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How to Backup and Restore Files in Windows 10
Edited 2 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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Windows 10 provides users with simple and effective ways to ensure the safety of their data through features like backup and restore. Keeping a backup of your files is important, as it helps prevent data loss from unexpected events like system crashes or hardware failures. In this detailed guide, we will discuss how to backup and restore files on Windows 10. We will break down the steps and use simple language to explain each part of the process. This will make it easy for anyone to understand and implement. Let's take a look at ways to keep your important files safe.
Understanding file backup in Windows 10
Backing up files means making copies of your data so that these copies can be used to restore the original data if it is lost. In Windows 10, there are several ways to back up files, the most commonly used of which is the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool. This tool, although originally from Windows 7, is fully functional on Windows 10 and allows users to create backups of files, including system images.
Why you should back up your files
Backups act as a safety net. Here are some reasons why it's important to back up your data:
- Data protection: By backing up your files, you protect your data from corruption, hardware failure, and accidental deletion.
- Easy restore: With backup, you can easily restore files to their original state with minimal effort.
- Protection from threats: Backups provide protection against threats such as ransomware and other types of malware.
How to back up files using Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
A step-by-step guide to backing up files
Let us now see the step-by-step procedure to back up files using Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature of Windows 10:
Step 1: Access Backup & Restore
To begin, open the Control Panel. You can do this by typing "Control Panel" into the Start menu search bar and clicking the appropriate result. Once in the Control Panel, select System and Security. From there, click Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2: Set up backup
In the Backup and Restore window, click Set up backup. Windows will start scanning for available drives where the backup can be saved. It is best to use an external hard drive for backup to ensure that the files are safe if your internal drive fails.
Step 3: Choose the backup location
After scanning is complete, choose a location to save the backup. This is usually an external hard drive, but it can also be a network location. Once you have chosen your desired location, click Next.
Step 4: Choose files to backup
You will have two options to select the data to backup:
- Let Windows choose: Windows will back up data files saved in the Libraries, Desktop, and default Windows folders.
- Let me choose: You can manually select the folders and files you want to back up.
Once you've made your selections, click Next. If you choose to manually select the files, make sure you check the box that says Include a system image of the drive to back up the system files needed to recover Windows.
Step 5: Review backup settings
Before starting the backup, Windows will present a summary of your backup settings. Review these settings to make sure everything is set according to your preferences. Click Save Settings and Run Backup to begin the backup process.
Step 6: Complete the backup
The backup process will begin, and the time it takes will depend on the amount of data you are backing up. You will see the progress of the backup, and once completed, Windows displays a message stating that the backup has finished successfully.
How to restore files using Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
Step-by-step guide to restoring files
Restoring files is just as essential as backing them up, and here's how you can do that using the Backup and Restore feature:
Step 1: Open Backup and Restore
Once again, open Control Panel, go to System and Security, and select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2: Select restore files
In the Backup and Restore window, look for the Restore section. Here, click Restore my files to start the file restoration process.
Step 3: Choose the backup files
You must select the backup from which you want to restore files. Windows may provide a list of available backups or prompt you to browse for a backup on a connected external drive or network location. Select the backup you want and click Next.
Step 4: Choose the files to restore
You will be able to select the files or folders you want to restore. You can use options such as Search, Browse for files, or Browse for folders to find the specific data you want to recover. After selecting your file, click Next.
Step 5: Choose the restore location
Decide where to restore the files. You can restore them to their original location or choose a new location. Once you've made your selection, click Restore.
Step 6: Complete the restore process
Windows will begin restoring your files. The time it takes will depend on the size of the files being restored. Upon completion, it will notify you that your files have been successfully restored to the desired location.
Additional tips for file backup and restore
Scheduling regular backups
If automatic backups are important to you, consider setting up a backup schedule. The Backup and Restore tool allows you to run backups on a scheduled schedule:
- In the Backup section, click Change schedule and set your backup frequency (e.g., daily, weekly).
- Select the day and time you want your backup to take place.
- Make sure your external hard drive or other backup location is connected before the scheduled backup.
Make sure the external drive is available
If you are using an external drive for backup, make sure it is always accessible to your computer. This helps prevent any interruptions in your backup schedule.
Test your backup
It is a good practice to periodically test your backups by restoring some files to make sure your backup system is working and that you can actually restore your files in the event of data loss.
Consider cloud backup
In addition to local backups, consider using cloud backup services like OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox for added security. Cloud storage adds another layer to your backup strategy and ensures you can access your files from anywhere.
Using a system image backup
In addition to normal file backups, Windows 10's Backup and Restore feature also allows you to create a system image backup. A system image is an exact copy of a drive. It includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and files. Here's how to create it:
Creating a system image
- In the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) window, click Create a system image.
- Select your external drive or series of DVDs to save the backup to.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the system image creation process.
The detailed guide on how to back up and restore files in Windows 10 ends here. Armed with this knowledge, you can ensure that your data is safe, protected, and easily recoverable when needed.
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