Share via

Windows 11 backup Help

Robin Stribling 0 Reputation points
2026-02-22T22:08:41.8133333+00:00

How to complete backup so I have boot access and setup in case of Failed HD. Need boot CD

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
0 comments

4 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Virginia M 39,850 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-23T05:44:54.58+00:00

    Hello, I’m Virginia a fellow Windows user.

    The best way to backup is to use a disk image. This will save a snapshot of your pc as an disk image, then should a problem occur you can use recovery media or the program’s recovery drive to restore the image.

    Windows has its own backup & restore but this is a deprecated feature so may have problems.

    Microsoft recommend using third party software:

    “System Image Backup (SIB) Solution

    We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.”

    https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/whats-new/deprecated-features

    If Windows 7 backup & restore is not working for you in windows 10/11 then you may have to consider moving to third party solutions or use File History & OneDrive which just backs up certain files & folders.

    Of the two I would recommend disc imaging software.

    I use Macrium Home but there is a free version still:

    Direct download link:

    https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/v8/ReflectDLHF.exe

    Or download here:

    https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html

    AOMEI backup free: https://www.aomeitech.com/ab/standard.html

    EaseUS backup free: https://www.easeus.com/backup-software/tb-free.html

    These have their own boot media which can be created on USB or CD in case of failed drives & with Macrium this can also be added to Windows boot list as a choice during boot up

    Note: These are non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products).

    Please do not download any repair tool which may be offered by these sites other than the ones I mention/recommend.

    Thoroughly research any product which is mentioned here before you decide to download and install it.

    0 comments
  2. Bulldog 370 Reputation points
    2026-02-23T01:18:49.36+00:00

    The type of backup you want is called an image. An image is an exact copy of a hard drive partition, including everything. When you make an image, you are making an exact copy of your computer. When you restore an image, the computer goes back to exactly the way it was when you made the image.

    To make images you'll need third-party image backup software, since Windows does not have a supported app for making images.

    Start by learning about backup images: what they are, how you can make (and restore) images, and how to make a backup plan. Then look for reviews of backup image software, and try a few apps to see which one you like best.

    An image is the ultimate form of backup. You will never have to reinstall Windows, and you will never worry about losing your data.

    0 comments
  3. Robin Stribling 0 Reputation points
    2026-02-22T22:21:54.0633333+00:00

    KiSS Failed. I need it on CD on Win11. The instructions you supplied on points to USB.

    0 comments
  4. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-22T22:08:53.6033333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To create a backup that allows you to restore your Windows 11 system in case of a hard drive failure, you can create recovery media. This media will enable you to boot your system and perform a recovery. Here’s how you can do it:

    1. Create Recovery Media: You can create a bootable USB recovery drive using the built-in utility in Windows 10 or Windows 11. This drive will contain the necessary files to restore your PC to its factory state.
      • To create a recovery drive, search for "Create a recovery drive" in the Windows search bar and follow the prompts. Make sure to back up system files to the recovery drive if prompted.
    2. Boot from Recovery Media: Ensure that your PC's firmware/BIOS is configured to boot from the USB drive or DVD that you create. This is essential for the recovery process to work.
    3. Backup Your Data: While creating the recovery media, ensure that you also back up important files and data to another storage device to prevent data loss.
    4. Using Recovery Media: In the event of a hard drive failure, you can boot from the recovery media and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.
    5. Consider Manufacturer-Created Media: If you are deploying new devices or need a more comprehensive recovery solution, consider using manufacturer-created recovery media that includes a recovery image on bootable Windows RE media.

    By following these steps, you will have a bootable recovery solution ready in case of a hard drive failure.

    References:

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.