Backup data is an important function for every responsible computer user. There is nothing worse than realizing while sitting in front of a computer that the result of your monthly work or important files have just been lost, which there is no way to recover.
Data is often very valuable. And it doesn’t matter if these are personal files or information that is used for work. Let's see what features for data backup and recovery Microsoft developers equipped with the latest version of their operating system - Windows 10, and also consider the possibility of backing up data recovery using third party programs.
File backup
We sometimes hear about the need to "back up your computer". But it’s not entirely correct to say so, since there are two ways to back up data. First, creating a backup copy of the files, with which you can create copies individual files and folders stored on a computer or any other storage medium. Each user who has important data stored on the computer should back it up on an external hard drive in case the original source is lost or deleted.
System backup
Another way to back up data is known as a System Backup or System Image. This is a more complicated way of backing up data, because in this case we are talking about creating a copy of the entire operating system of a particular computer, along with programs, files and settings. A system backup is used to restore it if Windows becomes unstable or stops working altogether.
A Windows backup can take up hundreds of gigabytes of storage. But using special data backup software, you can configure the function to save only changes that have been made since the last backup of the system.
Backing up and restoring data using Windows
Windows 10 has built-in tools that are designed to create backup copies of files and the system, as well as restore information with their help. Many users do not use them, not knowing about their existence or how to properly configure them. They are more likely to use third-party programs than built-in ones. operating system tools.
File History
by the most in a simple way backing up files and folders, as well as restoring them, is File History. With this function, you can copy data regularly, according to a user-set schedule, and save it to an external HDD or other external media. Copies of files can also be saved to the computer's hard drive (although this is contrary to the basic rule of backup).
To set up File History, go to the Start menu and select Settings. In the Options menu that opens, go to Update & Security / Backup Service.
On the right side of the panel, in the Backup using file history section, click Add Disk. You will be prompted to select one of the connected to the computer external media information. Select the one to which you want to backup data and set the archiving parameters: the interval for saving copies of files and the duration of their storage, if necessary, you can specify a specific folder for a copy of files from which you want to create or remove an unnecessary one.
During backup, File History also automatically copies all user account folders: Pictures, Documents, Downloads, etc.
This feature can be turned off at any time, but in order for user-specified data to be backed up at a set time interval, Automatic File Backup must be turned on.
By default, files are backed up every hour. The minimum time that can be set is 10 minutes, the maximum is Daily. You can also set the duration of backup storage: from one month until the moment you need it. free space(in this case older backups will be deleted automatically to make room for new backups).
Restoring files from a backup
To recover files from a disk with backup data, go to the Control Panel and select the File History menu.
In the left column of the window that opens, select Restore personal files, navigate to the folder and find the file you need to restore. To restore a file, click the green button below and specify the path to restore it. Versions of backup copies of files by date and time of their saving can be selected by pressing the buttons from the right and left arrows.
OneDrive cloud service
Another way to protect yourself from losing important files is to move them to cloud storage and sync it with your computer. There are many such storages: Dropbox, Google drive etc. But a feature of the latest versions of Windows (10, 8, 8.1) is the presence of its own Microsoft cloud service built into the operating system, called OneDrive.
When using one of cloud services, they usually create a folder on the computer disk under their name, the files from which are synchronized. IN latest versions Windows folder OneDrive exists by default, i.e. The service is available to every user immediately after installing the operating system.
Any file. which will be saved in this folder will be immediately copied to the cloud storage and synchronized with it. The user can also access the files in this folder from any other device, just go to your OneDrive account from it.
Recovery Point
Another side of backup and recovery Windows Data 10, there is a recovery system files and performance of the operating system. Creating and restoring an operating system backup is a more complicated process than with a user's personal files and folders. But for this, Windows 10 provides special function- System Restore. With its help, the user can return the operating system to working capacity by “rolling back” to the saved early state - the Recovery Point.
By default, the restore feature in the operating system is not enabled. In order to be able to use it, it must be configured. System Restore works by creating Restore Points, which save the state of Windows to a certain moment time. Along with the settings and state of the operating system, the Recovery Point includes installed applications(For example, Microsoft Office) and device drivers (for example, video cards).
The user can create a restore point at any convenient time. It is also created automatically if you install some application on your computer or download system updates, etc. But remember that System Restore does not restore a user's personal files.
If you begin to notice that the operating system is not working properly or with failures and errors, then you can run one of the previously saved restore points and Windows will return to the state at the time it was created.
To do this, go to the Control Panel and select the menu Recovery / System Recovery Settings / Customize, with which you activate and configure the function.
To restore Windows from a restore point, go to the Control Panel and select the menu Recovery / Start System Restore, select the required restore point and click Next.
System Image
Probably the most basic and complex Windows backup feature is a feature called System Image.
Using this option, you can create a “duplicate” of the entire computer disk, including Windows 10, as well as all programs and user personal data. The system image is saved to an external hard drive, from which, in case of need or failure of the computer, it is deployed back to the computer's hard drive. As a result, the user receives a working version of the operating system, along with programs and files.
This is very useful feature, but its disadvantage is that the user does not have the ability to restore individual files from the system image, as from the File History. You can only fully expand the entire image. Therefore, users often use these functions in parallel.
To create a System Image, go to the Control Panel and select the File Backup and Restore menu. In the column on the left, click Create a system image, and select the drive where you want to save it. Keep in mind that the System Image is usually large.
To restore the system from a System Image, go to System Settings / Update and Security / Recovery, and select special options downloads. After Windows 10 reboots, select System Image Recovery from the menu provided.
Other backup and restore programs Windows files 10
There is never too many backups. If you can back up a backup, then by all means do so. Luckily, Microsoft makes it a lot easier to create a complete copy of your entire computer with the built-in System Image Capture tool.
Never used this utility? We will explain in detail how to use it to your advantage.
A system image in Windows 8.1 and includes a complete copy of the entire system. This backup includes a complete assembly of the operating system, settings, installed programs, Windows applications and all personal files.
The main advantage of this function is that it allows you to completely restore the system in case of critical error software or hardware failure.
Flaw this method is that you will not be able to restore individual files, i.e. all files on the hard drive. Although you will have access to the copied files in the Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.
Also, if you don't back up often, then in the event of a system failure, you may lose valuable documents, settings, or programs because you can only restore data to the time of the last backup.
You can use a system image to create a master backup of your computer that includes the Windows installation itself, everything Latest updates, personalized configurations and programs. You can use File History or the Protect Important Files feature of OneDrive to back up your files. This backup recipe will avoid duplication of files, and you will always have an up-to-date copy of all personal documents.
If the computer is working correctly, then the system backup function will help in all situations where changes have been made to the system that could disrupt performance. In this case, the restoration of the initial state will take an acceptable time.
The instructions provided allow you to create a backup system image in Windows 10, but they work fine in Windows 8.1 as well.
Note. The media must be formatted in file format. NTFS system so that it can be used to store a system image.
Put the portable drive with the system image and the system recovery disc in a safe place.
If your system has stopped starting or you decide to change the primary hard drive on your device, then you can use the following steps to restore your system from a backup:
Advice: if master Windows installation does not start automatically, then you should change the system BIOS settings. Usually, to enter the BIOS, you need to press one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12) or the ESC and Delete keys. Hotkeys depend on the device manufacturer and even on specific model. The exact information can be found in the support section on the official website of the manufacturer.
Advice: You can select the "Select a system image" option if you have created multiple system backups. In this case, you can restore an older copy.
After completing these steps, the system recovery process will begin. The time it takes to complete the operation depends on the amount of data to be restored and the characteristics of your hardware. Any process interruptions can disrupt the computer and prevent it from booting up, so make sure your computer is connected to a UPS. In the case of a laptop, before starting the recovery, make sure that the device is connected to the mains power source.
Since a long time may have passed since the backup was created, it is recommended to go to the Settings > Update & Security > Center windows updates and select the "Check for Updates" option to download and install the latest security patches.
A system backup image can be very useful in many cases. For example, if you are going to upgrade to new version Windows 10, be sure to create a copy of the system to simplify the process of rolling back to previous version in case of serious errors and failures after the update. In addition, it is recommended that you create regular backups in case you need to quickly restore your system after a hardware or system failure, malware infection, or other problems.
However, you need to be aware of the limitations and features this method recovery. For example, the user must take the initiative when creating backups, since the system state and files can only be restored to the time a full backup was created. Any data, settings, and applications created, modified, or installed after the backup will not be restored during this process.
This feature is designed to restore the entire system, and not to restore individual files, settings and applications. If you want to keep an up-to-date copy of your files, you should consider additional use features or OneDrive Protecting Important Files.
System imaging is a deprecated feature in Windows 10. This means that while you can still create backups, the feature may suddenly stop working or may be removed in future versions.
How often do you make a full backup of your computer? Which software you are using? Share your backup experience in the discussion below.
In this article, we will look at how to back up Windows 10 of the entire operating system to this moment with everyone installed programs. If suddenly the computer stopped working normally and you decided to reinstall the OS, the system will provide the opportunity to reset the settings to their original state.
A system reset is essentially a rollback to the state that was immediately after installing Windows 10. If we have a backup copy of Windows 10 with all the programs installed, then we literally get a working computer in a few minutes, and we will not need to install the programs again.
In order to back up Windows 10, go to Control Panel >> Update and Security>> Backup Service>> Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
In the window that opens, on the left side, click "Create a system image"
Next, at this stage, you need to choose a place where we will store a copy of the system image. By default, the system itself suggested desired section for storage. But other options are also available for saving a backup. As we can see, in addition to saving information on the hard drive, it is possible to save to a DVD drive and to a network folder, if available.
Wait until the end of the process, archiving will last 15-20 minutes. The Windows 10 backup will be saved to " local disk D" whose name will be WindowsImageBackup. Now we have the ability to restore the entire Windows 10 system to a working state of the computer.
As you can see, we didn’t do anything complicated, so after installing Windows, after installing all the drivers, everything desired programs- be sure to create a backup copy of Windows 10, so that in case of problems, you can quickly roll back the system back.
Perhaps the easiest way to back up Windows 10 is to use a special free program to backup or restore your AOMEI Backupper Standard system.
After you launch the program, go to the "Backup" tab. Here are 4 options for backup:
As you already understood, we need to select the first option "System backup". Next, specify a name for the backup and specify where the copy of the Windows 10 system will be saved. The program itself can choose a suitable location, but you can also set it yourself by specifying the path to save in "Step 2". It can be a folder, drive or network drive. Click "Start".
Backup copy (backup or backup) of the operating Windows systems 10 is an OS image with programs, settings, files, user information, and the like installed at the time the copy was created. For those who like to experiment with the system, this is an urgent need, since this procedure allows you not to reinstall Windows 10 when critical errors occur.
You can create a backup of Windows 10 or its data both using third-party applications and using built-in tools. Since Windows 10 OS can have a huge variety of settings and functions, an easier way to create a backup is to use additional software, but if you advanced user, then instructions for using standard tools may also come in handy. Let's take a closer look at some of the redundancy methods.
Handy Backup- a simple and convenient utility with which even an inexperienced user can backup data. The Russian-language interface and convenient Copy Wizard make Handy Backup an indispensable assistant. The minus of the application is a paid license (with the ability to use a 30-day trial version).
The process of backing up data using this program is as follows.
Aomei Backupper Standard is a utility that, like Handy Backup, allows you to create a system backup without unnecessary troubles. In addition to a user-friendly interface (in English), its advantages include a free license and the ability to both create a backup copy of data separately and make full backup systems.
To make a full backup using this program, follow these steps.
Macrium Reflect is another easy to use program. Like AOMEI Backupper, Macrium Reflect has an English interface, but an intuitive interface and free license make this utility quite popular among ordinary users.
You can make a reservation using this program by following these steps:
Backup utility
This is a built-in Windows 10 tool with which you can make a backup in a few steps.
It is worth noting that the methods described by us are far from all possible options operating system redundancy. There are other programs that allow you to do a similar procedure, but they are all similar to each other and are used in a similar way.
Windows 10 is a priority for Microsoft. The corporation is making every effort to improve the security of the OS, trying to keep the privacy of users safe.
But sometimes the operating system may crash on the computer, and as a result, the user's personal data will be lost. Restoration requires take advantage of the backup a copy of Windows 10
Windows 10 backup serves as the best way to protect system files and your personal information. The first thing to do after adding important information to your PC or reinstalling the OS is create a working copy of user data and system settings .
Built-in tool Windows 10 allows copy all files on the hard drive, including user programs and settings. This The best way protection of important data in case of system damage.
Before creating a working copy of Windows 10, make sure you are logged into your account administrator and connected a portable disk or flash drive to the computer.
After that, the system will prompt you to create a special partition on the disk containing system recovery tools, thanks to which you can return Windows 10 to a working state.
As soon as Windows backup is completed, disconnect the portable drive or USB flash drive from the computer.
If Windows 10 is damaged or does not start, then you can restore personal data from an existing operating system working image. Before performing the restore operation, connect the hard drive or flash drive with the Windows 10 backup to the computer.
