Making regular backups of your Windows 11 system protects your valuable data from hardware failures, malware, and system crashes. This comprehensive guide covers multiple backup methods using external drives, ranging from automated system backups to manual file copying.
File history backup for personal data
Windows 11’s File History feature automatically saves your personal files to an external drive, providing continuous protection for your important documents.
- Connect your external drive and search for “File History” in the taskbar search box. Click the corresponding result.
You can also access File History through Control Panel > System and Security.
- When File History detects your drive, click “Select drive” in the left menu if your preferred drive isn’t already chosen.
- Pick your external drive and select “OK”.
Choose whether to move existing files when prompted.
- Enable File History by clicking “Turn on” if it’s not already active.
- To exclude specific folders, click “Exclude folders”, select the folders, and click “Save changes”.
- Configure backup frequency and retention settings in “Advanced settings”.
- For file restoration, click “Restore personal files”, browse your backups, and click “Restore”.
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Scheduled system backup setup
Windows 11’s Backup and Restore feature creates comprehensive system backups on a schedule.
- Connect your external drive and open Control Panel. Navigate to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click “Set up backup” for first-time setup or “Change settings” for existing backups.
- Choose your external drive and click “Next”.
- Select “Let me choose” for custom backup selection and click “Next”.
- Mark the folders for backup and proceed with “Next”.
- Set your backup schedule through “Change schedule”.
- Complete setup with “Save settings and exit” or start immediately with “Backup now”.
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