To configure backup and restore in Windows, first use File History by connecting an external drive, going to Settings > Update & Security > Backup (or Settings > System > Backup in Windows 11), adding a drive, and customizing backup frequency, retention, and folders via More options. 2. Next, create a system image backup by navigating to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7), clicking Create a system image, selecting the destination (external drive, network location, or DVDs), choosing drives to include (typically C: and system reserved), and starting the backup, noting that it must be manually or automatically scheduled using third-party tools. 3. Then, enable system protection by opening System Properties via Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection, selecting the main drive (C:), clicking Configure, turning on system protection with 5–10% disk space allocation, and creating a manual restore point before major changes, knowing that Windows auto-creates them during updates if system protection is active and space is sufficient. 4. Finally, to restore, use File History to browse and recover files through Settings > Backup > More options > Restore files from a current backup, use System Image Recovery by booting from a Windows USB/DVD and selecting Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Image Recovery, or initiate System Restore by searching for Create a restore point, selecting System Restore, choosing a point, and following the wizard. Always test backups regularly, keep backup drives disconnected when not in use to prevent ransomware attacks, and combine local backups with cloud services like OneDrive for redundancy, ensuring File History protects personal files daily, system images provide full snapshots, and System Restore enables quick recovery from issues.

Configuring backup and restore in Windows is essential for protecting your files and system settings. While the exact steps vary slightly depending on your version of Windows (Windows 10 and 11 are very similar), the process is straightforward. Here’s how to set it up properly.

1. Use File History to Back Up Your Files

File History is Windows’ built-in tool for automatically backing up personal files like documents, photos, and desktop items.

Steps:

• Connect an external drive or network location for backup.
• Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup (in Windows 10) or Settings > System > Backup (in Windows 11).
• Under “Back up using File History,” click Add a drive.
• Select your external drive from the list.
• Once selected, File History will start automatically.

Customize Backup Settings:

• Click More options to adjust:
  • How often backups are saved (e.g., every 10 minutes, hourly, daily).
  • How long to keep backups (e.g., until space is needed, or up to a year).
  • Which folders to include or exclude.

? Tip: It’s a good idea to exclude large media files or downloads to save space.

2. Create a System Image Backup (Full System Backup)

A system image is a complete snapshot of your drive, including Windows, installed apps, and all files. This is useful for full system recovery.

Steps:

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

  Yes, it says “Windows 7,” but this feature still works in Windows 10/11.

• Click Set up backup or Create a system image on the left.
• Choose where to save the image:
  • External hard drive
  • Network location
  • DVDs (not practical for large backups)
• Select the drives to include (usually C: and system reserved).
• Click Start backup.

?? Note: System images are large and not updated automatically unless scheduled. You’ll need to manually run them or use third-party tools for automation.

3. Enable System Protection and Create Restore Points

System Restore lets you roll back your PC to an earlier state if something goes wrong.

Steps:

• Open Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection.
• Select your main drive (usually C:) and click Configure.
• Select Turn on system protection.
• Adjust the max disk space usage (recommended: 5–10%).
• Click Create to make a manual restore point with a descriptive name.

Automate Restore Points:

• Windows automatically creates restore points before major changes (like updates or app installations), but only if:
  • System Protection is enabled.
  • There’s enough disk space.

? Pro tip: Create a restore point manually before installing new software or drivers.

4. Restore Files or System When Needed

Restore Files:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > More options > Restore files from a current backup.
• Use the File History interface to browse and restore previous versions.

Restore Using System Image:

• Boot from a Windows installation USB/DVD.
• Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Image Recovery.
• Follow prompts to restore from your saved image.

Use System Restore:

• Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu.
• Click System Restore > choose a restore point > follow the wizard.

Final Notes

• Regularly test backups to ensure they work.
• Keep your backup drive disconnected when not in use to protect against ransomware.
• Consider using cloud services (like OneDrive) alongside local backups for redundancy.

Basically, set up File History for daily file protection, use System Image for full system snapshots, and enable System Restore for quick fixes. It’s not complex, but doing it once can save you hours later.

The above is the detailed content of How to configure Windows backup and restore. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!