Forum Discussion
WellsHart
Jul 14, 2025Iron Contributor
The best way to backup Windows 10 to external drive?
My old Windows 10 PC is short for free storage as it only has a 128GB SSD inside. I purchased a new SSD and want to backup Windows 10 first before reinstalling Windows 10 on the new drive. Does Windo...
Cacom
Jul 14, 2025Iron Contributor
To backup Windows 10 to an external drive, you can use built-in tools or free third-party software. Here are some reliable options:
1. Using Windows 10 Built-in Backup (File History or Backup and Restore)
File History:
- Connect your external drive.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Click Add a drive and select your external drive.
- Turn on Automatically back up my files.
- This method backs up personal files, not the entire system image.
Backup and Restore (Windows 7):
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click Set up backup and follow the prompts to back up to your external drive.
- You can choose to create a system image for a full backup and backup Windows 10 to external drive.
2. Creating a System Image (Full Backup) Using Built-in Tool
- Open Control Panel.
- Navigate to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click Create a system image.
- Choose your external drive as the backup location.
- Follow the prompts to create a complete system image.