Create a backup with Windows

File History is a simple way to back up your personal files and folders. Here's how to set it up:

1. 1
   Open Settings

   Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
2. 2
   Go to Backup Settings

   Navigate to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup options.
3. 3
   Add a Drive

   In the "Back up using File History" section, click "Add a drive" and select an external drive or network location to store your backups.
4. 4
   Configure File History

   Once a drive is added, you can configure what to back up and how often. Click "More options" to adjust the settings.
5. 5
   Start Backup

   Click the "Back up now" button to start the initial backup. File History will now automatically back up your files regularly.

Windows 10 and 11 also include the Backup and Restore tool from Windows 7, which allows you to create a system image or back up individual files and folders:

1. 1
   Open Control Panel

   Press the Windows key, type "Control Panel," and open it.
2. 2
   Navigate to Backup and Restore

   Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
3. 3
   Set Up Backup

   Click "Set up backup" and choose where you want to save your backup (an external drive or network location).
4. 4
   Select Backup Options

   Choose whether Windows should decide what to back up or if you want to select specific folders yourself.
5. 5
   Create a System Image

   If you want to create a system image only or if it's not included in the previously created backup, you can do this in the "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" window. Click "Create a system image" on the left pane and follow the instructions to save the image on an external drive or network location.
6. 6
   Start Backup

   Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the backup process.

OneDrive offers cloud storage that can be used to back up your important files. Here's how to set it up:

1. 1
   Sign In to OneDrive

   Make sure you are signed in to your Microsoft account and have OneDrive set up on your PC.
2. 2
   Configure OneDrive

   Click on the OneDrive icon on the right side of the taskbar (you might need to click "Show hidden icons"), then click ⚙️ ("Help & Settings") > "Settings."
3. 3
   Select Folders

   Go to the "Sync and backup" tab and click "Manage backup" to choose which folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) you want to back up to OneDrive.
4. 4
   Start Backup

   OneDrive will automatically sync the selected folders to the cloud, providing an external backup.

Although not a traditional backup method, System Restore can help you revert your system files and settings to an earlier state without affecting your personal files:

1. 1
   Open System Properties

   Press the Windows key, type "Create a restore point," and select it.
2. 2
   Configure Automatic Restore Points

   In the window that opens, select a drive from the list and click "Configure." Here you can select "Turn on system protection" to back up the chosen drive. Also, use the slider under "Disk Space Usage" to set the maximum storage space for restore points (e.g., 10 GB). Confirm your settings by clicking "OK."
3. 3
   Create a Restore Point

   In the "System Properties" window, select the drive you want to protect and click "Create" to manually create a restore point. Windows will also automatically create restore points during significant system changes.