Navigating the digital world, the safety and security of our data is paramount. Whether due to unexpected hardware failures, malware, or simple human error, the loss of essential files and data can be catastrophic. Fortunately, Windows has provided backup methods for years that allow users to create a complete clone of their Windows system. By doing so, you’re ensuring that everything — the operating system, applications, and all data — is backed up at a specific snapshot in time. If, for some reason, the original drive fails, you can restore everything to a new external hard drive without missing a beat. The backup and restore functionality in Windows 11 enables users to create a system image encompassing the entirety of their system and files, which can be saved to locations like a network folder or an external hard drive. This risewindows guide is tailored to steer you through the process of making a backup on a USB storage device, given its convenience and widespread use by many. So, delve in and fortify your Windows 11 system against unforeseen mishaps.
How to Create Full System Backup on Windows 11?
To create a system image backup on Windows 11, follow these steps.
Step 1. First, press the Windows + I shortcut keys to open the Settings app.
Step 2. Select System in the opened Windows Settings.
Step 3. Then, on the right side pane of System, click Storage.
Step 4. After that, on the Storage settings page, under the Storage management section, select Advanced storage settings to expand it.
Step 5. Next, when you see several options under “Advanced storage settings,” click the Backup options.
Step 6. Now, in the next window, click the link “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
Alternatively, you can open the “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” window from the Control Panel. For that, open Control Panel and search for backup.
Step 7. Then, click Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 8. Click the link Create a system image from the left side pane.
Step 9. After that, select the destination drive to save the system image. Even though creating a system image on the internal hard disk is possible, making a backup on an external hard disk or a network location is always recommended. For instance, we will use an external hard disk to create a system backup.
Step 10. Next, select an external drive and click the Next button.
Step 11. Accordingly, it will select system drives; you can check other internal drives in the backup if you wish. Click the Next button.
Step 12. Lastly, click the Start backup button at the bottom of the screen.
Now, system image backup will start, and it may take several minutes, depending on the size of the data.
Also Read: How to Create Recovery Disk on Windows 11?
Conclusion
This guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough on how to create a full system backup on Windows 11. By following these steps, users can ensure their data, applications, and operating system remain safeguarded against unexpected events, such as hardware failures or malware attacks. With the help of the backup and restore functionality in Windows 11, it’s easier than ever to keep a secure clone of your system. Regularly updating this backup on an external storage device, like a USB, can further bolster your digital security and provide peace of mind.
