ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Windows has a hidden backup tool in Windows 10 and 11.
- It can save files to discs, drives, or network locations.
- Deprecated by Microsoft, so expect occasional errors.
Regularly backing up your files is always a good idea, just in case any important or irreplaceable ones go missing. For that, you can turn to a variety of programs. But Windows itself has a built-in backup tool that’s simple and flexible. The catch is that you probably don’t even know it exists.
Named simply Windows Backup, this feature lets you choose which folders and files to back up. You can back up only select files or all your Windows folders. You’re supposed to be able to include an entire system image in the backup in case you ever need to restore Windows in full.
The limitation here is that you can’t save the system image on removable media. But you can always use the system image tool to do this separately.
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Further, you’re able to save the backup on a recordable CD or DVD, an external hard drive, or a network location. You can also set the backup to run on a regular basis. The tool works the same in Windows 10 and 11.
But as always, there is a hiccup here. This version of Windows Backup has since been deprecated by Microsoft, which means it’s no longer supported or updated. As a result, you could bump into issues and errors when using the tool.
In my experience, it generally works reliably. However, the last few times I tried using a network share as my backup destination, I received an error that the specified network location cannot be used. Although I confirmed that the network path, credentials, and other settings were correct, I continued to get the same error. I’ve seen posts from other Windows users complaining of 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 offers a newer tool also known as Windows Backup. (Yes, Microsoft loves to use the same names across different products to confuse people.) The newer Windows Backup is designed to back up and restore certain files and settings. The main objective is to help you move from one PC to another. In contrast, the older legacy Windows Backup that I’m covering here operates more like traditional backup software.
Both tools serve their purpose. But here’s how the older, legacy Windows Backup works and how to use it to back up anything you want, to any location you want.
First, you’ll want to set up the media for storing the backup. For this, you can choose a CD or DVD, an external USB drive, or a network share. I typically 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’ll want at least 16GB to 32GB of storage.
If you wish to use an external USB drive, select the appropriate one at the next screen. Click Next.
If you want to attempt to store the backup on a network share, click the button for “Save on a network.” Type the name of your NAS or network drive and click Browse. You’ll be prompted 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, trying to use a network share as the backup location triggers an error on my end. That’s one reason I always use an external drive at this point.
At the next screen, you can opt to let Windows select which files to back up. In that case, the backup will include the folders and files in your libraries, the ones on your desktop, and the default locations under your user profile. Otherwise, you can choose which folders and files you want to back up. I typically select the option to let me choose. Make your selection and click Next.
At the next screen, set the schedule at which you want the backup to start. Click the link for “Change schedule” and choose how often the backup should run, on which day, and at what time. I typically set the backup to kick off once a week on a Friday afternoon. When ready, click OK.
At the regular screen, review the folders to be included and the schedule. If you need to make any changes, click the back arrow at the top to return to any previous screens. Otherwise, click the button for “Save settings and run backup.” The initial screen will indicate that your backup is in progress. When that status disappears, the backup is complete.
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Now let’s travel to the future, at a point when the backup has been 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 button at the bottom for “Restore my files.”
At the next screen, click Search if you know the full or partial name of the files you wish to restore. Otherwise, click “Browse for files” to browse among all the backed-up files and select specific files, or “Browse for folders” to check out all the 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 at the regular screen, click Next. You’re then asked whether you want to restore the files to the original location or a different spot. If the files are missing, you can restore them to the original location. If they still exist but won’t open or are corrupted, you may want to restore them to a different location. When ready, click Restore.
Though Windows Backup is deprecated and no longer supported by Microsoft, it still works, at least under most conditions. For that reason, it’s worth using if you need a handy built-in tool to back up and restore your most important and irreplaceable files.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
