Backing Up Windows 10 and 11
For Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft provides several built-in options for backing up your files and settings: the new Windows Backup app, File History, and System Image Backup. Each method protects against data loss and makes it easier to restore your system or move to a new PC.Post-on-windows-backup.pdfmicrosoft+1
Using the Windows Backup App
Windows Backup (introduced in 2023 updates for both Windows 10 and 11) provides a simple interface to back up your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders, as well as key settings, app lists, and Wi-Fi credentials. This backup is tied to your Microsoft Account (personal, not work/school).microsoft+1
How to use:
Search for "Windows Backup" in the Start menu and open it.
Ensure you are signed in with your Microsoft Account.
Toggle on the folders and settings you wish to back up.
Backup targets your OneDrive account (free storage is limited to 5GB, expansion available).microsoft
Restoring:
When setting up a new device or reinstalling Windows, simply log in with the same Microsoft Account to be offered the backup restore option. Files can also be retrieved from OneDrive at any time . Microsoft
Key links:
File History and System Image Backup
Both Windows 10 and 11 support File History for regularly backing up user files, and System Image Backup for full-disk, restorable backups.answers.microsoftPost-on-windows-backup.pdf
File History: Regularly backs up files to external drives or network locations.
Windows 10: Set up via "Settings > Update & Security > Backup" or "Control Panel > File History".
Windows 11: Configuration is now only through "Control Panel > File History" (no longer available in the main Settings app). minitool
System Image Backup: Create a full-image backup from "Control Panel > System & Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".
Tips: Windows 10 vs. 11 Backup
Windows 11 has removed File History from the standard Settings menu, requiring use of the Control Panel for setup. minitool
For the largest variety of files to be backed up in Windows 11, ensure everything is inside a library folder or use System Image Backup.
Windows Backup app is now installed by updates on both Windows 10 and 11 (from Aug 2023 onward), but is only available for personal Microsoft Accounts, not business or school logins. elevenforum+1
To keep getting free security updates on Windows 10 after October 2025, Microsoft is offering an option if cloud backup is enabled and tied to OneDrive using the Windows Backup app. cnet+1
Best Practices and Recommendations
Use Windows Backup app for the easiest cloud recovery.
Use File History for local versioned backups (especially on Windows 10).
Use System Image Backup periodically for a full system restore capability.
Always combine a local backup (external drive) with a cloud backup for resilience.
Check your Microsoft Account storage if using OneDrive as backup space may be limited.
Troubleshooting and Recovery
For data on unbootable systems, use a recovery USB, created from "Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Create a recovery drive", to access backup and restore tools.
See the official Windows Backup and Recovery guide for advanced scenarios. Microsoft
Backing Up Windows 10 and 11
For Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft provides several built-in options for backing up your files and settings: the new Windows Backup app, File History, and System Image Backup. Each method protects against data loss and makes it easier to restore your system or move to a new PC.Post-on-windows-backup.pdfmicrosoft+1
Using the Windows Backup App
Windows Backup (introduced in 2023 updates for both Windows 10 and 11) provides a simple interface to back up your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders, as well as key settings, app lists, and Wi-Fi credentials. This backup is tied to your Microsoft Account (personal, not work/school).microsoft+1
How to use:
Search for "Windows Backup" in the Start menu and open it.
Ensure you are signed in with your Microsoft Account.
Toggle on the folders and settings you wish to back up.
Backup targets your OneDrive account (free storage is limited to 5GB, expansion available).microsoft
Restoring:
When setting up a new device or reinstalling Windows, simply log in with the same Microsoft Account to be offered the backup restore option. Files can also be retrieved from OneDrive at any time . Microsoft
Key links:
File History and System Image Backup
Both Windows 10 and 11 support File History for regularly backing up user files, and System Image Backup for full-disk, restorable backups.answers.microsoftPost-on-windows-backup.pdf
File History: Regularly backs up files to external drives or network locations.
Windows 10: Set up via "Settings > Update & Security > Backup" or "Control Panel > File History".
Windows 11: Configuration is now only through "Control Panel > File History" (no longer available in the main Settings app). minitool
System Image Backup: Create a full-image backup from "Control Panel > System & Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".
Tips: Windows 10 vs. 11 Backup
Windows 11 has removed File History from the standard Settings menu, requiring use of the Control Panel for setup. minitool
For the largest variety of files to be backed up in Windows 11, ensure everything is inside a library folder or use System Image Backup.
Windows Backup app is now installed by updates on both Windows 10 and 11 (from Aug 2023 onward), but is only available for personal Microsoft Accounts, not business or school logins. elevenforum+1
To keep getting free security updates on Windows 10 after October 2025, Microsoft is offering an option if cloud backup is enabled and tied to OneDrive using the Windows Backup app. cnet+1
Best Practices and Recommendations
Use Windows Backup app for the easiest cloud recovery.
Use File History for local versioned backups (especially on Windows 10).
Use System Image Backup periodically for a full system restore capability.
Always combine a local backup (external drive) with a cloud backup for resilience.
Check your Microsoft Account storage if using OneDrive as backup space may be limited.
Troubleshooting and Recovery
For data on unbootable systems, use a recovery USB, created from "Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Create a recovery drive", to access backup and restore tools.
See the official Windows Backup and Recovery guide for advanced scenarios. Microsoft
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