You should always make a complete backup of your Windows 11 machine to protect your data and system settings. Here’s how to use Windows’ built-in capabilities to build a thorough backup:
Method 1: Connect External Storage Using File History
Make sure you have enough space on an external hard drive or network place to keep your backup.
Access the Settings:
To access the Settings app, press Win + I.
Go to the Update & Security page.
Select “Update & Security” from the menu under Settings.
Options for Access Backup:
To access backup settings, select “Backup” on the left sidebar.
Establish a backup:
Then select “Go to Backup settings.”
Set Up the Backup Drive:
Click “Add a drive” under “Backup using File History,” then choose your external drive.
Adapt Backup Configuration (Optional):
To alter the frequency of backups, the files to include or omit, and the duration of backup retention, click “More options”.
Launch the backup:
Selecting “Back up now” will start the backup procedure.
Method 2: Open Settings Using System Image Backup
To access the Settings app, press Win + I.
Go to the Update & Security page.
Select “Update & Security” from the menu under Settings.
Options for Access Backup:
To access backup settings, select “Backup” on the left sidebar.
Establish a System Image:
In “Looking for an older backup?” select “Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
Launch the backup system image:
Select “Create a system image” from the sidebar on the left.
Choose a Backup Location:
Select the network location or an external drive to save the system image to.
Select Which Drives to Incorporate:
Decide which drives to include in the backup system image.
Launch the backup:
To begin generating the system image, click “Next” and then “Start backup”.
Using Third-Party Backup Software is Method Three.
Third-party backup software is an alternative if you’d like more functionality or increased customisation. Here are a few well-liked choices:
With capabilities like disk cloning, cloud backup, and ransomware protection, Acronis True Image provides all-inclusive backup and recovery solutions.
EaseUS Todo Backup: Offers a variety of backup options, including as file, disk/partition, and system backups, in an intuitive interface.
Macrium Reflect: Provides features like backup scheduling and fast delta cloning in addition to disk imaging and cloning capabilities.
Advice for Reliable Backups:
Plan Backups Frequently: To guarantee that your data is regularly backed up without human involvement, set up automated backup plans.
Test Your Backups: Make sure your backup files can be properly restored and are undamaged by testing them on a regular basis.
Store Backups Off-Site: To guard against theft or physical damage, think about keeping backups in a secure off-site location or on cloud storage.
Encrypt Backups: To prevent unwanted access to important data, encrypt your backup files.
Backup processes Should Be Documented: Keep a copy of your backup processes in a secure location so you can refer to it in an emergency.
You can make a complete backup of your Windows 11 PC by following these instructions and recommended practices to protect your data and system setup against unforeseen circumstances or data loss.