup on Windows 11. Users can choose either method based on their needs. However, for those who are not computer professionals, using a tool like Todo Backup is recommended as it offers a more convenient and user-friendly digital experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 11 Incremental Backup

This section outlines three questions that might be of concern to you. If you're interested, please continue reading.

**What's the difference between incremental backup and differential backup?** Incremental backup and differential backup are two methods used in data backup strategies to save time and storage space by only backing up changes made since the last full backup. Here's a breakdown of the differences: 1. **Incremental Backup:** - An incremental backup saves only the changes or new files that have been created or modified since the *last incremental backup*. - This means that the first backup after a full backup would be an incremental one, capturing all changes. Subsequent incremental backups will only record the changes that have occurred since the last incremental backup. - The advantage is that it saves time and storage space, as it backs up less data with each subsequent backup. - However, restoring data from multiple incremental backups can be more complex, as you need to restore the full backup and then all the subsequent incremental backups in chronological order. 2. **Differential Backup:** - A differential backup captures all the changes or new files that have been created or modified since the *last full backup*. - Unlike incremental backup, it doesn't consider the previous differential backups; it always compares with the latest full backup. - The first backup after a full backup would be a differential one, and every subsequent differential backup will include all the changes made since the last full backup. - Restoring data from a differential backup is simpler than with incremental, as you just need the latest full backup and the last differential backup. - The downside is that differential backups tend to grow larger over time, as they include all changes since the last full backup, not just since the last incremental. In summary, incremental backups focus on changes since the last incremental, while differential backups track changes since the last full backup. The choice between the two depends on factors such as backup frequency, storage capacity, and desired restoration speed.

They are both popular backup methods. Their differences lie in the following aspects:

Speed: Incremental backup is faster than differential backup.

Space occupied: Incremental backup is smaller.

How do I automatically backup files to an external hard drive in Windows 11? To set up automatic backups of your files to an external hard drive in Windows 11, you can use the built-in feature called "File History." Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Connect the External Hard Drive:** Connect your external hard drive to your Windows 11 computer using a USB cable. 2. **Turn on File History:** - Press `Win + S` to open the Search bar. - Type "File History" and click on the "File History" control panel option that appears. 3. **Configure File History:** - In the File History window, click on the "Get started" button. - Select the connected external hard drive from the list of available locations and click "Select drive." - If prompted, confirm that you want to use the selected drive for File History. 4. **Set Up Backup Settings:** - You can choose to keep "Automatically back up my files" enabled for continuous backups. - Click on the "Advanced settings" link for more options, such as how often to back up, how much space to use, and whether to include network locations. - Adjust these settings according to your preferences. 5. **Start the Backup Process:** - After configuring the settings, File History will begin backing up your files automatically. - It may take some time for the initial backup, depending on the amount of data. 6. **Verify Backup:** - Once the backup is complete, you can check if your files have been backed up by clicking the "Restore my files" button in the File History window. - This will allow you to browse and restore any backed-up files if needed. That's it! Your files will now be backed up to the external hard drive automatically as per the settings you've chosen. Remember to keep the external drive connected during scheduled backup times for the process to continue seamlessly.

Step 1. Connect an external hard drive to your PC.

Step 2. Open the system, select Storage, and click "Advanced storage settings".

Step 3. Look for the backup options and click "Add a drive".

Step 4. Click "On" under "Automatically back up my files."

Step 5. Click "Back up now". This will initiate File History to automatically back up your files to the external hard drive.

How do I backup my entire computer on Windows 11? To back up your entire computer on Windows 11, you can use the built-in Backup and Restore feature or create a system image. Here's a step-by-step guide for both methods: **Using Backup and Restore:** 1. Press `Win + I` to open Settings. 2. Click on "System" and then select "Backup" from the left panel. 3. Under "Back up using File History," click on "More options." 4. If you haven't set up a backup location, click "Add a drive" and choose a external hard drive or network location to store your backups. 5. Once the drive is selected, click "Backup now" to start the backup process. **Creating a System Image:** 1. Press `Win + I` to open Settings. 2. Click on "Update & Security" and then select "Backup" from the left panel. 3. At the bottom, click on "More options" and then "Create a system image." 4. Choose the external hard drive or network location where you want to save the system image. 5. Include drives you want to back up (usually, you'll want to include the main drive containing Windows). 6. Click "Next," then "Start backup." The process will begin, which may take some time depending on the size of your data. Remember to keep your backup drive safe and disconnected when not in use to prevent accidental overwriting or damage.

Follow these steps, and you'll be able to back up your entire computer.

Step 1. Locate the "Control Panel", select "Backup and Restore", and then click "Create a system image".

Step 2. Choose the drives you want to back up and select a backup destination.

Step 3. Click "Next" to begin.