Creating backups is amongst the best strategies to protect your important data, such as custom configurations, documents, photos, videos, and Windows 10 files against hardware failures, software problems, viruses, and hackers attacks.
There are a plethora of third-party apps that you can use to create a back of your Windows 10, as well as Windows 10 also features an option of Backup and Restore, which enables the users to create full backups regularly automatically.
A full Windows 10 backup means that this tool will create a copy of everything on your computer or laptop that includes settings, installation files, apps, and all other files saved in the primary drive, as well as files that are saved on other locations.
When your computer or laptop suddenly crashes and stops working, an error prevents your computer from booting properly. This is where you use Backup and Restore option to recover particular files as well as the whole system as required.
You should back up your data regularly, and it should be your routine and essential part regardless of you are working from home or office. In this article, we will carry you through the steps of how to set up full Windows 10 backup automatically. So without any further delay, let’s get started;
Windows 10 Backup and Restore to Make Full Backup
You might be familiar with Windows backup and restore features from older versions of windows, so it should be a familiar tool for you. Even if you have enabled the File History feature, it is a great idea to use backup and restore option to create a full back of your Windows 10.
Aside from getting you instantly back up and running if an error occurs, such as a boot drive failure, you have the option to use a system image to switch to a new drive and get back to work without going through the reinstallation process and reconfiguration of your settings.
How to Set Up and Enable Windows 10 Backup and Restore Feature
Setting up and then enabling the Windows 10 backup and restore feature is a straightforward process. You can do this by following this step-by-step guide;
- Type Control Panel in the search bar fo windows 10 to find the tool.
- When you see the Control Panel icon, click on it.
- Now you will be carried to another window where you will see multiple options. Locate the Backup and Restore option and click on it.
- Now you will see an option saying Set up Backup to the right side of the window. Click on that option.
- Now it will ask you to choose a drive where you want to create your Windows 10 backup. Click on your chosen drive to save your Windows 10 backup. Alternatively, you can also select the option saying Save On a Network to choose a network share and then click on the Next option.
- Now another window will open, which will display two options that are; Let Windows Choose (recommended) and Let me Choose. If you choose the first option, then the window will save the files on the desktop, in the user folder, and the libraries, as well as create a system copy.
Selecting the Let windows to choose option is the easiest way, but if you are worried about space or want to tweak the selected folders, then select the second option, which says Let me Choose. For this, you can uncheck the Libraries and only create system backup on the drive.
- Now click the Save settings and run backup option to run your Windows 10 backup.
After the first windows 10 backup complete, it will run automatically on schedule for the next backup that you can customize as per your preferences.
Manage Windows 10 Backup Settings
After you have configured the automatic Windows 10 backup feature, you can customize the settings to avoid running out of space in the selected backup drive, as well as changing the schedule to a different time and date. If you want to free up some space on your selected Windows 10 backup drive, follow these instructions;
- Type Settings in the search bar of your Windows 10.
- When the setting icon appears, click on it.
- Now go to the Update and Security option, which you can find at the bottom of the window.
- Now click on the Backup option located left of the window.
- Locate and click on the option saying Go to Backup and Restore option, which can be found under the Looking for an older backup option.
- Now click on the Manage Space option, which you can find under the Backup section.
- Click on the option saying View Backups under the Data Files Backup option.
- Select the backup that is the oldest.
- Now click on the Delete option located to the right.
- To delete more backups as necessary, repeat the 9th and 10th
- Now click on the Close option located at the bottom of the opened window.
- Click on the Change Settings option.
- Select the option which says, Keep only the latest system image and minimize space used by the backup.
- Click OK, then Delete, and then Close option.
If you want to change your Windows 10 backup schedule, follow these steps;
- Open Settings and then go to the Update and Security option.
- Click on the Backup option.
- Now click on the Go to Backup and Restore option.
- Click on the Change Settings.
- Proceed with on-screen directions until you reach at Review your backup settings option.
- Click on the Change schedule option.
- Specify a schedule of your choice for your Windows 10 backup.
- Click OK and then on Save settings and exit option.
Now your Windows 10 backup will run automatically as per the schedule you have configured.
Conclusion
If you are newly upgraded to Windows 10 and want to create backup automatically to protect your data and configurations, above is a step-by-step guide that will help you create your windows 10 backup automatically.
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to use your computer during the backup process?
Ans: Yes, it is safe to use your computer during the backup process unless you do anything, which causes it to crash and then reboots.