We have previously talked about backups in Windows 11. In fact, we showed the general definition. Also, the types and differences. Certainly, we analyzed in depth on their importance and relevance. Today, we are going to unravel how to make backups copies in Windows 11
Backups from Windows options
Windows 11 has in its configuration a basic backup system based on OneDrive. Actually, it has almost no options. It will simply help you store folders, your apps, and your settings in the cloud. To access the option, you have to click on the Accounts section of Windows Settings. And once you are inside, click on the Windows Backup option. Note that you can access it by pressing the Win+I combination.
You will enter a window where you can enable or disable the ability to remember your applications and preferences. You will also be able to store your settings and installed apps. Finally, you will be able to recover them later if you reset the computer. In addition to these two options, you have the option to Manage sync settings at the top.
If you click on Manage sync settings, you will be able to choose which folders you can back up. In this case, the contents of the Desktop and Documents folders will always be backed up, and you can decide whether you want to back up what you have in the Pictures folder as well. And that’s really all there is to it.
Make an advanced backup in Windows 11
You also have another native tool for more advanced copy types. However, it is quite hidden. This is a tool inherited from Windows 7. To open it, you have to go into the Control Panel of previous versions of Windows. This can be done by typing Control Panel when you open the Start menu.
Once you are inside the control panel, click on the option Backup and Restore (Windows 7) that will appear in the System and Security section. Remember that You have to click directly on the option. This will appear in small. Please do not click on the name of the section.
This will take you to a screen where you will see the backups you have configured. To create a new one, click on the Set up backup option that will appear with a shield. Consequently, this is a sign that you will need administrator permissions to use the option.
Preparing the backing
This will open the process for creating a backup. In the first window, you will have to choose the external drive you want to back up. For this, it will show you all the ones you have connected, and you will have to select one and click on the Next button.
In the next screen, you will be able to choose which folders you want to copy or let Windows choose them for you. By default, Windows 11 will only make copies of your library folders. Once you have selected the ones you want, click on Next.
In case you choose the option to let you choose which folders to save, you will go to an explorer window. Once there, you can select the folders you want from the ones you have on your hard disk.
Once you have chosen the destination and the content, you will go to a screen where you will be able to schedule the copies. By default, they will be made every Sunday. Once this is configured, you only have to click on the Save settings and run backup to make the backup.
And in the case that you click on Change schedule to choose the days on which you want to do it, you can choose to make the copies daily, weekly or monthly. Simply decide the day of the week on which they are made and the time you want them to run automatically.
Third-party tools for Windows backups
As you can see, the two native tools available for Windows are quite basic. They will probably not be enough for you. If that is the case, here is a short list with some third-party applications that you can use to make more advanced backups. With them, you will be able to configure more types of backups and have more control over them.
- EaseUS Todo Backup Free 2022: It allows you to make various types of backups of individual files, folders, partitions, or entire storage units. Additionally, it offers a smart mode that copies files from the most frequently used locations. On the other hand, backups can be copied, and made incremental, differential or full.
- Veeam: Veeam is a company focused on offering paid backup suites. However, it also has some free ones. We have Veeam Backup Free Edition for virtual machines, Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows for Windows devices. In addition to and Veeam Agent for Linux among several other free tools.
- Paragon Backup & Recovery: This is an application that tries to make the process of configuring a backup as simple as possible. Despite this, it is not lacking in options. In fact, it allows you to make backups of the entire computer, partitions, directories, and files. You can also choose the type of backup you want to make.
- Bacula: A suite of applications that provide an open source alternative for anyone looking for a backup tool. It also works for both servers and home computers.
- FBackup: Its interface is not very attractive. On the other hand, the free version lacks options such as incremental or encrypted backups. Even so, it is a simple tool to use and allows you to easily schedule regular backups. On the other hand, it has a paid version in case you need to squeeze more out of it.
Very well, in this way we have seen How to make backups copies in Windows 11. Bye!
