Your Windows PC has a backup tool that's secretly useful - here's what it can do

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Windows has a hidden backup tool in Windows 10 and 11.
• It can save files to discs, drives, or network locations.
• The feature is deprecated by Microsoft, so occasional errors are possible.

Regularly backing up your files is always a good idea in case important or irreplaceable data goes missing. While many third‑party programs can do the job, Windows includes a built‑in backup tool that is simple and flexible—though you might not even know it exists.

Windows Backup lets you choose which folders and files to back up. You can back up only selected items or all of your Windows folders. It also supports creating a full system image for a complete Windows restore.

Also: How to upgrade an “incompatible” Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 – 2 free options

Limitations

• The system image cannot be saved directly to removable media.
• To back up a system image to removable media, use the separate System Image Tool.

Backup destinations

• Recordable CD or DVD
• External hard drive
• Network location

You can also schedule the backup to run automatically. The tool works the same way in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Is there a catch?

This version of Windows Backup has been deprecated by Microsoft, which means it’s no longer supported or updated. As a result, you may encounter issues or errors when using the tool.

In my experience, it generally works reliably, but the last few times I tried using a network share as my backup destination, I received an error that the specified network location cannot be used. Even after confirming the network path, credentials, and other settings, the error persisted. Other users have reported the same problem. Your mileage may vary, so keep this in mind when choosing your backup destination.

Also: Your Windows 11 PC has a secret emergency shutdown feature – here’s how to use it

Microsoft also offers a newer tool also known as Windows Backup. The newer version is designed to back up and restore certain files and settings, mainly to help you move from one PC to another. The older, legacy Windows Backup covered here operates more like traditional backup software.

Both tools serve their purpose, but here’s how the older, legacy Windows Backup works and how to use it to back up anything you want, to any location you want.

1. Set up the media for storing the backup

You can choose a CD/DVD, an external USB drive, or a network share. I typically use an external drive. Make sure the media is connected and has enough space—generally 16 GB to 32 GB depending on the number of files and the size of the backup.

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![Prepare your destination media]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

![Launch Windows Backup]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

If you wish to use an external USB drive, select the appropriate one on the next screen and click Next.

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![Choose an external drive]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

To store the backup on a network share, click Save on a network, type the name of your NAS or network drive, and click Browse. You’ll be prompted to enter your username and password for the network. From the dropdown menu, select the share name and folder in which you want to save the backup, then click OK. Enter your credentials again in the Network credentials section and click OK to proceed.

Also: After 30 years with Linux, I switched it for Windows 11 – and found 9 serious problems

As mentioned earlier, trying to use a network share as the backup location often triggers an error for me, which is why I now always use an external drive.

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![Choose a network location]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

2. Choose what to back up

On the next screen you can let Windows select which files to back up (libraries, desktop, and default user‑profile locations) or choose specific folders and files yourself. I usually select the option to let me choose. Make your selection and click Next.

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![Decide what to back up]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

![Select the folders to include in the backup]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

3. Set the backup schedule

Set the schedule at which you want the backup to start. Click Change schedule and choose how often the backup should run, on which day, and at what time. I typically set the backup to run once a week on a Friday afternoon. When ready, click OK.

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![Schedule the backup]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

![Review the settings]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

4. Restoring files

When the backup has been running regularly and you discover missing or corrupted files, return to Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and click Restore my files at the bottom.

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![Restore a file or files]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

On the next screen you can:

• Search if you know the full or partial name of the files you wish to restore.
• Click Browse for files to browse all backed‑up files and select specific ones.
• Click Browse for folders to view all backed‑up folders and select a specific folder.

Drill down through the backup until you find the desired files or folders, select them, and click Add files.

Also: How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why it greatly improves performance)

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![Look for the files]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

Back at the regular screen, click Next. You’ll be asked whether to restore the files to their original location or to a different spot.

• If the files are missing, restore them to the original location.
• If they still exist but are corrupted, consider restoring them elsewhere.

When ready, click Restore.

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![Choose where to restore the files]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

![Check the restored files]
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

Note: Though Windows Backup is deprecated and no longer supported by Microsoft, it still works for many users who need a simple, local backup solution. Keep in mind the potential network‑share issues and consider using an external drive for the most reliable experience.

Works, at least under most conditions. For that reason, it's worth using if you need a handy built‑in tool to back up and restore your most important and irreplaceable files.