# How to backup Windows 10 Every computer owner lives in fear of system crashes and defective hard drives. Irretrievably losing your personal files, photos, vacation videos or work-related data is among the worst-case scenarios for regular computer users. In theory, no one should have to fear complete **data loss**, since all operating systems typically enable users to create **[backups](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/server/security/what-is-a-backup/ "What is a backup?")** of all their important files. It is also quite easy to create a backup in Windows 10. **Backing up** is one of the best ways to create comprehensive copies of your files, applications, system settings, etc. If you lose your laptop or your computer becomes inoperable due to a defect, you can restore a previously created Windows 10 backup on another device in no time at all. In the following, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create a Windows 10 backup yourself. ## How to back up your computer in Windows 10: step-by-step instructions A full backup in Windows 10 is basically **duplicating the entire state of the operating system**. All data, settings, and customisations are saved to a backup device as a one-to-one backup. This is why we also refer to these as **system images**. These are different from restore points in that they encompass the entire system as well as personal files. To perform a Windows 10 backup, you must follow the steps described below. --- ### Note To use the Windows 10 backup function, you will need administrator rights! --- **Step 1**: Use the **search function** in the taskbar next to the Windows logo (or look in the Start menu) to find and open the Control Panel. To do so, enter “**Control Panel**” in the search bar and click on the corresponding suggestion displayed. [![Image: Search function in the Windows 10 taskbar](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/b/a/csm_search-function-in-windows-10-taskbar_7286eaeac9.webp "Search function in the Windows 10 taskbar")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/search-function-in-windows-10-taskbar.png) Using the search function in the Windows 10 taskbar, you can quickly find the Control Panel. **Step 2**: Under “System and Security” (when viewing by category), you will find “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)”. Select this option which is also relevant to the current Windows 10 operating system. [![Image: “Backup and Restore” in the Windows settings](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/d/6/csm_backup-and-restore-in-windows-settings_d923f350d0.webp "“Backup and Restore” in the Windows settings")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/backup-and-restore-in-windows-settings.png) The backup function in Windows 10 also displays the previous version Windows 7 in parentheses. **Step 3**: In the navigation bar on the left-hand side, select “Create a system image”. Before selecting this option, you should **connect the data storage device** to which you wish to save your Windows 10 backup. We recommend an **external hard drive** with adequate storage space. Once you have connected the removable storage device, click “**Create a system image**”. [![Image: “Create a system image” in the Windows 10 backup settings](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/f/csm_create-system-image-in-windows-10-backup-settings_8d6c825517.webp "“Create a system image” in the Windows 10 backup settings")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/create-system-image-in-windows-10-backup-settings.png) Connect an external hard drive before selecting “Create a system image”. Then, you can save your Windows 10 backup to that external data storage device. **Step 4**: Now you can select where you wish to save your Windows 10 backup. Select “On a hard disk” to save the backup to an external hard drive. Alternatively, you can select “On one or more DVDs” or “On a network location” if you wish to save your backup to a CD/DVD or to an external device on the network. Click “**Next**”. [![Image: Storage options for Windows 10 backups](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/4/5/csm_storage-options-windows-10-backups_46509383a9.webp "Storage options for Windows 10 backups")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/storage-options-windows-10-backups.png) If the selected location does not have adequate storage space, Windows will warn you before creating the backup. **Step 5**: Start the Windows 10 backup by clicking “**Start backup**”. It may take a few minutes to create the Windows 10 backup. [![Image: “Start backup” to start the backup](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/1/csm_start-backup-to-start-backup_ff11cafaff.webp "“Start backup” to start the backup")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/start-backup-to-start-backup.png) Depending on how large your system backup is, it may take a few minutes to create the system image on your external hard drive. ## Creating small data backups with Windows 10 In addition to a full Windows 10 backup, you can also choose to back up only private files. For many users, this type of **mini backup** is both a time-saving and space-saving alternative to creating a full system image of the operating system. If you do not wish to perform a full Windows 10 backup but would rather just **save your important personal data**, follow the steps below. **Step 1**: Open the “Control Panel”. Under “System and Security”, select “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)”. **Step 2**: In the backup options, click “**Set up back-up**”. Before backing up your own files, you should connect an external hard drive that has adequate storage space. [![Image: “Set up back-up” link in the backup settings](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/b/b/csm_set-up-back-up-link-in-backup-settings_4d35345c6c.webp "“Set up back-up” link in the backup settings")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/set-up-back-up-link-in-backup-settings.png) When you use “Set up back-up”, you only back up your own files. [![Image: Selecting a location for the Windows 10 backup](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/9/5/csm_selecting-location-for-windows-10-backup_b2157e3988.webp "Selecting a location for the Windows 10 backup")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/selecting-location-for-windows-10-backup.png) Select the location for your data backup and then click “Next”. **Step 3**: In the next step, the setup assistant will ask you to select a **storage location** for your personal Windows 10 backup. Select either a connected **external hard drive** (recommended option) or an alternative storage location. **Step 4**: Select **what you want to back up from your personal data**. Either let Windows choose or specify the individual folders and files to be backed up. [![Image: Windows 10: selecting files to be backed up](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/0/d/csm_windows-10-selecting-files-to-be-backed-up_31551339cc.webp "Windows 10: selecting files to be backed up")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/windows-10-selecting-files-to-be-backed-up.png) The recommended option (Let Windows choose) backs up all your data that is saved in libraries, on the desktop and in default Windows folders. **Step 5**: Check your selection and then click “**Save settings and run backup**” to start the backup. These settings will be saved for future use so that the next time you decide to replace the backup, all you will need to do is click “**Backup**” under “Update and Security”. [![Image: Backup settings for the Windows 10 backup](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/1/csm_backup-settings-windows-10-backup_a068d4cb55.webp "Backup settings for the Windows 10 backup")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2020/backup-settings-windows-10-backup.png) By clicking “Save settings and run backup”, you start the backup of your personal files. --- ### Tip Naturally, you can also save backups to the cloud. IONOS offers [Cloud Backup](https://www.ionos.co.uk/cloud/cloud-backup "Cloud backup with IONOS") and [HiDrive Next cloud storage](https://www.ionos.co.uk/office-solutions/hidrive-cloud-storage "Store your data with HiDrive Next Cloud") to provide you with the right cloud solution for your Windows 10 backup. --- This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-10-creating-a-backup/](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-10-creating-a-backup/) for AI/LLM consumption.