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Windows 11 - how to create backup on external hard drive

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Anonymous
2024-08-05T19:42:05+00:00

I just upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10. I made full system backups monthly to an external hard drive. I can't find where I can do that in Windows 11. When I found the Windows backup, it appears to only allow backup to the cloud, which I don't want to do.

Help!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-08-05T21:30:23+00:00

    Hi mbaz. My name is Ivan, and I am an Independent Assessor. I'd be more than happy to assist you. I'm so sorry that you are experiencing this issue. Don't worry, I'll do everything I can to help you.

    Windows 11 has indeed shifted its focus to cloud backups, but you can still create local backups on your external hard drive. The process may be a little different than in Windows 10.

    Method 1: File History

    This method is suitable for backing up your files, libraries, and settings. It doesn't create a full system image, but it's a good option for regular file backups.

    1. Connect your external hard drive.
    2. Open Settings: Press Windows key + I.
    3. Go to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup options.
    4. Click "Add a drive" under "Back up with File History" and select your external drive.
    5. Turn on "Automatically back up my files."

    Method 2: System Image Backup

    To perform a full system backup, including system files, applications, and settings, you can use System Image Backup.

    1. Connect your external hard drive.
    2. Find "Control Panel" and open it.
    3. Go to System & Security > Backup & Restore
    4. Click "Set up backup."
    5. Select your external hard drive as the backup destination.
    6. Choose what you want to back up and set a backup schedule.

    Remember: While these methods allow you to create local backups, it is recommended to have a cloud backup strategy for additional protection.

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to help.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-14T15:33:59+00:00

    Thanks for your answer. Method 1 doesn't seem to be available. After navigating to Advanced Storage Settings >Backup options the option to "Add a drive" is NOT THERE. I don't understand why they've taken this option away, other than the fact that Microsoft is forcing everyone into the cloud.

    I ended up using Method 2.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-10-18T19:23:07+00:00

    With windows 11, since they are shifting to prioitize cloud utilization you havew to navigate to the old "Control Panel"
    From there its >Systems and Security > File History

    To the left you will see "Select Drive" to select your external hard drive.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-09-25T13:03:55+00:00

    After navigating to Advanced Storage Settings >Backup options the option to "Add a drive" is NOT THERE.

    After Searching file history directly I could find option to add drive and take backup but it just adds C drive, how to take backup of data on D or other partititions on the drive?

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-08-27T18:14:13+00:00

    I followed your directions and the Windows 7 Backup option was there. It already had my settings for the external drive, so I was able to make the full system image backup. I created a separate folder on the external drive and copied over all my data, which is what I used to do in Windows 10.

    I'm surprised that Windows hasn't renamed Windows 7 backup to a later version, but if it still works, it's not an issue, except for being hard to find.

    Thanks for your reply.

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