How to Backup Files in Windows 10 for Full Recovery (100% Work)

Follow the essential guide on how to backup files in Windows 10 with the right file backup tools, which can be a native Windows backup program called File History, or a more flexible and advanced third-party Windows backup software called EaseUS Todo Backup.

Page Table of Contents

Tracy King

Updated on Jan 12, 2024

0 Views | 0 min read

What Are Files on a Computer?

A complete backup must be your biggest priority as it's a part of your retrieval plan and an effective strategy against every hardware failure. Malicious spyware and malware attacks can corrupt your system files and shatter the Windows 10 installation process.

If you're not creating complete backups proactively, you will jeopardize the valuable pictures and documents you have spent long hours configuring. If you're wondering what files are on a computer, a file is a standard storage unit in a PC, and all the programs and data are written into a well-formed file and read from a file. On the other hand, computer files are preserved on a hard drive and a floppy disk and may be in a folder on that medium.

As far as the types of files are concerned, these are recognized by the system, which is regular, special, or directory. Although the OS utilizes countless variations of the basic types, all identified by the system engage in similar categories.

Importance of File Backup in Windows 10

One of the most vital reasons for losing files in Windows 10 is that they have accidentally removed those without building a backup of them. The next probable reason for file deletion is when the properties are set to hidden, and no such proper configuration is present in the File Explorer to demonstrate hidden files. But are you wondering how to backup files in windows 10?

Understandably, data loss is a significant deal, and people often lose 62% of data, among which 76% have occurred mistakenly. Therefore, it's essential to back up files on your Windows PC as it provides a solution to prevent primary data failures, which could be because of data corruption, software or hardware failure, or a malicious attack.  

Microsoft Office Can Automatically Back up Your Working Docs and Sheets

While it's both hassle-free to copy and forget files to an external hard drive, you will want to back them up daily to ensure you have a copy of the newest version as you never know when you might require to access your files. Hence, a daily backup file is imperative, and copying the most recent version is prudent. However, most PCs can automatically back up specific files or even your whole hard drive to simplify the process. 

Using Windows

Windows Backup was previously identified as File History in Windows 8, allowing you to create automatic copies of specific folders or files. For example, you might use Windows Backup to save a system picture that creates a backup of the whole hard drive. It also includes different types of applications and files you have installed. 

OneDrive

Earlier it was known as SkyDrive, a top-notch cloud-based storage service from Microsoft, providing 5GB of free storage. With OneDrive, you will get access to MS Office online. On the other hand, a free online version of MS Office includes Excel, Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint.

Besides MS Office, AutoCAD is another software application to restore files from a current backup. This is how you can retrieve unsaved AutoCAD file from a backup:

Step 1: Using back up file strategy.

Utilize a backup file strategy

Step 2: Utilizing the Automatic Save Method.

Choose automatic save file location

Step 3: Save temporary files .acs extension.

Type a file name and hit ok

Windows 10 File History for Limited Files Backup in C Drive

In Windows 10, you can utilize the File History feature to back up to a network location or an external drive such as C Drive. Choose Start > Settings > Update and Security > Backup > Add a Drive. After that, you must opt for a C drive for your backups. 

Open backup from settings

Retrieve your files with File History

Are you missing a vital file or folder you have backed up lately? This is the best way to retrieve it:

  • On the taskbar in the search box, type "Restore Files."
  • Search for your desired file and use the arrows to check all its versions.
  •  Choose "Restore" when you get the desired version and save it in its original location.

In order to save it in a separate place, right-click on "Restore", choose "Restore to", and select a new location.   

Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7) in Windows 10 for System Image Backup

The system image tool lets you create a complete backup to an external drive. For example, in order to create a complete backup of Windows 10 with system image backup, the steps are the following:

Step 1: Visit Settings.

Step 2: Select Update and Security.

Step 3: Choose Backup.

Step 4: Select the "Go to Back up and Restore (Windows 7)" option from the "Looking for an older backup?" section.

Select go to backup and restore windows 7

Step 5: “Build a system image” option must be selected from the left control panel.

Choose create a system image

Step 6: Choose the "On a hard disk" option.

Step 7: Select your desired location using the "On a hard disk" drop-down menu to export the Windows 10 complete backup.

Opt for your preferred file location to save the backup

Step 8: Choose the next button and select any additional hard drives to add to the backup.

Select new volume E and hit next

Step 9: Hit the next button and choose the "Start Backup" button.

Hit the start backup option

Step 10: Hit the Close button once done.

Best of all: Third-party Automated File Backup Software

Despite all the steps mentioned above to backup Windows files, EaseUS Todo Backup is the best third-party automated file backup software. It lets you create several important backups of your vital files. The best features of this tool are the following:

  • Multiple backup options: Its different backup options are file backup, partition or disk backup, smart, and system backup. In addition, you may clone your hard drive, which you have to switch out for a new one.
  • File monitoring: This tool lets you set up a schedule for the program to assess specific files through its Smart Backup feature. Then, whenever modifications are spotted in the monitored files, it will create a backup of the brand-new versions. 
  • Create emergency disk: If you're wondering what an emergency disk of this software is, it's used to retrieve a backup without booting into Windows. As Windows system corruption and freezing is expected, the bootable version of EaseUS Todo Backup can do a worry-free or risk-free backup recovery.

If it is necessary for you, you could follow the steps below to use EaseUS Todo Backup:

Step 1. Click the "Select backup contents" button to start backup.

create file backup step1

Step 2. There are four data backup categories, File, Disk, OS, and Mail, click File.

create file backup step2

Step 3. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to be backed up.

File backup

Step 4. Follow the on-screen guide, select the destination where you want to save the backup.

File backup step4

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with password in "Backup Options", set the backup schedule and choose to start back up at certain event in "Backup Scheme". There are also many other options you can explore, customize the backup task according to your need.

Backup options

Step 5. You can store the backup to local drive, EaseUS's cloud service, and NAS.

file backup step4

Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup enables users to back up data to both third-party cloud drive and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add and login your account.

Backup to cloud
You can also choose EaseUS's own cloud drive. Click EaseUS Cloud, sign up with your EaseUS Account and log in.

backup to easeus cloud

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to start backup. After the backup task is completed, it will be displayed in the form of a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup task to further manage it.

File backup step7

FAQs

1. What is the best way to backup files in Windows 10?

A: An external USB hard drive is deemed the most cost-effective and fastest way to backup files in Windows 10.

2. How do I backup my computer files?

A: All you need to do is hit the start, type backup in the search box, and after that, choose Backup and Restore in the Programs list. Once done, click backup files from your PC or under backup files. Next, you need to decide where you want to store the file backup and hit Next. 

3. Is Windows 10 backup any good?

A: The built-in Windows backup is a disappointment. But the Windows 10 backup could be acceptable at its best, implying it has sufficient functionality to be better than nothing.

4. Which files should I backup on my computer?

A: As a rule of thumb, the files built by you are the best type of files to backup.  

EaseUS Todo Backup

EaseUS Todo Backup is a dependable and professional data backup solution capable of backing up files, folders, drives, APP data and creating a system image. It also makes it easy to clone HDD/SSD, transfer the system to different hardware, and create bootable WinPE bootable disks.

  • Updated by

    Jean

    Jean is recognized as one of the most professional writers in EaseUS. She has kept improving her writing skills over the past 10 years and helped millions of her readers solve their tech problems on PC, Mac, and iOS devices. …
    Read full bio
  • Written by

    Tracy King

    Tracy became a member of the EaseUS content team in 2013. Being a technical writer for over 10 years, she is enthusiastic about sharing tips to assist readers in resolving complex issues in disk management, file transfer, PC & Mac performance optimization, etc., like an expert.…
    Read full bio

EaseUS Todo Backup

Smart backup tool for your files, disks, APPs and entire computer.

  Try It Now

Support Windows 11/10/8/7

Topic Clusters