Why Is Windows 11 Backup Not Working on Your PC? Explore the Causes and Solutions Right Away

Although the issue of Windows 11 backup not working is not commonly encountered on most home and enterprise users' computers, it still poses a nuisance for some Windows 11 users when they attempt to create a backup on their devices. On this page, we will delve into this problem and provide you with the most effective solutions to resolve it. Are you ready to proceed?

Windows 11 Backup Not Functioning? What Could Be the Causes?

Although Windows 11 has been out for over a year, some users still report instability with certain built-in features and tools. The issue of Windows 11 backup not functioning properly is one such example.

If you are encountering one of the listed symptoms on your PC, it signifies that you are facing the same issue:

• Windows 11 system restore taking a long time
• Windows 11 backup options are missing
• Unable to create a system image on Windows 11
• Windows 11 backup stuck at 0%

The reasons behind these issues are nearly identical, and here are the reasons why Windows 11 is encountering the backup not working problem on your computer:

1. Limited disk space on the system drive
2. Corrupted system files
3. Missing or corrupted registry keys or files
4. Windows backup services are disabled
5. Internal errors in the System C drive
6. Windows update errors

So, how can you address this issue and successfully create backups of files and even the system on Windows 11 computers? Follow the instructions in the upcoming tutorial to learn how.

Next, let's begin resolving the "Windows 11 backup not working" issue.

Please note that if you are encountering a similar issue on Windows 10 or older operating systems, you can also refer to these troubleshooting steps for assistance. Alternatively, you can consult the tutorial links provided here for guidance:

How Do You Fix the "Windows 11 Backup Not Working" Issue? 7 Fixes When you encounter the frustrating issue of Windows 11 Backup not functioning as expected, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. Here are seven potential solutions to help get your backup process back on track: 1. **Check for Updates:** Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date, as Microsoft frequently releases patches and fixes for issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer. 2. **Run the Backup and Restore Troubleshooter:** Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix issues with backup and restore processes. Access it by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Backup. Run the troubleshooter and follow its prompts. 3. **Re-enable Backup:** If you have disabled the backup feature, re-enable it. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, and click "Add a drive" or "More options" to configure your backup settings. 4. **Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:** These command-line utilities can help repair corrupted system files that might be causing the backup issue. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run: ``` sfc /scannow ``` Wait for the process to complete, then run: ``` dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth ``` Restart your PC after both commands have finished. 5. **Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software:** Some antivirus programs may interfere with the backup process. Temporarily disable your antivirus and try creating a backup again. Don't forget to re-enable it after the process. 6. **Manually Create a System Image:** If the backup through Settings isn't working, you can create a system image using the Command Prompt. Type "Create a system image" in the search bar, and follow the on-screen instructions. 7. **Reset Backup Settings:** As a last resort, you can reset your backup settings. In Settings > Update & Security > Backup, click "More options" and then "Reset backup." This will remove any existing backup settings, allowing you to start fresh. Try each solution one at a time, and hopefully, one of these methods will resolve the "Windows 11 Backup Not Working" issue for you.

Here's a list of 7 solutions you can try to immediately resolve the issue with Windows 11 backup not functioning: 1. Restart Your Computer 2. Check for Updates 3. Run Windows Backup Troubleshooter 4. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily 5. Check Storage Space 6. Create a New Backup Plan 7. Perform a Clean Boot Follow these steps in order, and hopefully, one of them will resolve the problem and allow your Windows 11 backup to work properly again.

1. #1. Restart Windows 11 PC
2. #2. Use Backup Software & Create Windows 11 Backup
3. #3. Start Windows Backup Service
4. #4. Change RPC to Automatic in Registry Editor
5. #5. Run Error Checking or CHKDSK on C Drive
6. #6. Run SFC - System File Checker
7. #7. Run DISM Command to Restore Health to Windows 11

Please note that if you have recently upgraded to Windows 11 or installed the latest version on your PC, first follow and attempt Method 1. If the error persists, proceed to the next six solutions for assistance.

# Step 1: Restart your Windows 11 PC

When a computer has recently been updated to a new version of Windows 11, it is advised to restart the computer first to ensure that all updates take effect.

Step 1. Save your document files, and close all running programs.

Step 2. Click the Windows icon, and then click the Power button.

Step 3. Select "Restart" and allow the computer to reboot.

Following this, you can try to back up Windows 11 with Windows Backup and Restore or leverage third-party solutions for assistance.

If restarting Windows 11 doesn't resolve the issue, proceed with the next 6 solutions for assistance.

#2. Use Backup Software to Create a Windows 11 Backup

Given the multitude of reasons behind the Windows 11 backup failure issue, it's advisable to create a backup of crucial Windows 11 data and the operating system beforehand. Third-party backup software like tools Todo Backup Home can efficiently help you back up the contents of your Windows computer and the OS to an external hard drive, effortlessly saving storage space on your PC. It also enables you to automatically back up a folder to a network drive.

Step 1. To initiate the backup, click on Select backup contents.

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

Step 3. On the left-hand side, you'll see a list of local and network files. Expand the directory to select the files to be backed up.

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

In the Backup Options, click Options to encrypt the backup with a password, set the backup schedule, and decide whether to initiate the backup at a specific event under the Backup Scheme. A range of customizable features are available for you to explore, allowing you to tailor the backup process according to your unique needs.

Step 5. Backups can be stored on a local disk, in the tool's cloud service, or on a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Step 6. Todo Backup enables users to back up their data to a third-party cloud drive or the company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add a Cloud Device, and enter your account information.

You can also use the tool's built-in cloud storage service. Click on Tool Cloud, create an account using your Tool Account, and then log in to your account.

Step 7. To initiate a backup, select Backup Now. When the backup process is successfully completed, it will appear as a card on the left-hand panel. For more detailed management of the backup job, right-click on it.

Todo Backup also aids in intelligently managing your backups, thereby conserving disk space with its impressive features, such as:

• Support for backing up files on Windows 11
• Support for Windows 11 automatic backup
• Support for backing up to external hard drives and SD cards
• Support for backing up to cloud storage and NAS drives

After creating a full backup of your Windows 11 data, you can proceed with the following solutions to address the issue of Windows 11 backup not functioning properly.

Here's a video tutorial that covers the most efficient solutions listed below. You can follow along to instantly resolve this issue on your PC:

#3. Start the Windows Backup Service

If the Windows Backup service is disabled, you won't be able to create a backup on Windows 11, and the backup options might not even appear on your Windows PC. To start the Windows Backup Service using the Registry Editor, follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the Search icon on Windows 11, type "services", and then click on Services from the search results.

Step 2. Locate Windows Backup, and double-click on it. On the Windows Backup Properties window, click "Start." Then, click "OK" to confirm.

Following this, restart your Windows 11 PC and attempt to initiate the backup process again. If it still doesn't work, proceed to the next step.

#4. Change RPC (Remote Procedure Call) to Automatic in Registry Editor 1. Press `Win + R` on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type `regedit` and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. 3. Navigate to the following key: ``` HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs ``` 4. In the right pane, locate the `Start` value. If it's not visible, you might need to enable "Show Hidden Icons" from the View menu. 5. Double-click on the `Start` value to edit it. 6. Change the Value data from `4` (Disabled) to `2` (Automatic). 7. Click `OK` to save the changes. 8. Exit the Registry Editor. 9. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. **Caution:** Modifying the registry can be risky. Always create a system restore point or backup your registry before making changes, and ensure you know what you're doing to avoid potential issues.

When the RPC, also known as Remote Procedure Call service, is not configured to start automatically, Windows computers may experience issues with unavailable backup options or backup failures. Here's how to enable Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and RPC Endpoint Mapper to start automatically using the Registry Editor: 1. **Important**: Before making any changes to the registry, it's crucial to create a system restore point or backup your registry files, as incorrect modifications can cause serious problems. 2. Press `Win + R` on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. 3. Type `regedit` and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. 4. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: ``` HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services ``` 5. Locate and expand the `RPC` folder under the Services key. 6. Right-click on `RPC` and select `Properties`. 7. In the RPC Properties window, go to the `General` tab. 8. Change the `Startup type:` to `Automatic`, then click `Apply` and `OK`. 9. Next, locate and expand the `RPC Endpoint Mapper` folder under the Services key. 10. Repeat steps 6-8 for the `RPC Endpoint Mapper` service. After making these changes, restart your computer for the settings to take effect. Your Windows computer should now be able to perform backups without encountering issues related to RPC services.

< strong >Step 1. < /strong >Type < strong >services< /strong > in the search box and click "Services" to open it.

Step 2. Locate and double-click on Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and set the startup type to "Automatic." Then click "OK" to confirm.

Step 3. Next, locate and double-click on "RPC Endpoint Mapper." Set the Startup type to "Automatic," then click "OK" to confirm.

Step 4. Now, close the Registry Editor and restart your Windows 11 to apply all the changes.

Now, you can begin backing up Windows 11 on your PC. If you have followed all the steps outlined above and it works successfully, congratulations - you can stop here. However, if the backup process doesn't work, it might be due to some internal errors in the system drives or system files. In that case, you will need to attempt the next three methods to restore your computer to a healthy state.

#5. Run Error Checking or CHKDSK on the C Drive To perform error checking or run the CHKDSK utility on the C drive, follow these steps: 1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:** - Press `Win + X` on your keyboard and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)" if you're using Windows 11. 2. **Run CHKDSK with the appropriate parameters:** - In the Command Prompt, type the following command to schedule a check for the next restart: ``` chkdsk /f /r /x C: ``` - Here's what each parameter means: - `/f`: Fixes any errors found. - `/r`: Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. - `/x`: Forces the volume to dismount before running CHKDSK. This is necessary if the drive is in use. 3. **Restart your computer:** - After issuing the command, your system will prompt you to restart your computer for the process to begin. Save any open files and close all applications, then click "Yes" to restart. 4. **Wait for CHKDSK to complete:** - Upon restarting, Windows will automatically run CHKDSK on the C drive. This may take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of errors it finds. 5. **Review the CHKDSK results:** - Once the process is finished, Windows will load normally, and you can check the results of the CHKDSK scan in the Command Prompt window that was open during the restart. It will display any errors found and how they were resolved. 6. **If issues persist:** - If CHKDSK doesn't resolve the problem, or if you encounter other issues, consider running additional diagnostics, seeking professional assistance, or performing a more thorough disk repair or data recovery process. Remember that running CHKDSK while the system is in use may not be possible, so scheduling it for the next restart is recommended.

Error Checking and CHKDSK are both internal Windows features that function to check the disk and rectify any detected file system errors on the system drive or data partitions.

Here are the steps you can follow to fix the issue using Error Checking or CHKDSK on Windows 11:

Perform Error Checking on the System C Drive:

Step 1. Open File Explorer, right-click on the C drive, and select "Properties."

Step 2. Go to the 'Tools' tab, and click 'Check' under the error checking section.

Step 3. Click "Scan drive" and allow the app to check and fix any errors it finds on the system C drive.

The sentence you provided is already in English, specifically American English. Here it is again for clarity: Run the CHKDSK Utility to Fix Internal Errors on the C Drive:

Step 1. Click the Windows icon, choose "Search," type cmd in the search bar, then right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator."

Step 2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.

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Allow the process to finish, and then restart your Windows 11. After that, you can attempt to create a backup on Windows 11.

#6. Run SFC - System File Checker

is a similar command that functions to detect and repair corrupted system files on the computer. You can also give it a try on Windows 11 if the backup is not functioning correctly. Here are the steps:

Step 1. In the Windows 11 Search box, type cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and choose "Run as Administrator" to open it.

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Wait patiently for the scanning and repair process to finish, and then try creating a Windows 11 backup again.

Some of you might be wondering what the difference is between SFC and CHKDSK. Click on this link to understand the distinction here:

SFC and CHKDSK: How to Run SFC and Chkdsk

Both SFC (System File Checker) and CHKDSK (Check Disk) are tools that focus on detecting file system corruption. However, they have distinct functionalities. This article aims to clarify their differences and guide you on how to use each utility effectively.

#7. Run the DISM Command to Restore Health to Windows 11

Aside from the SFC command, another essential method you shouldn't overlook is running the DISM Restore Health command to restore your computer to a healthy state. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt on Windows 11 by searching for cmd and right-clicking to open it.

Step 2. Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter to execute the command.

Wait for the process to finish, and once you see a success message, close the window. You can then restart your Windows 11 computer and attempt to create the backup again on your system.

The issue of Windows 11 Backup Not Working has been fully resolved, and you can fix it with the right solutions.

On this page, we have compiled the primary reasons that might prevent you from successfully creating a backup on Windows 11. If you're encountering the same issue on Windows 11 and are unable to make the Windows 11 backup function, don't worry.

First, restart your PC to check if it's a temporary problem. If the issue persists, utilize a tool like Todo Backup to create a full backup of your computer data onto an external hard drive. Next, proceed with the following five manual and effective solutions to resolve this issue. Although the problem of Windows 11 backup not functioning may seem intricate, with patience and by following the correct steps, you can rectify it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 11 Backup Not Working

Here, we've also compiled some other frequently asked questions related to Windows 11. If you have similar concerns, follow along and find the answers within:

1. Windows 11 Backup Stuck at 97%, How to Resolve?

When Windows 11 backup gets stuck on your PC, first restart the computer. Afterwards, verify if your C drive is full.

• If yes, proceed to use a backup software such as Todo Backup, and create a backup of your Windows 11 data onto an external hard drive.
• If not, delete the previous Windows backup and attempt to create a new backup on your computer.

2. Does Windows 11 Have a Backup Program?

Indeed, Windows 11 does have two built-in backup programs. One is Windows Backup and Restore, which is designed to create a system image of the operating system, enabling disaster recovery in case of OS crashes or system failure errors.

The other program is File History, which is designed to create backups of files and folders on the system's C drive. Its purpose is to enable you to quickly retrieve any missing files from the file history backups on your computer.

3. How do I use File History in Windows 11? To use File History in Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Connect an external hard drive or a network location that will be used to store your file backups. 2. Open the "Settings" app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard or by clicking the gear icon in the Start menu. 3. In the Settings app, click on the "System" category, then select "Backup" from the left sidebar. 4. Under the "Backup" section, you'll see an option called "More options." Click on it. 5. If this is your first time using File History, you'll need to set up a backup location. Click on "Add a drive" and select the connected external drive or network location. 6. Once you've selected a drive, File History will automatically turn on. You can customize the settings by clicking on "Configure backup" and choosing options like how often you want backups to occur, which folders to include, and more. 7. To initiate a manual backup, click on the "Backup now" button. This will save a copy of your files to the designated drive. 8. To restore files from File History, go back to the "Backup" settings and click on "Restore your files with File History." A new window will open with a timeline of your backups. Navigate through the different versions of your files and click on the one you want to restore. Then, click "Restore" to save it to its original location or "Save As" to choose a different location. Remember to keep your backup drive connected regularly for automatic backups, or connect it manually when you need to create a new backup.

To use File History in Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Click on the Start button (the Windows logo) located at the bottom left corner of your screen. 2. Type "File History" in the search bar and select the "File History" app from the search results. 3. If it's your first time using File History, you may be prompted to choose a backup location. Connect an external hard drive or a network location where you want to store your backups. 4. Once the backup location is set up, click on the "Turn on" button to enable File History. 5. You can now configure additional settings like how often you want File History to run, how much space to allocate for backups, and which folders to include or exclude. 6. To perform a manual backup, click on the "Backup now" button. File History will start backing up your selected files and folders. 7. To restore files from a previous backup, click on the "Restore my files" option. This will open the File History window, allowing you to browse through different versions of your files and select the one you want to restore. Remember that File History only works if you have previously enabled it and have had at least one successful backup.

Step 1. Connect an external hard drive to your Windows 11 PC if your C drive is full.

Step 2. Click on Windows settings, navigate to System, and then click on "Storage". From there, select "Backup Options".

Step 3. Click "Add a drive" under "Back up using File History."

Step 4. Turn on "Automatically back up my files," and then click "More options" to choose which files you want to back up.