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Protecting Windows With System Image Backups

Tutorials 14 October 2016

Be Prepared: How to Backup Your Entire Windows System with System Image Backups

The inevitable crash can happen when you least expect it. When it does, being prepared could save you hours of frustration — and money! If not for yourself, then at least for the techs who come to help, like us at Techaroo. 🙂

Windows offers several built-in backup options, including File History and System Image Backups. While File History keeps versions of your files and folders, System Image creates a full copy of your entire system. This means you can restore everything — Windows, apps, settings, and files — all in one go.

Most users find File History sufficient for protecting their important files. But for advanced users or technicians, a System Image backup is a massive time saver. It means no reinstalling Windows or your applications from scratch, and your personalized settings come back instantly. Simply put:

Save time = Save money
Would you prefer we spend 3 hours rebuilding your machine or 1 hour restoring it from a backup? We’re guessing the latter!

How to Create a System Image Backup on Windows

Step 1: Open Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

  • Click the Cortana icon on your taskbar (a small white circle).
    If it’s missing, right-click the taskbar, select Cortana > Show Cortana Icon.
  • Go to Home > Settings > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2: Setup Your Backup

  • Click Set up backup (or Change settings if a backup exists).
  • Choose your backup destination — ideally an external USB drive or a separate internal drive (not your Windows drive).
  • Choose Let me choose for full control over what gets backed up.
  • Select the folders and drives you want, and make sure “Include a system image of drives” is checked — this is critical!
  • Set your backup schedule for a time when you won’t be using your PC.

Step 3: Create the System Image

  • In the Backup and Restore window, click Create a system image.
  • Choose your backup destination (we recommend a hard disk).
  • Select any other drives to include in the image.
  • Ignore disk error warnings if you want (but it’s best to fix them in real cases).
  • Review the summary and click Start backup.

Restoring Your Files from Backup

  • Open Backup and Restore and select Restore my files.
  • Browse for the folders or files you want to recover.
  • Choose to restore them to the original location or a new location.
  • Once done, you can view and access your restored files immediately.

Backing up your system isn’t complicated, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your data and your time. If you’re in Melbourne and want a hand with system backups or any computer repairs, just give Techaroo a shout — we’re happy to help!