Everything you need to know about Backup and Restore in Windows 11 (Windows 7)

Windows 11 is Microsoft's latest operating system, packed with numerous new features and improvements, such as a refreshed Start menu, a virtual assistant named Cortana, and a redesigned taskbar. One of the significant aspects of Windows 11 is its enhanced security features. Microsoft has introduced several new security measures in Windows 11, including Windows Hello and Windows Defender (with a link on how to disable Windows 11 Defender).

Another crucial feature of Windows 11 is its backup and recovery capabilities. With Windows 11 Backup and Restore, users can back up Windows 11, including the entire system image and personal files. This comes in handy when dealing with system failures or malware attacks. Learn about Backup and Recovery for Windows 11 (Windows 7 version).

• What is Windows 11 Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
• Windows 11 Backup and Restore vs Windows 11 File History
• How to Back Up Files in Windows 11
• Windows 11 Backup and Restore Alternative ??

What is Windows 11 Backup and Restore - Overview

Windows 11 Backup and Restore (for Windows 7) is a built-in utility that aids in backing up and restoring files. It is provided by Microsoft at no additional cost. This tool is valuable as it helps safeguard your files from accidental deletion, hardware failures, system crashes, or software corruption. However, there are certain limitations to Windows 11 Backup and Restore.

• It can only back up files that are smaller than 4 GB.
• Windows 11 Backup and Restore can only restore files to the same computer that was used when creating the backup.
• If you've installed Windows 8 or 10 on your computer, Windows 11 Backup and Restore won't work.

Despite these limitations, Backup and Restore in Windows 11 is still a useful tool to help prevent loss or damage to your files. There have been some changes to Backup and Restore in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.

In Windows 10, you can access the Windows 10 backup software by following these steps:

Go to Backup and Restore by going to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Back up and restore (Windows 7).

In Windows 11, you can access the Windows 11 backup software in two ways.

2. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Or, go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup options > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Read more: Windows 11 Backup Options Missing

Comparison between Backup and Restore in Windows 11 and File History in Windows 11

Actually, Windows 11 includes two backup tools: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and File History. Both can be useful in different ways.

Windows 11's Backup and Restore is a one-time backup solution that helps you create a complete backup of your files, including settings and personal files. It's very useful when you want to protect your files within Windows 11.

File History in Windows 11 is a continuous backup solution designed to protect your files from loss or damage. It automatically saves copies of your files and keeps them up to date. You can access File History through the following path: Settings > Update & Security > Backup > File History.

How to Backup and Restore Files in Windows 11

You are now familiar with the features, benefits, and limitations of backups and recovery in Windows 11. It's time to learn how to back up files in Windows 11 with a step-by-step guide. There are two ways to back up your Windows 11 files without using any software: Backup and Restore or File History.

Method 1: How to Back Up Files with Windows 11's Backup and Restore Feature

This feature lets you back up your files to an external hard drive, local drive, or network location. In case of a hard drive failure or other data loss, you can use these backups to restore your lost files. Backing up your files is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.

The steps to back up and restore Windows 11 files using the built-in Backup and Restore feature are as follows: 1. **Open Settings**: Click on the gear icon in the taskbar or press `Win + I` to launch Settings. 2. **Go to "Update & Security"**: In the Settings window, select the "Update & Security" option. 3. **Choose "Backup"**: On the left menu, click on "Backup". 4. **Set up backup**: On the "Backup" page, if you haven't set one up yet, you'll see the "Add a drive" option. Click it, then follow the wizard to choose the files and location you want to back up. 5. **Select what to back up**: You can choose to back up the entire drive or just specific files and folders. If needed, configure "More options" to customize your backup settings. 6. **Start the backup**: After your settings are configured, click "Back up now" to initiate the process. This might take some time depending on the number of your files and your computer's performance. 7. **Create a restore point**: For added safety, you can create a system restore point so you can revert to this state in the future. This can be found under "Related settings" on the "Backup" page. 8. **Restore files**: To recover files, go back to the "Backup" page, select "Restore files from current backup," and follow the instructions. Make sure your backup storage device (like an external hard drive or network location) is connected to your computer during backup and restore operations. Remember to update your backups regularly to keep your data current.

Step 1: Click on “Control Panel” > “System and Security” > “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”

Step 2: Tap “Set up backup” under “Backup.”

Step 3. Choose “Back up disk” to save the backup, then click “Next.”

Step 4: Choose what you want to back up as needed, then click Next.

Step 5: Set the schedule, then click “Save Settings & Run Backup.”

By default, Windows Backup and Restore will automatically back up your files every Sunday at 7:00 PM, but you can click “Change schedule” to adjust this setting to your preference.

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Method 2: How to Use the Windows 11 File History Feature to Back Up Your Files

Another way to back up files in Windows 11 is by using File History. This is one of the most reliable methods to protect your data on Windows. The tool automatically backs up your files and keeps multiple versions of each file, so you can restore an earlier version if needed.

Here's how to back up your Windows 11 files using File History:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive.

Step 2: Click the “Turn on” button next to “Automatically backup my files.”

Step 3. Tap “More options” to set up the backup schedule and folder.

Back up my files: File History backs up your files every hour, but you can change this. You can choose different backup intervals from every 10 minutes to once every 24 hours.

Keep my backups: Backups are kept indefinitely by default, but you can change this setting to keep backups for one to two years before deletion.

Backup these folders: You can view a list of all folders here, and add more to back up by selecting Add a folder. You can also select a folder and use the Remove button to prevent Windows from backing it up.

Free Alternative to Windows 11 Backup and Restore Tool?

While the backup and restore feature in Windows 11 can meet your basic data backup and recovery needs, it cannot back up your system and does not support differential backups. To better protect your data, it is recommended that you use an alternative to Windows 11 Backup and Restore, such as the Todo Backup tool. This is a professional free Windows 11 backup software that allows you to create system/disk/partition/file backups and clone disks and partitions in Windows 11. Additionally, this tool offers several other features not found in the standard backup and restore options, including:

• Differential Backup vs Incremental Backup: Back up only changed or new files to save time and storage space.
• Scheduled backups: Automatically back up your files according to your previous schedule.
• Pause and Resume: Temporarily stop the backup process and resume it later.
• Backup options: Allow you to compress, encrypt backup images, and split images into smaller files.
• Cloud backup: Back up your data to Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

Download free backup and recovery software for Windows 11/10/8/7.

Please follow these steps to back up your Windows 11 files using this software:

Step 1. Tap “Select Backup” to start the backup.

Step 2: There are four backup types to choose from: Files, Disk, System, and Mail. Click on Files.

Step 3: Your local and network files appear on the left. Expand folders to select the files you want to back up.

File Backup

Step 4. Choose where you want to save your backup, following the on-screen instructions.

Click “Options” to set a password for encrypted backups, schedule backups, and choose to start backups on certain events. There are many other options to customize the backup process.

Step 5: You can save the backup to your local drive, the tool's online service, or a NAS.

Step six: Todo Backup lets users back up their data to third-party cloud-storage services as well as to its own.

If you want to back up to a third-party cloud service, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add a “Cloud Device,” enter your account details, and sign in.

You can also save the backup to the tool's cloud storage service. Click "Tool Cloud," then sign up for and log in to your tool account.

Step 7. Click “Back Up Now” to start the backup process. When it's done, it will display as a card on the left panel. You can right-click on it to manage the backup job.

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The bottom line?

You now know all about backup and restore in Windows 11. You can use Backup and Restore, File History, or Windows 11 data backup software to safeguard your files within the system. Choose the method that best suits your needs. If you're looking for a simpler and more flexible solution, Todo Backup is a great option. Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions. We're always here to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 11 Backup 1. **What is Windows 11 Backup?** Windows 11 Backup is a built-in feature of the operating system that allows users to create copies of their system and files to protect against data loss or system failures. 2. **How do I create a backup in Windows 11?** To create a backup, access the backup options through "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Backup." There, you can choose what to back up and set up a backup schedule. 3. **What does Windows 11 Backup include?** A standard backup typically includes system files, personal files (like documents, pictures, videos, and music), app data, and system settings. 4. **Where can I backup to?** You can create backups on external hard drives, USB drives, or network locations (such as OneDrive or other network storage devices). 5. **How do I restore a Windows 11 backup?** When needed, you can restore from a backup by going to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Recovery," and then selecting the "Restore from this PC" option. 6. **Does Windows 11 Backup support incremental or differential backups?** Yes, Windows 11 supports incremental backups. This means backups only save files changed since the last full backup, conserving storage space. 7. **Should I regularly back up my data?** It's recommended to back up your data regularly, especially when you have important file changes or after installing new software, to ensure data safety. 8. **Will my computer shut down during the backup process?** If you've scheduled a shutdown during the backup, your computer may shut down automatically once the backup is complete. Otherwise, the backup process won't force a shutdown unless you manually choose to do so. 9. **How long does a backup take?** The backup time depends on the amount of data and your computer's performance. Larger files and slower hard drives might take longer. 10. **How do I delete old Windows 11 backups?** In "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Backup," click "Manage backups" to view and delete old backups that are no longer needed. Please note that this information may change with updates to Windows 11, and it's always advisable to refer to the latest official documentation for the most accurate guidance.

If you still have questions and concerns about backing up Windows 11, don't worry. Keep reading to find the right solution.

**1. What's the difference between Windows 11 Backup and Windows 10 Backup?** The backup functionality in Windows 11 is fundamentally similar to that in Windows 10, both aimed at protecting users' data and system settings. However, there might be some improvements and new features in Windows 11: - **Updated User Interface**: Windows 11 introduces a new design language, which means the layout and presentation of backup settings and options could be different, more modern, and streamlined. - **Enhanced Cloud Integration**: Windows 11 places greater emphasis on integration with cloud services like Microsoft OneDrive, allowing backups to be stored directly in the cloud for easier synchronization across devices and remote access. - **Updated Backup Options**: There might be updated backup options or strategies in Windows 11 to accommodate new OS features and user needs. - **Performance Optimizations**: Windows 11 could have optimized the backup process for improved speed and efficiency. - **Automated Backup**: Windows 11 may offer more flexible automatic backup scheduling to ensure data is consistently protected. - **System Restore Points**: While both systems allow creating system restore points, Windows 11 might have enhancements in this area, providing more convenient recovery options. In summary, while there are some differences, the core purpose and workings of backup in Windows 11 remain largely the same as in Windows 10, focusing on safeguarding user data. The exact variations would depend on the specific version and updates of Windows 11.

Windows 11 Backup vs Windows 10 Backup:

One notable change in Windows 11 regarding backup is how users create backups with its built-in feature. The steps for backing up in Windows 11 differ from those in Windows 10.

**How to Back Up Windows 11?**

Steps to back up Windows 11: 1. Create a system image: - Open "Settings" (access it through the search bar or by using the Win + I shortcut). - Click on "Update & Security." - On the left menu, select "Backup." - On the right side, click "More options," then choose "Create a system image." - Follow the wizard's instructions to select where to save the backup (like an external hard drive, DVD, or network location) and initiate the backup process. 2. Use File History: - Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Backup." - In the "Backup" section, click "Add a drive" to choose which files and folders you want to back up. - Turn on "File History" and select an external storage device for saving your backups. - Make sure the "Automatically back up my files" option is enabled so your files are backed up regularly. 3. Manually copy important files: - Locate the critical files and folders you want to back up. - Use Ctrl + C to copy them, then use Ctrl + V to paste them in a secure location (like an external hard drive or cloud storage service). 4. Use third-party backup software: - Consider using third-party backup tools like tools Todo Backup or Acronis True Image. - Download and install the software, then follow the software's guidance for backing up your system or files. Before performing any backup operations, ensure your computer is connected to a reliable power source, and external storage devices are properly connected. After the backup is complete, remember to test the recovery process to verify the backup's effectiveness.

1. Open the Control Panel and then click on "Backup and Restore" (for Windows 7). 2. On the left side, you'll see an option labeled "Create a system image." Select that. 3. Choose where you want to save the system backup. You can save the image on a hard drive, DVDs, or a network location. 4. By default, the system partition and system drives will be selected. Click "Next" to proceed. 5. Verify your backup settings once more, and then click "Start Backup."

3. Does Windows 11 have backup and recovery features?

Yes, in Windows 11, you can restore files from backups created using "Backup and Restore" or "File History." Connect the external storage device that contains the backup files.

How to clone Windows 11 to an external hard drive?

How to clone a hard drive in Windows 11: Click here

• Launch Todo Backup, and click “Tools.” • Select the source disk or partition, and the target disk. • Click “Start” to begin the cloning process.