How can I create a full system backup for Windows 11 computer?

Microsoft really needs to get a real system imaging system back on track in Windows. Apple has time machine which is a full system image. Backup and Restore (Windows 7) still works, I've even used it on one of those new ARM AI laptops..and it WORKS. File history backup, and microsoft backup only capture your desktop/documents/etc. folders, with no ability to select the whole drive. I get it that using windows 7 backup requires historical windows knowledge and knowledge of storage controllers and drivers, and that's why it's deprecated. But, CMON guys! DO something. Was backup and restore really any easier back then as it is now? NO. Did anything change....NO!

About creating a full system backup for Windows 11 computer, File History is designed specifically for user files—like documents, photos, and music—so it won’t back up your entire operating system, installed programs, or system settings. If your OS goes kaput, you can't just restore everything with File History.

If you accidentally delete a file, File History captures versions over time, but if you're not regularly checking and ensuring File History runs smoothly, you might not have the version you need when you really need it. Best case? You do a backup at the right time; worst case? You find out the hard way that it didn’t run.

So, what do you do if you want to create a full system backup for Windows 11? Here’s the healthy combo you can use:

1. Use “Backup and Restore” or Third-party Tools: For a complete system image, utilize the built-in “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” feature or a solid tool like Macriium Refllect. This captures everything: your OS, applications, personal files, and settings. 

2. Keep Using File History for Personal Files: Since File History is great for keeping your personal data safe and has that convenient versioning, keep using it alongside your other backups. This way, your files are protected, and you have a system image that'll get you back up and running in no time.

3. Schedule Regular Backups: Setting your File History to back up every hour while running regular system image backups could strike a nice balance. Just set it and forget it (mostly).

Using OneDrive for creating a full system backup on Windows 11 - that's a great approach! But OneDrive's free version comes with limited storage (5 GB). If you've got a lot of files, especially large ones like videos, photos, or documents, you might quickly hit that storage limit. Consider upgrading to a Microsoft 365 subscription, which not only gives you more OneDrive storage (1 TB) but also access to the full Microsoft Office suite.

OneDrive primarily backs up specific folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. For a full system backup, you might need more than just these folders. System files, installed programs, and settings aren't covered by default. Use OneDrive for personal files, and then complement it with Windows built-in tools like Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for a full system image, or third-party software like Macrium Reflect for more control over what gets backed up.

I was scared once when Windows 11 suddenly failed to boot. Fortunately, no important data was lost. Since then, I decided that I must learn to create a full system backup for Windows 11, just in case. Later, I used the "System Image Backup" that comes with Windows, which really solved my worries!

1. I typed "Control Panel" in the search box on the taskbar and found "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)". Don't be misled by the name, it is actually a built-in function of Windows 11 and it is very useful.
2. On the left side of the interface, there is an option of "Create System Image". After I clicked it, it asked me to choose the destination for the backup. I have an external 4TB hard drive with enough space, so I chose it without hesitation.
3. The system prompted me which disks to back up. I checked the C drive and the system reserved partition by default. These partitions contain the Windows system and all settings, which are the key to a complete backup.
4. After confirmation, I clicked "Start Backup" and then watched the progress bar slowly. It took about 20 minutes (depending on the amount of data) and the backup was completed. Windows also reminded me that I could create a recovery disc, but I skipped it because the system image was enough.

This backup saved my life: 
Then one day, my Windows 11 update failed, causing the system to crash and not boot at all. Fortunately, I used the system image function to create a full system backup for Windows 11 in advance, and used it to restore the system directly, and it returned to the state at the time of the backup, even the desktop icons did not change!

Besides local system backup, it is more convenient to backup Windows 11 with Cloud service like OneDrive. You can incorporate OneDrive into your overall backup strategy to ensure your important files are securely stored in the cloud. For a comprehensive full system backup, you'll need to use additional tools alongside OneDrive. Below, I'll outline how to use OneDrive for creating a full systems window 11 backup and recommend complementary methods for full system backups.

Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen). If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: During setup, you'll be asked to select which folders you want to sync to OneDrive. You can choose the default folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop) or select specific folders.

Step 3: Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings. Under the Account tab, you can manage which folders are synced. Use the Backup tab to manage backup settings for important folders.

Step 4: Open OneDrive Settings by right-clicking the OneDrive icon and selecting Settings. Navigate to the Backup tab.

Step 5: Click on Manage backup. Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to back up to OneDrive. Click Start backup.

Step 6: Once synced, your files are accessible from any device with OneDrive installed or via the OneDrive web interface.

By implementing a layered backup strategy, you ensure that your personal files are accessible and secure via OneDrive, while your entire system can be restored in the event of a failure or other issues.

As for me, it is essential for creating a full system backup of your Windows 11 computer  in order to safeguard the data, system settings, and ensuring you can recover your system in case of hardware failures, malware attacks, or other unexpected issues. You have several options to perform a full system backup, including using built-in Windows tools

Method 1. Create a full systems window 11 backup with Backup and Restore

Despite its name, the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature is still available in Windows 11 and allows you to create a full system image backup.

1. Use an external hard drive, USB drive, or a network location with sufficient storage space to store the backup.

2. In Control Panel, set the view to Large icons or Small icons. Click on Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

3. On the left sidebar, click Create a system image.

4. Select where you want to save the system image. By default, Windows will select the necessary drives for the system image. You can add other drives if desired.

5. Click Start backup. The process may take some time depending on the amount of data.

After the backup, Windows may prompt you to create a system repair disc. This can help boot your computer in case of system failure. If you don’t have a DVD drive, you can create a Recovery Drive instead.

Method 2. Create a full systems window 11 backup with File History

While File History primarily backs up personal files and not the entire system, it's a useful tool to complement a system image backup.

1. Ensure you have an external storage device connected.

2. Go to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup.

3. Under Back up using File History, click Add a drive and select your external drive.

4. Click More options to configure backup frequency and which folders to back up.

Creating a full system backup for your Windows 11 computer is a crucial step in protecting your data and ensuring quick recovery in case of system failures.