How to Backup Installed Programs in Windows 11? Three Methods Explained

If you've ever installed an operating system like Windows 11, you know what a hassle it can be. You can install a Windows OS through bootable media or some similar method. However, setting up all your programs from scratch on a new computer can be a pain. That's why backing up your OS can come in handy.

Having a backup of your installed programs can be a great option for added convenience and efficiency.

Why is it necessary to back up installed programs on Windows 11?

There can be multiple reasons to back up reinstallable programs on Windows 11. Let's look at the main ones that will make backing up Windows 11 apps more apparent and explore some useful backup options.

Imagine if your computer suddenly shuts down and multiple system errors occur. In such a scenario, you might need to reinstall Windows. Unfortunately, this would result in the complete removal of all your applications and settings. If you have a backup, you can conveniently reinstall all your apps and programs, and they would function normally without the need for reconfiguration.

There are multiple options you can use to back up and then restore your data and other files. Let's look at some of the most practical ones.

1. Use Todo PCTrans Tool to Backup Installed Programs on Windows 11

Backing up installed programs on Windows 11 using a standalone software is very convenient. One helpful tool for this purpose is the Todo PCTrans tool. This utility offers a more advanced experience in easily backing up and restoring your applications, hassle-free.

The best thing about using the Todo PCTrans tool is that it helps you back up and transfer everything, moving your settings, applications, and data between PCs and HDDs. Notably, other software solutions only back up your apps and files but don't backup or restore user settings and other data.

Indeed, PCTrans does have backup and restore capabilities that can back up programs installed on the C drive. This feature is free and allows users to back up and restore their programs and settings. You can even configure it to back up installed programs on other drives or external hard disks.

Step 1: Create an image backup of your installed app

1. Run Todo PCTrans on your computer, select "Backup & Restore," and click "Start" to continue.

2. In the Backup Method window, select Data Backup, then click Next to proceed.

3. Click “Browse” to choose a location to save the backup file.

4. In the “Applications” section, select the app you want to back up.

Select the apps to transfer

5. When you're done, tap Backup to start the backup process. When it's finished, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restore the app from the backup file you just created

Note: If the app is already on your computer, it will not restore the app icon to your computer. You'll need to uninstall the existing app first, then try these steps again.

1. Plug in the hard drive that has the backup file on it, then open the PCTransImage folder.

Double-click the backup file to load the Todo PCTrans interface automatically.

Select Backup Program

2. On the Applications tab, check the programs and apps you want to restore from the image, then click Restore.

Some of the notable features of Todo PCTrans are:

• It supports migrating all data, files, and even user accounts to a new computer or for recovery. • It offers a highly secure way to transfer files from one computer to another. • It can also support transferring almost any file or data to other computers. • For the purpose of this tutorial, its ability to back up data makes it a reliable solution. • The software can even recover programs from an unbootable computer.

Faster file transfers or recovery operations should make it one of the better options for quickly getting your computer back up and running after a crash. You could have your PC up and running in minutes.

Use Todo Backup to Back Up Installed Apps in Windows 11

Another great option is the Todo Backup tool. It's rated as one of the best free disk imaging backup tools out there. This award-winning tool has been used by many power users and novices alike, making it software for everyone.

Indeed, the tool has the great advantage of one-click backup and easy restoration. Essentially, it can be the right choice to ensure data integrity, even in emergency situations such as data failure.

A data backup software might be your best bet for keeping your most important files safe, so you don't lose them if anything happens to your computer. This way, even if you need to reinstall Windows 11, your data would be protected and restorable to your device without the need for reinstallation.

Step 1: Launch Todo Backup, click "Create Backup" on the home screen, and then click "Select backup content".

Create System Backup Step 1

Step 2: Click on "OS" among the four options to start the backup process.

Create System Backup Step 2

Step 3. The system partition will be selected automatically, all you have to do is choose the location.

Create System Backup Step 3

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

Step 5: You can customize the settings in the Options on the bottom left. Then, click on "Backup Now" to start the backup process.

* After the backup is complete, you can check the status, restore, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

Some of the main features of Todo Backup include:

• Ease of Backup and Restoration: The tool indeed allows you to back up and restore your data as per your preference. This would be a great option for hassle-free operation and recovery in case of unforeseen disasters, crashes, or ransomware situations.
• Different Backup Options: The software offers multiple backup options, including system backup, file backup, and backup of partitions or disks.

Don't wait for disaster to strike – get a powerful backup and recovery solution that will have you back up and running with your apps, programs, and everything else you need in seconds.

"Differences Between Todo PCTrans and Todo Backup"

The main difference between the two is that Todo PCTrans is ideal for backing up applications and other settings without having to back up the entire drive. On the other hand, Todo Backup is perfect for backing up entire drives or even partitions.

Backup Apps with the Built-in Tool in Windows 11 (UTF-8)

If you can't use any available third-party backup options and urgently need to back up your computer, don't worry. Windows has a built-in or default option that can help you easily and quickly back up your installed programs. This tool is available on Windows 10, 8, 7, and even Windows 11. While it may not be a powerful tool with advanced features, it can get the job done in minutes.

Here's how to use this utility:

2. Go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Backup and Restore.

- On the left, select "Create a system image." - On the next screen, specify where you want to save the backup. - You can also connect a USB drive to back your data up to an external drive. - Confirm your selection and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the backup.

Use the Windows 11 Settings option to backup

First, go to "Settings" -> On the right, click "System" -> Click "Storage" -> "Advanced storage settings" -> "Backup options."

Backing up your installed programs is crucial – safeguard your apps now, the way you prefer.

Backing up installed programs on Windows 11 should be one of the excellent options to ensure the safety of your computer. Several methods have proven highly effective in ensuring efficient backup and restoration of data.

Although an embedded solution might be impressive, it may not address all your needs.

Using a third-party app might just be the perfect solution to ensure a myriad of features. Of course, in this regard, tools like Todo PCTrans can get the job done more efficiently. It allows you to back up settings and user accounts on your device, making data restoration a breeze. The flexible backup and restore options it offers should make it one of the most reliable services around.