Data Backup

How To Backup A Windows 10 PC

February 21, 2024

Backing up your Windows 10 PC is critical to protect your data and settings. In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know to properly back up your Windows 10 computer.

Why You Should Backup Your Windows 10 PC

There are a few key reasons why regularly backing up your Windows 10 PC is essential:

Protect Against Data Loss: Hardware failures, hard drive crashes, ransomware attacks, and accidental deletion can result in permanent data loss. Backups ensure you have a copy of your files if something happens.
Restore After Reinstalling Windows: If you need to reinstall Windows for any reason, a backup allows you to restore your settings and files so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Migrate to a New PC: When getting a new PC, you can use a backup to transfer your data, settings, and installed applications to the new computer.
Revert Settings or Files: Backups give you the flexibility to revert to previous versions of files or system settings if needed.

Types of Backups on Windows 10

There are a few different types of backups available on Windows 10:

File History

Automatically saves multiple versions of files like documents, photos, and music over time.
Allows restoring previous versions of files or folders.
Only protects user files, not system files or settings.

System Image

Creates an exact snapshot of everything on your PC including operating system, settings, apps, and files.
Allows full system restore back to exactly how your PC was at the time of the backup.
Takes more storage space than file history.

Cloud Storage

Backs up files by uploading them to an online cloud service like OneDrive.
Access files from other PCs and devices when logged into your cloud account.
Limited storage space depending on your cloud storage plan.

Third-Party Backup Tools

Software like Acronis True Image offers advanced backup options.
Features like full disk imaging, incremental backups, external drive backups.
Typically not free, require purchase of software.

How to Use File History in Windows 10

The built-in File History tool is handy for continuously backing up personal files from your libraries, desktop, contacts, favorites, and more. Here is how to set it up:

1. Connect an External Drive

First, connect an external hard drive, SSD, or USB drive directly to your Windows 10 PC. This is where your file history backups will be saved.

2. Open Backup Settings

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup in Windows 10. Under Backup Settings, click “Add a drive” and select your external drive.

3. Turn On File History

Toggle Automatically back up my files to On. This will continuously backup your folders as you add and modify files.

4. Select Folders to Include

Under More options, click “Back up now” to open File History. Here you can choose which folders on your system drive to include in backups.

5. Review Backup Progress

File History will regularly back up your files whenever changes are made. Under Advanced settings you can adjust how often backups occur.

6. Restore Files if Needed

If you ever need to restore a previous version of a file, open File History, navigate to the file, and click “Restore” to retrieve it.

Using Windows 10 System Image for Full Backups

To create a complete system image backup with Windows 10:

1. Connect Backup Drive

Connect an external HDD or SSD with enough storage capacity to hold a full system image. A system image will be large – at least 50GB to 100GB.

2. Type Create Backup into Search

Type “create a backup” into the Windows search box and select it. Choose Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

3. Create System Image

Select Create a system image on the left panel. Choose the external drive as the backup destination. Start the backup process.

4. Schedule Regular System Images

For regular backups, go to the Windows Task Scheduler and create a new automated task to run the system image backup monthly or weekly.

5. Restore System Image if Needed

In case of system failure, boot into the Windows recovery environment, select System Image Recovery, choose your backup drive and select the system image to restore.

Backing Up Files to OneDrive Cloud Storage

OneDrive integration makes it easy to backup your files to the cloud in Windows 10:

1. Set Up OneDrive

Download the OneDrive app for Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store. Sign in with your Microsoft account to configure OneDrive.

2. Choose Folders to Sync

In OneDrive settings, click “Choose folders” and select which folders on your PC you want to continuously backup to the cloud.

3. Verify Files are Uploading

Check the OneDrive folder and app to see your files being uploaded from your local PC to your OneDrive cloud storage. New files will automatically be synced.

4. Access Files Anywhere

Once in the cloud, your backed up files can be accessed from any PC, smartphone or tablet by logging into your Microsoft account and OneDrive app.

5. Restore Files if Deleted

If any synced files are accidentally deleted or lost on your PC, you can restore them from your cloud backup in OneDrive.

Tips for Effective Windows 10 Backups

Follow these tips to make sure your Windows 10 backups are working effectively:

Check Backup Drives – Periodically scan external backup drives for errors and ensure they have enough free space.
Multiple Backups – Use both file history and system images for comprehensive backups. Also back up important files offsite to the cloud.
Automate Backups – Use Task Scheduler to automate system image and cloud storage backups on a regular basis.
Store Backups Offsite – Keep at least one backup copy in a secure offsite location in case of theft, fire or natural disaster.
Test Restores – Verify backups by performing test restores of files and system images periodically.
Encrypt Backups – Use BitLocker or other encryption to secure backups, especially if storing offsite.
Backup Before Major Changes – Be sure to perform a full system backup before making major hardware changes or upgrades.

With the right backup strategy, you can effectively protect your files and settings on a Windows 10 PC. Follow these best practices and your data will be safe.