Best Way to Back up Windows 11 to External Drive/Cloud, Full Guide

Do You Need to Back up Windows 11

It is certainly worth your time to back up Windows 11 to safeguard your files and even the operating system.

• Data backup: There are many ways for files to be lost or corrupted, from device malfunctions to malware attacks. Backups ensure that you can recover your data if something goes wrong.
• System backup: Having a system backup in hand allows you to restore the computer to a previous working state. You won’t spend much time looking for fixes to address system issues. This greatly minimizes downtime.

If you don’t have a proper backup, your precious family photos, work documents, and settings are at risk of being lost. So, take action for Windows 11 backup.

When to Back Up

You should back up Windows 11 before/after major changes or regularly. Here is a list.

• Before Major changes to the operating system: Before upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10, installing feature updates, or reinstalling the system, back up crucial data or the system.
• Before making system changes: It is wise to create a Windows 11 system backup if you plan to make significant changes to the system configuration.
• After significant changes: Back up Windows 11 again after making new changes to the system configuration, installing new software, or adding important files.
• Regularly: For frequently changing data, consider daily or weekly backups.

What to Consider When Choosing a Backup Method

When selecting the best way to back up Windows 11, take some things into consideration. They involve what to back up, where to back up, backup frequency, and so on.

Let’s take a look at a detailed breakdown.

What to Back up

Files and folders you don’t want to lose: Documents, photos, screenshots, audios, songs, videos, downloaded files/folders.

System: The Windows 11 operating system, apps, and settings/preferences.

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Where to Back up

• Removable devices such as USB flash drives: For small backups, a USB drive is convenient.
• External hard drives, both HDDs and SSDs: They are a popular choice to back up Windows 11. An external drive offers large storage space and is affordable. But it is susceptible to damage.
• DAS (Direct Attached Storage): Due to its speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, DAS can be a suitable backup solution. It is useful for individual users and medium-sized businesses.
• Network locations or NAS (Network Attached Storage): NAS allows for centralized storage for multiple devices, making it highly flexible to control over your data.
• Cloud storage: Services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox provide off-site backups. You can access backed-up files from various devices.

How Often Do You Back up

The data backup frequency depends on how often your data changes and its importance.

Critical data: It includes data that changes frequently or crucial data, such as financial records, employee data, customer databases, etc. Back up this data daily or even hourly.

Important documents: It is advisable to back up documents and academic & project files at least weekly. If you frequently modify the data, consider daily backups.

Less frequently changing data: For family photos and personal videos, create monthly backups. Or back up them once or twice a year.

In addition, you had better also consider security, compatibility, budget, and the backup software you use.

Next, let’s explore how to back up Windows 11 to an external drive or cloud.

5 Best Solutions to Back up Windows 11

Computer backup solutions involve using MiniTool ShadowMaker, File History, Backup and Restore, OneDrive, and Windows Backup. Learn the pros and cons of each one to find the best way to back up Windows 11 that suits you.

MiniTool ShadowMaker

MiniTool ShadowMaker, the professional and reliable backup software, is highly recommended. It is a comprehensive backup and recovery solution for laptops, desktops, and workstations.

It supports various file systems, including exFAT, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, and Ext2/3/4.

Moreover, any storage device that Windows recognizes via local connections can be detected by this backup tool.

Specially designed for Windows, this free backup software provides great compatibility. You can run it properly in Windows 11/10/8/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016.

#1. What it does

MiniTool ShadowMaker comes with numerous features to safeguard your data and offer fast disaster recovery.

Here are some highlights.

• Easily creates a system image on a USB drive, external hard drive, NAS, DAS, etc. In case of system failures or crashes, it can be used to restore the PC to a previous working state.
• Allows you to backup files, folders, systems, disks, and partitions. Thus, it offers a comprehensive guide for the computer.
• Syncs files or folders to another location to keep data safe.
• Supports restoring Windows backup to a different computer with dissimilar hardware. To be specific, you can back up the system on a working PC, perform the system recovery on another PC, and fix incompatibility issues via Universal Restore.
• Sets a backup plan on a regular basis to protect your data and ensure business continuity. In detail, you are allowed to create backups every day/week/month, or on an event.
• Offers support for 3 common backup types. You can create full backups for all the data. Then, make incremental backups (since the last backup) or differential backups (since the last full backup) for the only changed data.
• Easily manages the storage space by deleting old backup versions.
• Enables you to clone a hard drive to another drive, like HDD/SSD, for an upgrade. Also, it lets you move Windows to another drive.

#2. How to use it

MiniTool ShadowMaker stands out in the backup software market due to its all-in-one backup solutions.

If you plan to back up files or create a system image in Windows 11, install this backup software. Get started! Then, you can enjoy most of the features for free within 30 days.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

See the guide on how to back up Windows 11 to an external drive/USB drive:

Step 1: First, connect an external hard drive or USB drive to your computer.

Step 2: On the Backup page, the current OS is auto-selecte as the source.

To create a system image for Windows 11, navigate to DESTINATION > Computer. Then, choose the connected device as the target.

To back up files, head to SOURCE > Folders and Files. Then, check the box of the files you want to back up. Next, choose a target path to save the backups.

Step 3: Finally, perform the backup immediately by clicking Back Up Now.

Before proceeding to the last step, you can click Options to configure advanced settings for the Windows 11 backup.

• Backup Options: Configure the software to run a sector-by-sector backup; choose a compression level; add a comment for the backup; enable email notification, etc.
• Backup Scheme: Set a backup type like incremental, and meanwhile, delete old versions.
• Schedule Settings: Set scheduled backups for your important data.

#3. Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free version with core features
• Fast image backups
• User-friendly interface
• Automatic backups
• Full, incremental, and differential backups
• Disk cloning
• No bundled adware

Cons:

• Lack of cloud integration
• One-way sync
• No file/folder refresh

In our opinion, MiniTool ShadowMaker is the best way to back up Windows 11 to an external hard drive.

But someone wonders about Windows 11’s built-in backup tools. Let’s explore them one by one.

File History

Microsoft introduced File History in Windows 8 to automatically back up and protect personal files. In Windows 11, it has been removed from Settings.

#1. What it does

• By default, it backs up files in the user folder (Desktop, Videos, Music, Pictures, Documents, and Downloads).
• File History preserves multiple versions of files. So, it is easy to restore an earlier version of a document. Even if your documents are deleted or overwritten, you can do that.
• This backup tool creates copies of files to an external hard drive or a network location once activated.
• File History uses the USN Journal (Update Sequence Number Journal) to continuously track changes in the folders. Then, it automatically backs up revisions of files.
• You can customize how often backups occur and how long versions are kept.

These features make File History the best way to back up Windows 11 files.

#2. How to use it

Step 1: Type Control Panel in Search and press Enter on your keyboard to open it.

Step 2: View all the times by Large icons and then click File History.

Step 3: If you receive the message “No usable drive was found.”, we recommend using an external hard drive. Just connect it to your computer and refresh this page.

If you ever connected a drive, make sure you enable File History by hitting Turn on.

Step 4: Confirm the backup settings and hit Run now. In my case, Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favourites are copied to drive G.

Other backup options

• Select drive: This option allows you to add another drive, like a USB drive, and choose it as the target. Or, you can click Add network location to add a location and copy files to it.
• Exclude folders: Adding excluded folders is ideal if you don’t save copies of specific folders.
• Advanced settings: By default, File History saves copies of files every hour and keeps saved versions forever. You can change the settings as per your needs.

#3. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Simple to set up and use
• Free and built-in
• Automatically backs up files from Libraries
• Restores previous versions of files

Cons:

• Doesn’t back up the system or custom folders
• Only backs up to an external drive or network location
• Needs to be manually enabled

Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

When it comes to “best way to back up computer Windows 11”, some users recommend Backup and Restore. It is a built-in legacy solution from Windows 7. But it can still work in Windows 11.

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#1. What it does

• Backup and Restore (Windows 7) backs up files saved in Libraries, on the desktop, and in default Windows folders.
• It allows you to create a backup image of the entire system, including the OS, applications, and settings.
• You can save backups to an external drive, a DVD, or a network drive.
• This backup software supports automatic backups. The default setting is every Sunday (Daily). But you can reschedule the frequency, such as Weekly or Monthly.
• Backup and Restore can back up the changed or new files since the last backup.
• This utility allows you to create a system repair disc. With it, system recovery becomes easy in case of system crashes.

#2. How to use it

To back up Windows 11 to an external drive, follow these steps.

Step 1: Connect an external drive to your PC first.

Step 2: In Control Panel, hit Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 3: Click the Create a system image link to proceed.

Step 4: Choose the external drive under On a hard disk.

Step 5: The drives required for Windows to run are selected. Hit Next to continue.

Step 6: Confirm backup settings and then begin creating a full system image.

Further tips:

1. Once backup finishes, click Create a system repair disc. That way, you have a repair disc to boot your computer for system recovery.

2. Backup and Restore doesn’t allow you to create a system image on a USB drive. It can throw up the error “the drive is not a valid backup location”. For this task, run the backup software, MiniTool ShadowMaker.

3. To back up folders, click Set up back-up on the right side.

#3. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Free and built-in
• Offers data protection from loss
• Creates a full system image
• Restores individual files for backups

Cons:

• Lack of flexibility
• Not support individual file backup
• Not allow for cloud storage
• Requires a large storage space
• Backup failures/errors often occur

Cloud Storage Like OneDrive

Another backup solution is to use a cloud storage service. Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox are used by many users to sync/back up specific folders or files to the cloud. The cloud service can be the best way to back up Windows 11 files due to the pros of cloud backup.

Today, we take OneDrive as an example for Windows 11 data backup.

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#1. What OneDrive does

• Microsoft OneDrive is integrated into Windows 11. So, this makes it a convenient location for saving and managing files.
• It allows you to store, access, and share files/folders across devices signed in with the same Microsoft account.
• OneDrive integrates with Microsoft 365 apps for real-time collaboration on documents. That is to say, multiple users can edit the same document at the same time. And the changes appear instantly for everyone.
• You can back up folders on your PC, including Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Music, and Videos, to the cloud.

#2. How to use it

Step 1: Type OneDrive in Windows 11 Search and click Open to launch it.

Step 2: Enter a Microsoft account to sign in.

Step 3: Your OneDrive folder is in C:\Users\username. To change the default location, hit Change location.

Step 4: Determine which folders on the PC you want to back up. Then, click Start backup.

Step 5: Finish the rest setup by following the on-screen prompts.

Step 6: To manage OneDrive settings, click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, hit the gear icon, and choose Settings.

#3. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ubiquitous access
• Easy sharing
• Real-time collaboration
• Seamless integration with Windows 11

Cons:

• Requires an internet connection
• Has limited storage space (5GB) in the free edition
• Only syncs files & folders, not the entire system

Windows Backup

In Windows 11, there is a native backup option named Windows Backup. Also, the Windows Backup app is integrated into Windows 10.

#1. What it does

• It backs up files from Desktop, Documents, Videos, Music, and Pictures to OneDrive.
• It supports backing up apps and credentials to OneDrive.
• It allows you to back up Windows settings and preferences.
• It allows you to easily restore backed-up items to a new PC or after an upgrade.

How to use it

Step 1: Go to Windows 11 Settings by pressing Win + I.

Step 2: Navigate to Accounts > Windows back up.

Step 3: Hit Manage sync settings to choose the folders you want to protect.

Besides, enable Remember my apps and Remember my preferences to back up apps and your preferences.

Step 4: After finishing the configurations for Windows Backup, launch it.

Just type Windows back up to Search and press Enter.

Step 5: Finally, click Continue to begin backing up.

#3. Pros & Cons

• Ease of use
• Free and built-in
• Backs up folders, apps, settings, and credentials to OneDrive

Cons:

• No support for the entire system
• Limited storage space
• Needs an internet connection

Conclusion

Which is the best way to back up Windows 11 that suits you? We make a conclusion here to help you.

Choose the proper way depending on actual needs:

• Create a system image: Use MiniTool ShadowMaker or Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
• Backup individual files and folders: Run MiniTool ShadowMaker that supports automatic, incremental & differential backups.
• Only back up personal files: Use File History or OneDrive.
• Set up a new Windows 11 PC or transfer personal files, settings, and apps from an older Windows device: Use the Windows Backup app.

Best Practices for Windows 11 Backup

In terms of computer backup in Windows 11, you should follow some backup practices.

• Implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy: Keep 3 copies of your data (the original, one backup stored to an external hard drive, and another backup saved offsite, like the cloud).
• Automate backups: Schedule backups to run automatically, ensuring you always have an up-to-date backup.
• Combine backups: Create an image backup for the entire system, regularly back up files to an external drive, and sync folders/files to OneDrive.
• Secure your backups: When using third-party software like MiniTool ShadowMaker, use its encryption option to keep backup data safe.
• Test backups: Regularly do this work to ensure backups are functioning properly and restorable.

The End

In this post, you can learn 5 backup solutions for PC backup and how to back up Windows 11 using them. Choose the best way to back up Windows 11 now, as per your needs.

If you encounter any issues while using MiniTool ShadowMaker, just send an email to [email protected].

Best way to Back up Windows 11 FAQ