How to create an image backup in Windows 10 and restore it

This backup option from Microsoft could come to your rescue if you plan ahead. If your Windows becomes unstable, this feature could save the day. Instead of only archiving selected files and folders, System Image Backup produces a whole image file of Windows 10 or Windows 11. In the event of a system failure, you can restore the full image to get Windows up and running again

An alternative to the Recovery Drive, which does not save your personal files, and to the Restore Point, which sometimes fails, is this. If you use System Image Backup, you can't restore individual files; you can only restore the full image file. As a result, you need make an image of your Windows environment on a regular basis in order to keep it up to date.

Set up an external storage location for your image file before you get started. You can use DVDs to build the image, but the most convenient alternative is to utilise drive or a network-attached storage drive.

Set Up Backup

In Windows 10 or 11, the Control Panel is the fastest way to access the System Image Backup. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box in the Taskbar and then click on the result to access the Control Panel. Select Backup from the Control Panel's icon view (Windows 7). As long as you're using a Windows 7 computer, this feature will continue work.

backup save location After clicking the Generate a system file link, you'll have the option of saving the backup to a disc, a DVD, or a network destination. Use NTFS if you plan on using an external storage to store the picture. NTFS Select Next.

Create a System Repair Disc

Create a system repair disc in the event that Windows fails to boot up on its own. In order to start your PC, you'll need a hard drive because this method does not yet support USB drives. It is possible to purchase and use an external DVD drive if the appropriate drive is not already installed on your computer (Opens in a new window).

Use your CD or DVD drive to put in a disc. In the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) window, click the Create a system repair disc link. It's important to verify that your DVD drive is listed before clicking the Create disc option.

Restart Now

Let's imagine you find yourself in a tight spot one day because Windows is acting up. You may only be able to get it back from the image file. Check to see if you have any backup media handy. If you haven't already, restart your computer.

Select Settings >'' Update & Security >'' Recovery on Windows 10. Right-click on the Advanced startup area and select Restart now from the drop-down menu. For Windows 11 users, the Restart now button next to Advanced startup should be clicked in System >'' Recovery.

Recovery of the System Image

Go to Troubleshoot >'' Advanced Options >'' System Image Recovery >'' System Image Recovery. See what other choices there are for regaining your health. Choose System Image Recovery. Then, simply follow the on-screen directions to get your image file back.

If Windows fails to boot, use the system repair CD to reinstall the operating system. In the Choose an option window, you can follow the same steps to restore Windows to a prior and (hopefully) healthful condition.

More on Windows 10 Backup and Recovery Tools

If something goes amiss, Windows 10 provides a number of new backup and recovery options. You can recover Windows 10 and all of your files with the PC Reset option, or you can go back to an older version of Windows (within the first 30 days of upgrading).

Advanced Recovery features System Restore and Image Recovery as well as Startup Repair and Selective Startup for advanced troubleshooting options. By pressing and holding down the Shift Key while clicking Restart, you can get to the Advanced Options menu.

Actually, we showed you how to go into Safe Mode when we explained how to start Windows 10. Windows 10 USB Recovery Drives let you get to the Advanced Options menu.

In addition to creating a System Image, File History can be configured to automatically back up your most critical files to a different disc or network location when it comes to file recovery and backup. Similar to Apple's OS X Time Machine, but for Windows.

It's possible that you'll need a clean install of Windows 10 at some point, even with all of the tools available for backing up and recovering your data and PC. If that happens, you may boot directly into the Windows 10 ISO and perform a clean install of Windows 10.