Complete Guide to Backing Up Quick Access on Windows 11 [Essential Knowledge]

The Windows operating system is designed to promote flexibility and user-friendliness. It accomplishes this by incorporating various features that streamline tasks and enhance convenience for users like you. One such feature in Windows 11 is Quick Access, which enables you to effortlessly access files and folders without the need to extensively search through your desktop.

If you're unsure about the file location and have accessed it recently, the Quick Access feature comes in handy. It can assist you in finding the file if you've saved a new one lately but can't locate it. Many users find it useful to save the content displayed in Quick Access. Therefore, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to back up Quick Access on Windows 11.

In our previous articles, we've discussed how to backup Quick Access on Windows 10. To view the complete guide, please click on the link provided below:

How to Backup Quick Access in Windows 10 [2022 Update]

Quick Access is a new feature in the File Explorer of Windows 10. In this article, we will provide solutions to handle any issues related to it.

Why Back Up Quick Access in Windows 11

As we understand the importance of Quick Access in Windows 11 and how to back it up, let's explore why backing up this feature is crucial. While it might not seem conventional, there are valid reasons for doing so. Here's why you might want to create a backup for Quick Access: 1. **Preserving Personalizations:** People often customize their Quick Access folder with frequently used folders or files. Backing up this data ensures your customized shortcuts won't disappear during system updates, crashes, or when reinstalling Windows. 2. **Time-Efficient:** Quick Access helps save time by providing easy access to regularly visited folders. If something goes wrong with your system, a backup allows you to quickly restore these shortcuts, eliminating the need to recreate them manually. 3. **Data Recovery:** Accidentally deleting or modifying critical files within Quick Access can be devastating. A backup guarantees you can recover these files or folder links in case of unintended changes. 4. **Synchronization Across Devices:** If you use multiple Windows 11 devices, backing up Quick Access maintains consistency across systems. This ensures your favorite folders and files are easily accessible on any device you use. 5. **Seamless Migration:** When upgrading to a new PC or switching to a different Windows 11 version, a Quick Access backup streamlines the transition by letting you restore your personalized settings. 6. **System Restore Points:** Sometimes, rolling back your system can erase Quick Access settings. Having a backup ensures you can promptly restore your shortcuts after such an event. 7. **Protecting Data During Troubleshooting:** When troubleshooting software issues, resetting settings or performing a clean install is typical. A backup protects your Quick Access preferences from being lost during these procedures. In essence, backing up Quick Access in Windows 11 is a proactive measure to protect your productivity customizations and maintain smooth access to your essential resources. Recognizing these reasons highlights the significance of creating a backup and maintaining an efficient workflow.

• Quick Access files can change over time, and you might lose access to some items with undefined locations. To maintain access, backing them up is advisable.
• You might want to backup Quick Access in Windows 11 to duplicate the files on another desktop or for safekeeping your data.
• Unforeseen computer crashes can result in data loss. It's recommended to have a backup of your Quick Access data to protect yourself from such incidents.

Complete Guide to Backup Quick Access in Windows 11

You would have thoroughly evaluated the given reasons. Now that you understand the fundamental reasons to back up Quick Access on Windows 11, let's explore the methods that will assist you in accomplishing this task. For your convenience, the methods are explained in detail.

1. Method 1. Backup Quick Access on Windows 11 with Todo Backup
2. Method 2. Backup Quick Access on Windows 11 with File Explorer
3. Method 3. Backup Quick Access on Windows 11 with Command Prompt

Method 1. Backup Quick Access on Windows 11 with Tools - Todo Backup

You would always seek a perfect solution to back up your data across your computer. Regardless of the type of data you're backing up, having the right tool is crucial. To simplify this process, we have introduced Todo Backup as an efficient tool for quick backups on Windows 11.

While numerous backup tools are not compatible with the latest Windows 11, Todo Backup stands out with its user-friendly and efficient interface that epitomizes convenience. It allows you to effortlessly back up your crucial computer data, including both standard and system files, with just one click. Explore the following features in this ideal approach to securing your Quick Access data:

• Simply back up your computer to an external hard drive on Windows 11
• Efficiently manage and optimize backup time with tools that intelligently reduce the backup data size.
• Creates a safe, encrypted partition to protect backed-up data from ransomware threats.
• Avail of a free 250GB cloud storage service to securely store and protect your files across cloud platforms.

Steps to Perfectly Utilize Todo Backup for Creating a Quick Access Backup on Windows 11

Let's proceed to discuss the straightforward steps that would assist you in backing up Quick Access in Windows 11 using Todo Backup software:

Step 1. Click "Select backup contents" to start a backup.

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

Step 3. Local and network files will be displayed on the left pane. You can expand the directory to choose which files to back up.

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

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password in "Backup Options," and to set up a backup schedule and choose to initiate a backup at a specific event in "Backup Scheme." Numerous other customization options are available for the backup process.

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

Step 6. Todo Backup allows customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive 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 Cloud Device, add your account, and then log in.

You can also save backups to the tool's cloud storage service. Click on "tools Cloud" and sign up for a tools Account to log in.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. When the backup is complete, it will appear as a card on the left panel. To manage the backup job further, right-click on it.

Method 2. Backup Quick Access on Windows 11 using File Explorer

There are alternative methods available to backup Quick Access in Windows 11. Among these methods, one basic and manual approach involves using File Explorer to backup your data. While this is a straightforward process, it might not be comprehensive for novice computer users. Let's examine the steps to understand how to properly backup your Quick Access data: 1. **Open File Explorer**: First, launch File Explorer by clicking on its icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard. 2. **Navigate to Quick Access**: In the left pane of File Explorer, scroll down until you find the "Quick Access" section. 3. **Identify Folders**: Take note of the folders that you frequently access and want to backup from Quick Access. 4. **Create a Backup Folder**: On your desktop or any preferred location, create a new folder named "Quick Access Backup" or a name of your choice. 5. **Copy Folders**: Select each Quick Access folder one by one by clicking on it and then pressing 'Ctrl+C' to copy it. Alternatively, you can right-click on the folder and choose "Copy." 6. **Paste Folders**: Navigate to your newly created backup folder and press 'Ctrl+V' or right-click and select "Paste" to copy the folders into the backup location. 7. **Repeat for Additional Folders**: If you have more Quick Access folders to backup, repeat steps 5 and 6 for each folder. 8. **Save and Label the Backup**: Once all folders are copied, it's a good idea to label the backup folder with a date (e.g., "Quick Access Backup - 2023-04-15") to keep track of when the backup was made. Remember, this method only backs up the shortcuts to your frequently used folders and not the actual files within them. To backup the contents of these folders, you would need to individually backup each folder's contents separately. For a more automated and comprehensive backup solution, consider using built-in Windows features like File History or third-party backup software.

Step 1. Access "File Explorer" through the icon located on the taskbar. When a window opens, click on the address bar at the top. Type the following address in the bar:

Step 2. This will open a new window displaying all the Quick Access files. Copy these files as you intend to save them in another folder. Close the File Explorer to complete the process.

Method 3: Backup Quick Access on Windows 11 using Command Prompt

Another method to back up Quick Access data in Windows 11 is via the Command Prompt. Although this is the most complex approach among the techniques, it still serves the purpose effectively. Here are the detailed steps for this method: 1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:** - Press the 'Windows' key + 'X' on your keyboard. - Click on 'Command Prompt (Admin)' from the menu that appears. 2. **Create a Backup Folder:** - Choose a location where you want to save the backup and create a new folder there. - For example, navigate to the Desktop by typing `cd %USERPROFILE%\Desktop` and press Enter. 3. **Type the Backup Command:** - Now, type the following command to export Quick Access data to the created folder: ``` fsutil behavior query UserShellFolders > Backup_UserShellFolders.txt ``` - This command will generate a text file named "Backup_UserShellFolders.txt" containing the Quick Access settings. 4. **Execute the Command:** - Press Enter to execute the command. 5. **Save the Backup File:** - The backup file will be saved in the folder you specified earlier. - You can verify the content by opening the "Backup_UserShellFolders.txt" file with a text editor. Remember that restoring the Quick Access data using this backup would require editing the system settings via the Command Prompt, which can be complicated. If needed, consult a technical expert for assistance with restoring the backup.

Step 1. On your Windows 11 computer, open the Run window using the "Windows + R" shortcut keys. Type the following command to open it in a new window:

Step 2. Next, navigate to the C:\ drive in File Explorer. Right-click on an empty area of the screen and select "New" from the drop-down menu. Choose "Folder" to create a new folder within the drive. Name this folder "TempQA" and then close the window.

Create a temporary folder

Step 3. Next, click on the "Search" icon on the taskbar and type "Command Prompt" in the search field. Among the options displayed in the right column of the menu, choose "Run as administrator."

Step 4. Type the following command in the Command Prompt:

All the Quick Access files are backed up across the TempQA folder that is created in the C:\ drive.

Additional Tip: How to Restore Quick Access in Windows 11

Once you've backed up your data, how will you restore it on your Windows 11 system? To address this concern, we've prepared another section outlining methods to help you recover the Quick Access files from your backup across your computer. Feel free to choose any of these available methods to perfectly retrieve your data:

• Method 1. Recover Quick Access on Windows 11 using Todo Backup tool
• Method 2. Recover Quick Access on Windows 11 using File Explorer

Method 1: Recover Quick Access on Windows 11 using Todo Backup Tool Step 1: Download and Install Todo Backup First, head over to the official Todo Backup website and download the software. Install it on your Windows 11 PC by following the on-screen instructions. Step 2: Launch Todo Backup Once installed, open the Todo Backup app. You'll see a user-friendly interface guiding you through the process. Step 3: Choose the Recovery Option In the main window, look for "Recovery" or "Restore." Click on it to start the recovery wizard. Step 4: Select Quick Access Recovery Within the wizard, choose "Quick Access" as the item you want to recover. It might be listed under "System Restore" or a related category. Step 5: Scan for Lost Quick Access The software will now scan your system to locate any missing or deleted Quick Access entries. This could take some time depending on your file size and system. Step 6: Preview and Recover After the scan, you'll see a list of recoverable Quick Access shortcuts. Preview them to make sure they're the ones you need. Check the boxes next to the items you want to restore, then click "Recover." Step 7: Confirm Recovery A confirmation dialog will ask you to approve the recovery process. Click "Yes" or "OK" to proceed. Step 8: Wait for the Recovery Process Todo Backup will now restore your chosen Quick Access shortcuts. This might take a few minutes. Avoid interrupting the software during this time. Step 9: Verify Quick Access Restoration When the recovery is complete, restart your computer and open File Explorer to check if your Quick Access shortcuts have been successfully restored. Keep in mind that different versions of Todo Backup might have slight variations in steps or options. Always consult the software's documentation or online support for tailored guidance.

We have observed that Todo Backup provides an excellent solution for backing up data. Imagine if you discover that this tool also enables you to restore backups effortlessly? It can be conveniently utilized to restore both the system and files.

The all-encompassing Windows recovery tool provides broad platform support, making it the perfect choice for system and data recovery if your system crashes. Let's delve into the steps to correctly restore your data using Todo Backup below:

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup, click "Browse to Recover".

Step 2. Navigate to your backup destination and select the backup file you wish to restore. (The backup file created by Todo Backup tools is a PBD file.)

Step 3. Select the recovery location. You can choose to recover data to a specific location or back to its original location.

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to start the recovery process.

Method 2: Recover Quick Access in Windows 11 using File Explorer

You can also utilize the method of accessing File Explorer to restore backed-up data. This is a manual process that might not be suitable for computer beginners. Nevertheless, we have provided a guide to assist you in understanding how to carry out the process effortlessly:

Step 1. Open File Explorer on your Windows 11 and copy the contents of the backup folder that you previously created for Quick Access.

Step 2. Next, open File Explorer and navigate to the following destination address. Copy the following address into the bar:

As the folder opens in a new window, paste all the copied data into it. Close File Explorer, and then reopen it to see the Quick Access data restored in your Windows 11.

In American English, "Wrap Up" means "Summary" or "Conclusion."

We have shared essential and pertinent information regarding data backup. It's crucial to be aware of maintaining regular backups for your laptop to prevent any mishaps with your computer data. As highlighted in the article, the Todo Backup tool offers an excellent platform for effortlessly backing up Quick Access in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions about Backup Quick Access on Windows 11

After delving into the specifics outlined in the article, there are several questions that every user might have concerning backing up Quick Access in Windows 11. To gain a clearer understanding of the process, let's explore some of these queries: 1. **What is Quick Access in Windows 11?** Quick Access is a feature in Windows 11 (and also in Windows 10) that provides easy access to frequently used folders and recently accessed files. It replaces the traditional "Favorites" feature and aims to enhance productivity by streamlining file navigation. 2. **Why should I back up Quick Access?** Backing up Quick Access ensures that your favorite folders and recent file history are saved. In case of system crashes, updates, or migrations, you can restore your customized Quick Access settings, saving time on reorganizing your frequently used items. 3. **How do I backup Quick Access manually?** To manually backup Quick Access, you need to locate the junction point for the Quick Access folder. It can be found at `%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations`. Copy the files within this folder to a safe location for future restoration. 4. **Can I automate the backup process?** Yes, you can create a script or use third-party tools to automate the backup of Quick Access. This way, the backup will be done regularly without your intervention. 5. **How do I restore a backed-up Quick Access?** To restore your Quick Access backup, simply copy the saved files from the backup location back to `%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations`. Overwrite the existing files, and your Quick Access settings should be restored. 6. **Is it safe to modify the Quick Access files?** Modifying these files directly can be risky, as it might disrupt the functioning of the Windows system. Always make sure to create a backup before making any changes and restore the original files if anything goes wrong. 7. **Will the backup work across different versions of Windows?** Quick Access backups are specific to the version of Windows they were created on. While they may work in similar versions, it's not guaranteed, so it's best to recreate your favorites after upgrading to a new version of Windows. Understanding these questions will help you manage and protect your Quick Access settings effectively in Windows 11.

1. Can I export Quick Access in Windows 11?

Indeed, you can transfer all of your Quick Access data across your Windows 11 using any suitable backup method. The article has offered a comprehensive guide on the available approaches.

2. Where is the Quick Access data stored?

You can access the following address to reach the Quick Access data that is stored across the computer: (Please note: The actual address might vary depending on the operating system and file system in use. Typically, for Windows users, it would be something like "C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\Quick Access." For macOS, it's often in the "~/Library/Saved Application State/com.apple.finder.savedState" path. Always exercise caution when accessing hidden or system files.)

3. Can I transfer my Quick Access links to the new computer?

Quick Access data can be effortlessly duplicated across new locations. You can conveniently copy the links to a new computer by using external storage devices.