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ZDNET Highlights
- Windows has a hidden backup tool in Windows 10 and 11.
- It can save files to disk, drives, or network locations.
- Not approved by Microsoft, so expect occasional errors.
It’s always a good idea to back up your files regularly, just in case an important or irreplaceable file goes missing. For that, you can turn to a variety of programs. But Windows itself has a built-in backup tool that is simple and flexible. The problem is that you probably don’t even know it exists.
Simply named Windows Backup, this feature lets you choose which folders and files to back up. You can back up just selected files or all your Windows folders. If you ever need to completely reinstall Windows, you should be able to include a complete system image in the backup.
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The limitation here is that you cannot save the system image on removable media. But you can always use the System Image tool to do this separately.
Additionally, you can save the backup to a recordable CD or DVD, an external hard drive, or a network location. You can also set the backup to run regularly. This tool works equally well in Windows 10 and 11.
Is there a catch?
But as always, there is a problem here too. This version of Windows Backup has since been made obsolete by Microsoft, meaning it is no longer supported or updated. As a result, you may encounter problems or errors while using the tool.
In my experience, this generally works reliably. However, the last few times I tried to use a network share as my backup destination, I got an error that the specified network location cannot be used.
Although I confirmed that the network path, credentials and other settings were correct, I still received the same error. I’ve seen posts from other Windows users reporting the same problem. Your mileage may vary, but keep this in mind when choosing your backup destination.
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To add to the mystery, Microsoft introduces a new tool also known as Windows Backup. (Yes, Microsoft likes to use the same names across different products to confuse people.) The new Windows Backup is designed to back up and restore certain files and settings. The main purpose is to help you move from one PC to another. In contrast, the old legacy Windows backup that I’m covering here works more like traditional backup software.
Both tools serve their purpose. But here’s how the old, legacy Windows backup works and how to use it to back up everything you want, to any location.
First, you’ll want to set up the media to store the backup. For this you can choose a CD or DVD, an external USB drive or a network share. I usually use an external drive. Make sure the media is connected and has enough space. Depending on the number of files and the size of the backup, you will need at least 16GB to 32GB of storage.
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If you want to use an external USB drive, select the appropriate USB drive on the next screen. Click Next.
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If you want to try storing the backup on a network share, click the “Save to Network” button. Type the name of your NAS or network drive and click Browse. You will be asked to enter your username and password for the network. From the dropdown menu, select the share name and folder in which you want to save the backup. Click OK. Enter your username and password in the Network Credentials section. Click OK again to proceed.
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As I said before, attempting to use a network share as a backup location results in an error on my end. This is why I always use an external drive at this time.
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On the next screen, you can give Windows the option to choose which files to back up. In that case, the backup will include folders and files in your library, folders on your desktop, and the default location under your user profile. Otherwise, you can choose which folders and files you want to back up. I usually choose the option to let me choose. Make your selection and click Next.
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On the next screen, set the schedule on which you want the backup to start. Click the link to “Change schedule” and choose how often, on which day, and at what time the backup should run. I usually set the backup to start once a week on Friday afternoon. When ready, click OK.
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Let’s now travel to the future, to a time when backups are running regularly. Some of the files included in the backup are now missing or corrupted, and you need to restore them. Return to the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) window and click the “Restore my files” button at the bottom.
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On the next screen, if you know the full or partial name of the files you want to restore, click Search. Otherwise, click “Browse for files” to browse among all backed up files and select specific files, or click “Browse for folders” to check all backed up folders and select a specific folder. Drill down through the backup until you find the location of the backed up folders or files. Select the files you want to restore and click the Add files button.
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Back on the regular screen, click Next. You will then be asked if you want to restore the files to the original location or to a different location. If files are missing, you can restore them to the original location. If they are still there but won’t open or have become corrupted, you may want to restore them to a different location. When ready, click Restore.
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Although Windows Backup is obsolete and no longer supported by Microsoft, it still works at least in most situations. For this reason, it is worth using if you need a handy built-in tool to backup and restore your most important and irreplaceable files.
