How to make a backup of your entire computer for Windows 10/11?

Formerly known as Acronis True Image, this is widely considered the gold standard for personal backup. It combines robust local disk imaging with cloud backup and cybersecurity features (like ransomware protection). It is the "best" solution if you want a user-friendly interface that handles both backing up to an external hard drive and the cloud simultaneously, ensuring the 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 media, 1 offsite) is met easily.

To make a full backup of entire computer on Windows 11 or Windows 10,  click the source icon on the main "Backup" tab,. Select "Entire PC" (this ensures all internal drives are included). 

Next, click the destination icon. You can choose an External Hard Drive for fast local recovery or Acronis Cloud for offsite protection.

Now, click "Options" to set a schedule (e.g., Daily or Weekly) and an encryption password for security.

Click "Back Up Now."

Go to the "Tools" tab and use the "Rescue Media Builder" to create a bootable USB drive. You will need this to restart your computer and restore the backup if Windows refuses to boot.

Pros:

Hybrid Backup: Seamlessly backs up to local drives and the cloud.

Security: Active protection stops ransomware from encrypting your backup files.

Universal Restore: Allows you to restore your system image to a completely different computer (different hardware).

Cons:

Cost: It is a subscription-based service (yearly fee), which can be pricey compared to one-time purchases.

Resource Heavy: The software runs many background processes (antivirus, updater, etc.) which can slightly slow down older machines. This means it takes more time for making a backup of your entire computer.