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LennoxFord's avatar
LennoxFord
Iron Contributor
Jan 27, 2026

How to backup computer on windows 10?

 I want to backup the whole computer, including documents, photos, videos and most importantly apps. I don't find such an option in Windows 10. Then I tried to get an answer from the search engine but there are so so many options out there. What is the best way to backup computer on windows 10? Hopefully, someone suggest an easy solution for dummies.

Thank you

7 Replies

  • Ramobiery's avatar
    Ramobiery
    Iron Contributor

    The built-in Backup feature is a quit good solution for backing up a Windows 10 computer.

  • Madiison's avatar
    Madiison
    Iron Contributor

    If you're looking for an obscure yet powerful tool to help with backing up your Windows 10 system, DISM++ might be worth exploring. It’s a free, lightweight, GUI frontend for the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command-line tool, which is built into Windows. While DISM++ is primarily known for cleaning and managing Windows images, it also offers some useful features for system maintenance and backup.

    How to backup computer in Windows 10 using DISM++?

    Although DISM++ isn’t a traditional backup tool like imaging software, it can help create a more manageable system environment and clean up unnecessary files that might otherwise clutter your backup. For full system backups, you would still need to use Windows’ built-in tools like creating a system image or third-party backup software, but DISM++ can complement these methods by optimizing your system beforehand.

    Why use DISM++?

    It provides a best way to clean and optimize your Windows system before performing backups, ensuring that your backup is leaner and more efficient.

    It’s free, portable, and offers a GUI that’s easier to use than command-line DISM commands, especially for those who prefer a graphical interface.

    While DISM++ itself doesn’t directly create backups, how to backup computer in Windows 10 can be enhanced by first cleaning and managing your system with this tool. Combining DISM++ with Windows’ native backup features or system imaging will give you a more thorough and efficient backup strategy, especially if you want to keep your backups lean and manageable.

  • The Hidden Gem: DISM Command-Line Tool: This is the same tool Microsoft uses internally for creating Windows installation images. It can backup computer in Windows 10 (ENTIRE system, apps and all, for free.)

    Steps for how to backup computer in Windows 10:

    1. Connect an external hard drive (must be as large as your used space + 20%)

    2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start menu → Windows PowerShell (Admin))

    3. Type this exact command (replace E: with your backup drive letter):

    cmd

    dism /Capture-Image /ImageFile:"E:\Backup.wim" /CaptureDir:C:\ /Name:"MyFullBackup" /Description:"Full backup on $(Get-Date)"

    What this does:

     * Creates a WIM file (Windows Imaging Format)

     * Captures EVERYTHING on C: drive

    * Apps, system files, documents, settings - complete snapshot

     * Compresses to save space * Can be mounted/explored like a virtual drive

  • Arya66's avatar
    Arya66
    Iron Contributor

    How to backup computer in Windows 10? Using manual backup via network sharing is a practical and free way to back up files between Windows 10 computers, especially if you want to back up your data to another PC on the same network. Here's a simple guide to help you set up network sharing for manual backups:

    How to backup computer in Windows 10 via Network Sharing on Windows 10

    Step 1: Enable File Sharing on the Source Computer

    1. Open Settings:

    Press Windows + I to open Settings.

    2. Go to Network & Internet > Status.

    3. Click on “Network and Sharing Center” (at the bottom).

    4. Change advanced sharing settings:

    In the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings.

    5. Turn on sharing options:

    • Under Private network:
    • Select Turn on network discovery.
    • Select Turn on file and printer sharing.
    • Save changes.

    Step 2: Share a Specific Folder for Backup

    1. Choose the folder you want to back up (e.g., Documents, or create a new folder called "Backup").

    2. Right-click the folder, then select Properties.

    3. Go to the Sharing tab.

    4. Click Share....

    5. In the dropdown, select Everyone (or specific users if preferred), then click Add.

    6. Set permissions to Read/Write if you want the backup PC to add files.

    7. Click Share, then Done.

    Step 3: Access the Shared Folder from the Backup Computer

    1. Open File Explorer.

    2. In the address bar, type:

    \\<SourceComputerName>\<SharedFolderName>

    Replace <SourceComputerName> with the name of the source PC (you can find it in Settings > System > About > Device name).

    Replace <SharedFolderName> with the name of the shared folder.

    3. You will see the shared folder. You can now copy files manually to this folder as a backup.

    Step 4: Automate or Repeat for Backup computer in Windows 10

    You can manually copy files whenever needed.

    For more automation, consider creating batch scripts or using Windows Backup tools.

  • CharlesMr's avatar
    CharlesMr
    Copper Contributor

    To effectively backup computer in Windows 10 —including documents, photos, videos, and installed apps—there are several options, but the most straightforward and reliable method for "full machine backup" is using Windows' built-in tools.

    Use Windows 10's Built-in "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" feature. This feature creates a system image that includes everything: Windows, apps, settings, and files.

    How to backup computer in Windows 10:

    1. Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).

    2. Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

    3. Click Create a system image on the left.

    4. Choose where to save the backup:

    • An external hard drive (recommended)
    • DVDs
    • Network location

    5. Select the drives you want to back up (usually the system drive C:).

    6. Click Start backup and wait until it's done.

     

    Advantages:

    Creates a complete snapshot you can restore later.

    Includes apps, system files, and personal data.

    Note: To restore, you’ll use a special recovery disk or Windows recovery options.

     

  • bonirl's avatar
    bonirl
    Bronze Contributor

    It's very important to learn how to back computer for Windows 10 to protect your important files from accidental loss. Cloud backup offers a simple, flexible solution for safeguarding your personal files, and it works seamlessly with Windows 10's built-in local backup tools to keep all of your data secure.

    OneDrive is already installed on Windows 10. Just sign in with your Microsoft account. Put your files into the OneDrive folder on your PC, and they will sync to the cloud automatically. You can also change the sync settings to pick which folders you want to back up, so your key files are always protected without extra work.

    Advantages of OneDrive Backup

    • It works perfectly with Windows 10, and you don’t need to install any extra software.

    • Files sync automatically in the background, so you don’t have to back them up by hand.

    • You can access your backed-up files on any device using your Microsoft account.

    • It gives you free basic cloud storage, which is enough for daily personal file backups.

    Disadvantages of OneDrive Backup

    • The free storage is limited and will fill up fast if you back up large files like high-definition videos.

    • How fast and stable the sync is depends entirely on your internet connection.

    • It only backs up personal files. It cannot back up your Windows 10 system, installed apps, or system settings.

    cloud backup with OneDrive is a useful addition to local backup methods when you learn how to backup your Windows 10 computer. It’s easy to use and lets you access files anywhere, making it great for daily use. Using OneDrive together with local tools like system image and File History gives you full protection for your Windows 10 system and all your data.

  • TrappJean's avatar
    TrappJean
    Silver Contributor

    To prevent the loss of important data, backing up your Windows 10 operating system is crucial. Windows 10 comes with two built-in core backup tools that meet the needs of personal file backup and full system backup respectively.

    How to backup computer on Windows 10 OS

    File History is designed exclusively for backing up personal files such as documents, photos, and videos. It supports automatic, scheduled backups, but does not include applications or system settings, making it ideal for daily file protection.

    • Press the shortcut key Windows + I to open Settings.

    • Navigate to Update & Security > Backup.

    • Click Add a drive, and select an external hard drive or a network location as your backup storage device.

    • Once the drive is added, click More options. Here you can customize the backup frequency , the retention period for backups, and select the folders you want to back up.

    • To restore files, return to this Backup settings page and click Restore files to choose a previous version for recovery.

    If you need to back up everything on your computer, you can create a system image. In the event of a system crash or hardware failure, you can use this image to restore your entire system to its state at the time of the backup.

    • Type Control Panel in the Start menu search bar and open it.

    • Click System and Security > Backup and Restore.

    • On the left-hand menu, click Create a system image.

    • Choose a backup destination: you can select an external hard drive, a network location, or DVDs. It is recommended to use a high-capacity external hard drive first to avoid insufficient storage space.

    • Select the drives to include in the backup. The system drive (usually the C: drive) is selected by default; there is no need to check additional data drives. If you need to back up data on other drives, you can do so separately using File History.

    • Click Start backup and wait for the process to finish. The duration depends on the size of your system and the speed of your hardware, ranging from 1 hour to several hours. Do not shut down your computer or interrupt the process during this time.

    Using these two tools, you can implement a flexible, layered backup strategy for your Windows 10 system: use File History daily to protect personal files, and create a full system image with System Image regularly. This dual protection safeguards your data and system security, preventing accidental data loss.

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