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Although Windows Backup is a decent backup solution for Windows 11, it has its limitations. That’s why I rely on a three-step process to properly back up my Windows 11 PC. Here’s how I do it with Windows Backup, File History, and a third-party solution.
1Using Windows Backup
Windows Backup is a native backup option available in Windows 11. By default, it backs up all the folders in the “Users” directory, such as Pictures, Documents, Music, and Videos, along with system settings, preferences, apps list, and saved credentials, to OneDrive.
To configure Windows Backup, follow these steps:
Once done, you can restore your backup after a reset or clean installation of Windows. In the Windows setup wizard, sign in with your Microsoft Account. On theRestore from your PC backupscreen, choose the PC backup that you want to restore, then clickRestore from this PC.
2Backing Up Files to an External Storage Using File History
File History is another important component of my backup strategy. When enabled, it detects any changes made to files in the user directory and backs them up as often as you want. This way, you’re able to recover old versions of changed files if you ever need them.
Since it’s not configured by default, you’ll need toenable and set up File History via the Control Panel in Windows 11. You can customize the backup frequency—anywhere from every few minutes to every 24 hours—and decide when to delete older backups for efficient storage management.
3Creating a Full System Image Backup
An image backup backs up your entire disk to an external drive. In a rare scenario where your internal drives fail, you can use a recovery disk to restore all your data, including Windows installation, from an image backup.
I useMacrium Reflectto create image backups. It’s a premium app that offers a free 30-day trial. Once the trial period ends, it switches to theRestore Onlymode, allowing you to restore any previously created backup. However, you won’t be able to create new backups without a license.
To get started, go to theMacrium Reflect Home page, clickFree Trial, then choose64-bit. You may need to register and verify your account before you can download the installer. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
To create an image backup, connect your external storage device to your computer. Launch Macrium Reflect, and select all the drives you want to back up. Then clickImage selected disks on this computeroption in the left pane.
In theDestinationsection, click theFolder iconand choose your backup drive. Make sure the correct storage drive is selected. You have the option to name your backup, but I prefer the default naming scheme.
ClickAdvanced Optionsto customize your backup preferences. Head to theCompressiontab in the sidebar, click theCompressionlevel drop-down, and chooseHighto reduce the backup file size. you’re able to even set a password for your backup from thePasswordtab.
Click theAuto Verify Imagein the left sidebar, then selectVerify image backup file directly after creationto verify the integrity of the image after it’s created. In theShutdowntab, you can choose to shut down your computer once the backup is complete. ClickOKto save the changes, then clickNext.
Macrium Reflect supports backup plans (Incremental,Differential, orFull), allowing you to configure automated backups. This is optional, though. If you prefer to make a manual backup, selectNone.
I prefer to create a full backup once every month, and if you wish to do the same, you need to create a schedule. UnderAdd/Edit Schedules, clickAdd Schedule, then chooseFull.
SetFrequencytoMonthly, then leave other options as default. You can make minor changes here as you prefer. Once done, clickOK.
Ideally, you should keep at least three full backups. However, this can vary depending on how frequently you make changes on your computer. ClickNext, review the summary of your backup plan, and then clickFinish. Enter a name for the backup definition, then clickOK.
Depending on your storage type and the backup size, the process can take some time to finish. It took about 13 minutes to back up my 229GB M.2 Windows drive to an internal Samsung SATA SSD. With high compression selected, the final backup size was around 113 GB, which is impressive.
When you need to perform a restore, you’ll need a rescue media to boot into the Macrium Reflect Recovery Environment and then restore from the backup disk image. You can refer toour guide on using Macrium Reflectfor detailed instructions.
Relying on a single backup source can be risky. My ideal strategy includes the built-in Windows Backup tool, the File History feature, and a full image backup using Macrium Reflect. Having multiple backups in multiple places can be a lifesaver in most cases.
