Backup vs System image

Question

Backup vs System image

Anonymous

In reference to this Microsoft Support web site:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17127/windows-back-up-restore

What is the difference between "Back up" and "Make a System Image"? Do they save the same files and if so why does the web site show both methods? Also, is one method better than the other for restoring files to the original computer or to a new (different) computer?

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7 answers

Answer 1

Hi Larry,

Backup - a backup will only backup your personal files, which you can then restore if you ever need. A backup will not keep a copy of your settings, Windows or the applications you have installed

System Image - is basically like a copy of your hard drive - A system image is a backup that contains everything stored on your computer, including the full installation of Windows 10, settings, applications, and all your files

A backup can be user to copy your files to a new PC

A System Image is only good on the PC it was created on . . .

Answer 2

Hi Larry,

You're right, a Full Backup and a System Image are similar. Here's how I look at it.

If you have your PC just the way you want it, all your files are fine, the OS is working perfectly, a system image would be ideal. It captures everything about the operating system and images it up for you.

If you're OS wasn't running great, but maybe you had all your files on there you needed, a back up would make more sense. You wouldn't want an entire capture of the OS, cause it isn't working great. You'd want to pick and choose the stuff you wanted on back on your PC.

Hope this helps!

C

Answer 3

Backup backs up individual files and folders.

System image takes your whole drive and makes a copy at that time. (meaning if files change after image then you don't get those file changes)

I have a system image of my machine i made about 3 months ago, the last time i installed software.

And I run backups once a week on Sunday.

But I would recommend looking into another solution for backups like Macrium or Acronis True Image as Microsoft is doing away with their backup feature.

It is actually not working that great since the latest CU update.

Answer 4

Hi Larry. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

That tutorial is for WIndows 8.1. Since then File Backup (backing up files automatically) and Image (backing up a system image to restore Windows if it becomes irreparable) have declined to the point we're expecting them to be discontinued soon.

Built-in File History, Windows Backup and Image Backup are having a lot of problems and may be phased out soon. For automated backup I'd use a better, more flexible app like free Macrium which just works.

File backup: http://knowledgebase.macrium.com/display/KNOW/B...

Image backup: https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-re...

In addition I'd have a secondary cloud backup that keeps your files safest from fire and theft:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft.

If you install Google Drive, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud.

Or you can also drag or copy them to a USB external or flash drive.

Here's how to drag, copy or move large groups of files: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.