The standard functionality of bringing Windows back to life in critical situations, if the system has crashed or even does not boot at all, is not particularly popular. Microsoft itself involuntarily contributed to the fact that ordinary users did not find this tool in the jungle of system settings. Even in the version of Windows 10, where important system settings are moved to the Settings application, in the Update and Security section you will only see the option and mode with special boot options, which allows you to restore Windows from a system image, essentially from a backup copy. But the function of creating this very system image must be looked for inside the control panel, preferably under the guidance step by step instructions. This will be given below. In this article we will look at how to create a backup copy of Windows 10 its standard functionality and how the system recovery process occurs.
1. Standard Windows 10 backup functionality
Standard function Reserve copy Windows 10 was inherited from Windows Vista. Like third-party backup programs, a backup created using the built-in functionality is a snapshot of the system with all its settings, boot sector, installed programs and user files stored on the system disk.
All this can be restored from a backup if Windows work a crash will occur. Even if the system stops booting, you can return it to functionality from the recovery environment, called up by pressing the F8 key when the computer boots. In this environment, you can begin the process of returning the system to its backup state. You can get into the recovery environment for Windows 10 that won’t boot, if not by calling the F8 key, then in two other ways. The Windows 10 recovery environment is included in the system installation disc. For critical cases, you can specially prepare a Windows recovery disk; this is provided by the standard functionality of the system.
In terms of options for calling the recovery environment for Windows that won't boot, the standard functionality as a backup tool outperforms third party programs-backupers. But this is his only winning moment. In all other respects, the native functionality, alas, is far from perfect.
However, backing up Windows and restoring it using the standard functionality is the basics for those who want to master the potential of the Microsoft operating system.
2. Creating a system image
In Windows itself, the term “backup”, as in third-party backup programs, is not used, but the concept of “system image” is used. For the function of creating this very image, let's go to the control panel. For this we will use context menu on the Start button.
In the “System and Security” section of the control panel, we need the “Backup and Restore Windows 7” subsection.
You can also directly access this subsection using system search.
Click “Create a system image.”
Next will be a window for choosing where to store the image. This could be a non-system disk partition, another hard drive (internal or external), or network resources. It is even possible to store a system image on multiple DVDs. In our case, the partition on the second connected hard drive is selected. This is a good option for choosing a place to store important data, such as a backup copy of the operating system. In the future, Windows will be able to be restored even if the main hard drive on which the system partition is located fails. Click “Next”.
The standard functionality provides not only for copying the system partition with Windows; copies of existing non-system disk partitions can be included in the image. Backing up non-system data using native Windows functionality is not the best way to ensure the safety of this data due to irrational use of disk space. Still, to backup user data, it is better to resort to third-party software. Therefore, in our case, the system image will include a preinstalled configuration - a partition with Windows and space reserved by the system. Click “Next”.
In the confirmation window for archiving parameters, click “Archive”.
When the image creation process is completed, Windows 10 itself will offer to prepare a recovery disk for the future.
You should not refuse this offer if you are dealing with a computer device with a CD/DVD drive. And, of course, if you have an empty CD or DVD available. If problems arise with the system serious problems, booting from the recovery disk will be easier than using the F8 key when booting the computer. The response time of this key is difficult to catch due to the reduced startup time of Windows 10. System version 10 inherited this feature from version 8.
After inserting a blank CD/DVD into the drive, click “Create Disc”.
You can return to the process of creating a Windows recovery disc at any time. In the control panel window from which we began the process of creating a system image, there is a button “Create a system repair disk.”
Close the system image creation window.
That's it - now the system image will be safely stored until there is no need to resuscitate Windows 10.
If there is a problem with the system, the first thing you will need to do is get to its recovery environment. It is in this environment that you will have the opportunity to apply the newly created image.
3. Paths to Windows Recovery Environment
Working system
If you have problems with Windows 10, but they do not affect its ability to boot, you can get to the recovery environment by using the Settings application. In "Settings" select "Update and Security".
F8 key
If Windows does not boot, you can try to get into the recovery environment using the F8 key mentioned above. The key must be pressed before the Windows logo appears.
Windows 10 installation disc
The recovery environment for your current system is included with its installation disc. Naturally, we are talking about the official Windows 10 installation disc. Installation discs with “homemade” Windows builds can only be intended for clean install new system and do not contain functionality for restoring the current system. Booting from a flash drive or DVD with Windows distribution 10, we pass the welcome window.
Recovery disk
failure to Windows boot 10 – the case of using the recovery disk mentioned above. We boot from it and press any key to continue booting from the CD/DVD.
Selecting a keyboard layout
4. Windows Recovery
Using any of the methods discussed above, we will get to the action selection menu. In this menu, select the “Diagnostics” section, and in it – “Advanced parameters”.
The next step is “Restore the system image.” This is the standard tool for restoring Windows 10 from a backup.
The system is preparing for the recovery process.
A step-by-step wizard for restoring Windows from a system image will launch. By default, the last image created will be selected. But if the system needs to be restored from an earlier image, you must manually specify the path to it. Click “Next”.
Now click “Finish”.
We confirm the start of the Windows recovery process and wait for it to complete.
After successful completion, reboot the computer.
That's it - Windows 10 will return to the state it was in when the image was created. The system will have the same settings, the same installed programs, the same user files on drive C.
Have a great day!
One day, Windows 10 may not start. Fortunately, restoring the system will take a maximum of a day if you use backup copies and the necessary arsenal of programs.
Why do you need to back up Windows 10 with disk contents?
Backup is creating an image of drive C with all installed programs, drivers, components and settings.
A backup copy of the operating system with drivers already installed is created in the following cases:
- it is necessary to effectively restore a Windows system that has suffered a sudden crash, with minimal or no loss of personal data, without spending extra time on it;
- it is necessary to restore the Windows system without re-searching for drivers for PC hardware and OS components found, installed and configured after long searches and experiments.
How to create a copy of Windows 10 and restore the system using it
You can use the Windows 10 Backup Wizard, built-in Command Prompt tools, or third-party applications.
Backing up Windows 10 using DISM
The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utility works using the Windows Command Prompt.
- Before you restart Windows 10, press and hold the Shift key. Restart your PC.
- Give the command "Troubleshooting" - "Advanced options" - "Command Prompt" in the Windows 10 recovery environment.
Windows Recovery Environment has a full arsenal of startup repair tools
- In the opened command line Windows line enter the command diskpart.
The slightest mistake Windows commands 10 will cause them to be entered again
- Enter the list volume command, from the list of disks select the label and parameters of the partition on which Windows 10 is installed, enter the exit command.
- Type the command dism /Capture-Image /ImageFile:D:\Win10Image.wim /CaptureDir:E:\ /Name:”Windows 10”, where E is the drive with installed Windows 10, and D is the disk on which the OS backup will be written. Wait until the copy of Windows is finished recording.
Wait until the Windows disc is copied
Windows 10 and the contents of the drive are now written to another drive.
Create a copy of Windows 10 using the Backup Wizard
Working with the “Command Line” is the most professional way, from the point of view of users. But if it doesn't work for you, try the built-in Windows 10 Backup Wizard.
- Click "Start" and type in the search bar Windows menu 10 word "reserve". Select "Windows 10 Backup and Restore".
Launch Windows Backup from the Start menu
- In the Windows 10 file log window, click the “System Image Backup” button.
- Confirm your choice by opening the “Create a system image” link.
- Select the option to save what you create Windows image.
Choose, for example, to save the Windows image on an external drive
- Confirm saving the Windows 10 disk image by selecting the partition to save (for example, C). Click the start archiving button.
Confirm archiving the image by selecting a disk from the list of partitions
- Wait until the disk copy has been written to the image. If you need an emergency Windows disk 10, confirm the request and follow the prompts of the OS Rescue Disk Wizard.
Windows 10 Rescue Disk can make OS recovery easier and faster
You can start restoring Windows 10 from the recorded image.
By the way, saving on DVD discs is the most irrational way: the inevitable consumption of 10 “discs” weighing 4.7 GB with a C drive size of 47 GB. Modern user, creating a C partition of tens of gigabytes, installs 100 large and small programs. Games are especially hungry for disk space. It is unknown what prompted the Windows 10 developers to such recklessness: CDs began to be actively replaced already during Windows 7, because then sales of terabyte external hard drives sharply increased, and an 8-32 GB flash drive became the best solution. It wouldn't hurt to exclude burning to DVD from Windows 8/8.1/10.
Video: How to create an image of Windows 10 using the Backup Wizard and restore the system using it
Creating a Windows 10 backup using Aomei Backup Standard and restoring the OS from it
To create a copy of a Windows 10 disc, do the following:
The application also helps to create not just an archive image, but a disk clone. It makes it easy to transfer all content from one PC drive to another, including Windows bootloaders. This function is useful when the old media shows significant wear and tear, and you need to transfer all its contents to the new one as soon as possible, without resorting to reinstalling Windows 10 and separate, selective copying of folders and files.
Creating a bootable USB flash drive Aomei Backupper Standard
But to restore Windows in Aomei Backup you will need another tool. As an example, let's take the Russian version of Aomei Backupper Standart:
- Give the command “Utilities” - “Create bootable media”.
Select the entry in Aomei Backupper boot disk
- Select the Windows bootable media entry.
Windows PE bootloader will allow you to boot into Aomei Backupper
- Select media entry that supports UEFI firmware motherboard PC.
Assign PC support with UEFI firmware to writable media
- Aomei Backupper will check whether the UEFI disc can be burned and allow you to burn it.
When possible recording disk with UEFI press the continue button
- Specify your media type and click continue.
Specify your device and media for burning a disc with Windows
Restoring Windows from a USB flash drive Windows 10 Aomei Backupper
Do the following:
- Boot your PC from the flash drive you just burned.
Wait for the PC to load the Aomei Backupper recovery program into memory
- Choose to roll back Windows 10.
Enter Aomei Windows 10 Rollback Tool
- Specify the path to the archive image file. External drive, on which the Windows 10 image was saved, must be connected, since it must be removed before restarting Windows 10 so that it does not interfere with the Aomei bootloader.
Tell Aomei where to get the data for Windows rollback 10
- Confirm that this is the image you need to restore Windows.
Confirm Aomei's request for the correctness of the Windows 10 archive
- Select the operation to be prepared using the mouse and click the “OK” button.
Select this line and click the “OK” button in Aomei Backupper
- Click the Start Windows Rollback button.
Confirm in Aomei Backupper to roll back Windows 10
The Windows 10 system will be restored in the same form in which you copied it to the archive image, with the same applications, settings and documents on the C drive.
Wait for the Windows 10 rollback to complete, it will take up to several hours
After clicking the “Finish” button, restart the restored OS.
Video: how to create a Windows 10 image using Aomei Backupper and restore the system using it
Working on restoring Windows 10 in Macrium Reflect
The Macrium Reflect application is a good tool that allows you to quickly restore Windows 10 from a previously recorded backup image. All commands have been translated into Russian due to difficulties with the availability of a Russian version.
To copy data from the drive where Windows 10 is installed, do the following:
- Download, install and launch the Macrium Reflect application.
- Give the command “Save” - “Create a system image”.
Open Windows 10 Backup Tool in Macrium
- Select the “Create an image of the partitions required to recover Windows” tool.
Proceed to selecting logical drives important for Windows 10 backup
- The Macrium Reflect Free application will automatically select the required logical drives, including the system drive. Give the command “Folder” - “Browse”.
Click the Browse button for files and folders on your PC in Macrium Reflect
- Confirm saving the Windows 10 image. Macrium Reflect by default saves the image without giving it a file name.
Macrium also suggests creating a new folder
- Press the "Finish" key.
Press the end key in Macrium
- Leave both the options “Run copy now” and “Save archiving information in a separate XML file” checked.
Click "OK" to start saving the Windows backup copy
- Wait for the Windows 10 archive to finish recording.
Macrium will help you copy Windows 10 and all programs with settings into an image
Macrium saves images in MRIMG format rather than ISO or IMG, unlike most other programs, including Windows 10's built-in backup tools.
Creating bootable media in Macrium Reflect
In case the system cannot start without external media, you should take care of a bootable flash drive or DVD in advance. The Macrium application is also adapted for recording bootable media. To speed up the process, the commands have been translated into Russian and popularized.
- Launch Macrium Reflect and give the command “Media” - “Disk Image” - “Create boot image”.
Go to Macrium Reflect Rescue Media Builder
- Launch the Macrium Rescue Media Wizard.
Select the media type in the Rescue Disk Wizard window
- Select Windows PE 5.0 (versions based on the Windows 8.1 kernel, which includes Windows 10).
Version 5.0 is compatible with Windows 10
- To continue, click the “Next” button.
Click the button to go to further Macrium settings
- After creating the list of drivers, click Next again.
Confirm the action by clicking the same button in Macrium
- After defining Windows bit depth 10 Click “Next” again.
Click the continue button again to move on to further steps in Macrium
- Macrium will offer to download the necessary boot files from the Microsoft website (preferably).
USB drive support must be enabled for Macrium to begin recording
- Click the "Finish" button. The Windows 10 bootloader will be written to the USB flash drive.
Recovering Windows 10 using a USB flash drive with Macrium Reflect
As in the previous Aomei instructions, boot your PC from the USB flash drive and wait for the Windows bootloader to load into the RAM of your PC or tablet.
Windows 10 startup will be fixed. After this, you can continue working with Windows.
Video: How to create a Windows image using Macrium Reflect and restore the system using it
Why and how to delete Windows 10 backups
The decision to remove unnecessary copies of Windows is made in the following cases:
- lack of space on media to store these copies (storage disks, flash drives, memory cards are full);
- irrelevance of these copies after the release of new programs for work and entertainment, games, etc., deletion of “outdated” documents from drive C;
- need for confidentiality. You do not leave secret data behind, not wanting it to fall into the hands of competitors, and get rid of unnecessary “tails” in a timely manner.
The last point requires clarification. If you work for law enforcement agencies, a military plant, a hospital, etc., storing disk images of Windows and personal data of employees may be prohibited by regulations.
If Windows 10 backup images were saved separately, deleting the images is the same as deleting any files on a healthy system.
It doesn't matter what drive they are stored on. Don't create difficulties for yourself. If image files have been deleted, restoring from bootable flash drive it won’t work anyway: there will be nothing to roll back Windows 10 in this way. Use other methods, such as troubleshooting Windows startup or new installation
“dozens” through a copy-image downloaded from the Microsoft website or from torrent trackers. Here you no longer need a bootable one (LiveDVD loader), but a Windows 10 installation flash drive.
Windows 10 Mobile is a version of Windows adapted for smartphones. In some cases, it can also be installed on a tablet, if the latter does not have impeccable performance and speed. Windows 10 Mobile has arrived change Windows Phone 7/8.
Features of copying and restoring personal data in Windows 10 Mobile
In addition to work documents, multimedia data and games, Windows 10 Mobile archives contacts, call lists, SMS/MMS messages, diary entries and organizer - all this is a mandatory attribute of modern smartphones.
To restore and transfer data to an image from the Windows 10 Mobile command console, it is more convenient to use any external keyboard and mouse rather than typing long commands with numerous parameters from the sensor for 15 minutes: as you know, one wrong character or odd space, and the CMD (or PowerShell) will throw an error.
However, not all smartphones with Windows Mobile(as in the case of Android) will allow you to connect an external keyboard: you will need to install additional system libraries and, possibly, compile the OS code in the hope of seeing the coveted cursor and mouse pointer on the smartphone screen. These methods also do not guarantee 100% results. If there are no problems with tablets, then with smartphones, due to the too small display, you will have to tinker.
How to Back Up Windows 10 Mobile Data
Windows 10 Mobile, fortunately, bears a great deal of similarity to desktop Windows 10: it's about as similar as the iPhone and iPad versions of Apple's iOS.
Almost everything Windows 10 does is similar to Windows Phone 8. Most of them in Windows 10 Mobile are borrowed from the regular “ten”.
- Give the command “Start” - “Settings” - “Update and Security”.
Select the updater and Windows security Mobile 10
- Start Windows 10 Mobile Backup Service.
Select Windows 10 Mobile Backup Service
- Turn it on (there is a software toggle switch). Settings may include both copying personal data and settings already installed applications and the OS itself.
Enable copying data and settings to OneDrive
- Set up an automatic archiving schedule. If you need to immediately synchronize your smartphone with OneDrive, click the “Back up data now” button.
Enable scheduling and define specific app personal data to be transferred to OneDrive
Since the C and D drives on a smartphone are often not as huge as on a PC, you will need a cloud storage account such as OneDrive. The data will be copied to the One Drive network cloud using it. All this resembles the work of the service Apple iCloud on iOS or Google Drive in Android.
To transfer data to another smartphone, you also need to log in under your account OneDrive. Perform the same settings on it, the Windows 10 Mobile backup service will download all personal files from the cloud to the second device.
Video: How to backup all data from a smartphone with Windows 10 Mobile
Creating a Windows 10 Mobile image
Co Windows smartphones 10 Mobile is not as simple as it was with regular version Windows 10. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not yet provided a working tool for creating pure Windows 10 Mobile backups. Alas, everything is limited only to transferring personal data, settings and applications installed on a smartphone to another smartphone. The stumbling block here is the difficulty of connecting Windows smartphones to external hard drives and flash drives, despite the MicroUSB interface in many smartphones and OTG connections to it.
Reinstalling Windows 10 on a smartphone is possible mainly via cable using a PC or laptop and a third-party program installed on the latter, for example, Microsoft Visual Studio. If you are using a smartphone that had Windows Phone 8, you need official support for Windows 10 Mobile for your model.
Backing up and restoring Windows 10 from backup copies is no more difficult than working with previous versions Windows in the same vein. There are many more disaster recovery tools built into the OS itself, as well as third-party programs for the same task.
The vast majority of users (perhaps you are one of them too) disdain the function that allows you to backup Windows 10. By the way, it’s in vain.
It also has a system backup feature. Moreover, by default, an image is created for all media files, documents and SMS, calls and bookmarks in the system browser or application.
To do this, you will need to go to the “Settings” application in the “Update and Security” section.
There you need to find an archiving service. You need to put the toggle switch in the “on” position under the line where it is suggested to create a backup copy of the content.
Interestingly, the user can independently choose which parameters will be backed up and which will not. This can be done using the “Other parameters” section.
True, if on a PC it was possible to independently determine where the system image would be written, on mobile devices everything is automatically saved to your OneDrive account.
Normal system recovery
If the backup was performed using the first method, then in the event of a critical error and incorrect operation system, you need to go to the “Shutdown” section in the “Start” menu, select the restart item and click on it while holding the Shift button.
When you reboot, the advanced options screen will open, where you need to click on “System image recovery.” After selecting this item, the system will search for a backup copy and try to install it, so you need to take into account that the media must be inserted into the PC (if we are talking about a flash drive, CD or external hard drive).
via DISM
In the event that the Windows image was recorded when DISM help, need to open command line administrator (as was done above), where you will need to enter:
- diskpart.
- list volume.
- We remember on which disk the backup is stored (in the “Name” column) + the disk that will contain the system.
- select volume 5.
- select volume 6.
- format fs-FS quick.
- assign the latter=V.
- exit.
- dism /apply-mage /imagefile:*disk where the backup is stored*:\*name of the backup*.wim /index:1 /ApplyDir:6:\.
- bcdboot:6:\Windows /s V:.
- diskpart.
- select volume 5.
- remove letter=V.
5 - number of the disk with the system.
6 is the number of the disk where the system will be installed.
V is a Latin letter that will be assigned to the system partition.
Then you will need to restart your PC and the system will be restored.
System recovery via LiveCD Aomei Backupper Standard
To restore the operating system using this utility, you need to open this program and go to the Restore section, which is located in the side menu. The program itself will find where the system image is stored and offer to install it. This is only possible if the media with the image is connected to the PC or if it is some kind of disk inside the system.
In any case, you can specify the path to the backup yourself.
After all the settings (if any have been made), click on Start Restore, which will be highlighted in orange.
As it turns out, creating a Windows system image is not at all difficult. The main thing you need to understand is that you should not neglect the backup function and, whenever necessary, it is better to use it.
Who knows what data you'll need in the future. It’s better to make an image of them so as not to lose them without a trace in the future.
All these actions apply to mobile version operating system from Microsoft, because now users store a huge amount important information specifically on smartphones and tablets - mobile devices that are always at hand. Yes, cloud services in Russia and the CIS are not so popular yet.
A backup is exactly the same system as yours. It includes exactly the same drivers, settings and all other elements of a functioning system. A backup copy differs from recovery points in that recovery points contain only information about changes in the system, while a backup copy is the entire system.
First of all, a copy will be needed for quick recovery if any problems arise with the system. Restoring a system from a copy is much easier and faster than reinstalling Windows and all the software that is required. In addition, after reinstalling the system, absolutely all personalization parameters will be lost. Therefore, it would be very smart and thoughtful to keep any means of storing information with an image in case of any unforeseen problems. This is especially true for those who especially value files and applications on their personal computer.
Let's look at the best ways to create a copy for two operating systems - Windows 7 and 10
Windows 10 has a handy tool called Backup and Restore. To use this tool you need:
Important! It is not at all necessary to save the system image only on the computer itself, because if it breaks, then you will not be able to fix anything, therefore, the whole point of backup is lost. Use more secure data storage methods.
Installation from the created disk
There are two main situations when you need the disk we created earlier. In the first case, your working machine will be unstable or work incorrectly, but will still be operational. Another case is that you can’t even start the computer. The created disk will definitely help us fix the problem in both situations.
In the first case, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- Open the Start menu, select the Settings tab. It looks like a gear.
- Select the “Update and Security” section, and in it click on “Recovery”.
- We go to the “Special boot options” tab and click on the reboot button in this window.
- Next we get to where we need to install the old system. To begin, select the “Troubleshooting” item.
- Then “Advanced settings”, in the window that opens, click on.
- This program will independently search for the image and, if it finds it, will begin to return the system to its state. If this does not happen, you will have to indicate yourself where the copy of your Windows is located.
- The next step is to confirm the recovery procedure and it will begin.
Guide to recovering a system image from disk
A copy of the "seven"
Owners of a computer with not the most latest version the system also needs to take care of its data and store it in some reliable storage.
- The window will display a message indicating that data archiving is not configured. We have to configure it. Click “Set up backup” and the computer begins searching for suitable recording media.
- Select the drive on which the backup will be stored.
- Next, the system will want to know what to archive. You can trust it to automatically select files, or do it manually. Windows itself will back up the entire disk if there is enough space on the media.
Interesting! It is most convenient and reliable to save on external hard disk. Not everyone has flash drives of the required capacity, and ordinary disks are extremely unstable to scratches and mechanical damage.
Backup using special programs
For backup, you can also use the old and reliable program - Acronis True Image. Its main advantages are simple and clear interface and compatibility. The application provides a huge selection of settings for faster, more convenient and comfortable reservations. This is an excellent alternative to standard products.
Let's figure out how to use the program.
- Let's download it. It is free only for the first 30 days of use, so we will activate the trial period.
- Now we need what the program will reserve for us. That is, those disks and partitions that are needed to restore the system. By clicking on the computer icon, you can change the copy source, which the utility automatically selected “Whole computer”. At your discretion, you can add to the backup copy what you may need.
- Select a save location.
- Click on “Create a copy” and wait.
Livecd aomei backupper
To make a reservation, you can also use a reliable program developed for these purposes - AOMEI Backupper. This program is the main competitor of the famous Acronis True Image, it is not inferior in functionality, but is free.
Its main advantages are a simple and intuitive interface and compatibility with all known operating systems. You can create boot disk or a flash drive with the program, if you suddenly need to urgently restore the system without access to a working computer.
Let's figure out how to work with the program.
- Let's download it. The program is completely free.
- Installing the program is simple, you just need to click “Next” several times. None unnecessary programs It will not install with AOMEI Backupper Standard. Initially it works in English, it is possible to Russify it, but we do not have to do this. You need to download the crack separately.
- Open the program and click “Create” new copy" The only button you will see in front of you.
- Click on “System Backup”. You can also make copies of files by partition.
- Select a pre-inserted external HDD, or a partition on your drive.
- Click “Launch”. In a few minutes, a copy will be created.
Recovery via AOMEI
Backup using dism
Backup can be done via the command line. For this:
Important! Please note that "D:" is where the copy is stored. example.wim is its name. The main thing is not to change the extension. “C:” is the location from which files will be copied.
If you choose one of these methods and create a system backup in the near future, then you and your files will be reliably protected from unplanned problems with the operating system.
Read the simplest and best ways deleting the old folder in a new article -
Video - Backup Windows 10
Friends, hello everyone! In this article we will continue the topic of computer security and data preservation. Therefore, now I will tell you about creating a Windows 10 system image. regular means. And we’ll try to copy it even to a flash drive.
By the way, the method described below is quite suitable for Win 7, since the whole procedure is done in complete analogy. Now a few words about the essence of the image being created. Its difference is that it can contain a complete copy of a PC disk.
So, let's go. Remember, our task is to copy the system partition to a USB drive. To do this, first of all we go to the Control Panel and follow the path “Small icons-backup copy and restore (Windows 7)":
And look, it says here that this recovery archive can be used even if your hard drive or computer fails. I wonder if it’s really possible to upgrade the system on new hardware using standard means? If so, then respect and respect to the guys from Microsoft. But to be honest, I seriously doubt it. Although...
Now about saving to a flash drive. As you can see in the picture below, it is available in the device selection list. But there is one caveat - it must be formatted in NTFS:
And one moment. In this way, only standard system directories necessary to restore the functionality of Windows and programs are copied. free custom folders and files are not taken into account. At least that's how I understand it. But below we will still consider the option of a full backup.
So, since about such requirements for file system I didn’t know if we would copy the archive to the second partition of the hard drive. In my case it is called Multimedia:
Well, click the “Archive” button and wait for the Windows 10 image to be created. I must say that here everything depends on the amount of information being saved, but in any case you will need to wait a while.
Upon completion of the process, a folder will appear on the disk we specified WindowsImageBackup with fallback image:
Now a few words about how such an archive can be used in practice, for example, in a critical situation. It's very easy. If the system is crooked, but boots, use the "Recovery" function of the Win 7 backup partition:
Now let's look at another section of this panel, which is called "Configure backup":
Please note that here copying to a flash drive is not available at all. You can only select external or internal hard drive:
But the user is given a choice. It is possible to archive not only the system partition, but also absolutely any user data. By the way, about the last one. note to the one highlighted in the picture Below is a fragment.
It says that the program will back up only those files that are stored in the user's libraries (Pictures, Music, Videos folders, etc.), desktop and standard system directories:
Therefore, by clicking “Give me a choice,” you should specify either the entire C drive, so to speak, with all the available stuff, or only the necessary directories:
I hope you can see the difference now? But keep one more thing in mind. If yours is divided into only two sections, for example, like mine is now, then you won’t be able to copy the second one in this way, since it will be selected as the save location.
Go ahead. At the next step, another nice option awaits us. You can configure the creation of images on a schedule. Agree, this is very convenient. Therefore, all that remains is to click on the “Save parameters and start archiving” button:
That's it, friends, now you know everything about creating a Windows 10 system image on a flash drive using standard tools. Do you think this function is conveniently implemented in the top ten?
Share your opinion in the comments and also ask questions if you have any. And finally, as always, I suggest you watch another interesting video.
