When your computer is on the fritz, a factory reset might be helpful because it can fix recurring glitches or crashes. Usually, it is suggested to back up crucial data before making any big changes to your system like a factory reset. How to backup computer before factory reset Windows 10/11? In this guide from MiniTool Solution, we will show you how to do that.

Why Do You Need to Backup Computer Before Factory Reset?

As the name implies, a factory reset allows you to restore your computer to factory settings. By doing so, it will improve the computer’s performance and solve some system issues. However, it also means that all your settings, apps, and personal files will be deleted.

Although Windows 10/11 offers you an option called Keep my files to preserve your personal files including photos, music, videos, and personal documents before resetting, the risk of potential data loss still exists even if you pick this option.  

What files should you back up before factory resetting your Windows 10/11? Important files stored in C drive should be backed up such as files from Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Saved Games, Videos, and more. As for files in the other drives, you don’t need to back them up because a factory reset doesn’t affect them.

Also see: How Long Does It Take to Reset a PC? Find Answers and Speed Up It

How to Backup Computer Before Factory Reset?

Backup Computer Before Factory Reset with MiniTool ShadowMaker

How to backup computer before factory reset Windows 11/10? Firstly, you can try a piece of  PC backup software called MiniTool ShadowMaker. This powerful tool is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. Not only can it backup files, it can also back up data that is not in the form of files or folders, such as selected partitions, the Windows system, and even the whole disk.

What’s more, MiniTool ShadowMaker is very user-friendly. Even if you are not an expert in computers, you can backup data on your Windows device with just a few clicks. Now, let me show you how to create a backup with it:

Step 1. Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition to enter its main interface.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2. In the Backup page, you can select what to backup and where to save the backup image file.

  • Backup source – select the Windows system by default in SOURCE. If you want to back up files, click on SOURCE > Folders and Files to choose the files you want to back up. Also, you can select Disk and Partitions to back up a disk or partitions.
  • Backup destination – go to DESTINATION to select a storage path for the backup. Here, an external hard drive or a USB flash drive is more preferred.
the Backup page

Step 3. After making your choice, click on Back Up Now to start the process immediately.

Tips:
In addition, it is recommended to create an automatic backup with MiniTool ShadowMaker in daily life because backing up data manually might be tedious and time-consuming. To do so: click on Options in the lower right corner > toggle on Schedule Settings > set a specific time point of a day, week, or month > hit OK.
create an automatic backup

Backup Computer Before Factory Reset with File History

To backup files before factory reset, another way is to utilize File History. It is an inbuilt Windows program that allows you to back up files from the C:\Users\Username folder including Pictures, Videos, Documents, Music, Downloads, and more. Follow these steps:

Tips:
Before implementing further operations with File History, make sure to connect a USB flash drive or network drive to your computer.

Step 1. Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security > File Backup.

Step 2. Under Back up using File History, click on Add a drive and then hit More options.

Step 3. In this page, you can adjust backup options such as adding/excluding files in the list, backup frequency, how long to keep your backups, and more. After that, click on Back up now to start the process.

hit Back up now
Windows 10 vs Windows 11 File History: What’s the Difference?
Windows 10 vs Windows 11 File History: What’s the Difference?

Where to find File History in Windows 11? Is it still in Windows Settings? How does it Work? What are the differences between Win10 and Win11 File History?

Read More

Backup Computer Before Factory Reset with Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Backup and Restore (Windows 7) is designed to create a system image, create a recovery disk, set up a selected backup as well as restore specific files. Now, let’s see how to save files before factory reset with this utility:

Step 1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. Click on Set up backup > select where to save the backup > hit Next.

select where you want to save your backup

Step 3. Select Let me choose > hit Next > choose the files you want to back up > hit Save changes and run backup to start the process.

tick Let me choose

Also see:

How to Factory Reset Windows 10/11 from Boot

Factory Reset Any Windows 10 Computer Using Command Prompt

We Need Your Voice

This guide provides you with 3 ways to backup data before factory reset – MiniTool ShadowMaker, File History, Backup and Restore (Windows 7). To ensure a seamless and rapid backup, the first method is more recommended.

For more suggestions or problems about our product, please feel free to contact us via [email protected]. We are always looking forward to your feedback!

Backup Computer Before Factory Reset FAQ

How do I factory reset my computer without losing everything?
To factory reset your PC without data loss, you can select the Keep my files option in Reset this PC. Meanwhile, it’s better to back up all your important data with File History, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), or MiniTool ShadowMaker before resetting to prevent accidental data loss.
What is the best way to backup my entire computer?
To backup your entire computer, the best way is to follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy and resort to professional third-party tools like MiniTool ShadowMaker.
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About The Author

Aurelie
Aurelie

Position: Columnist

Aurelie is a passionate soul who always enjoys researching & writing articles and solutions to help others. Her posts mainly cover topics related to games, data backup & recovery, file sync and so on. Apart from writing, her primary interests include reading novels and poems, travelling and listening to country music.