System Image: Controlling what gets backed up

I just re-installed Windows 10. I'd prefer NOT to do that any more than necessary, which includes after a Windows upgrade causes a problem.

SO, I'm trying to set up Windows 10 to make a system image (periodically). It WORKS fine, but instead of just taking the system disk, it's ALSO backing up one of my other disks. I BELIEVE it's because the other disk has a page file on it.

I'm putting the main pagefile on the NON-SYSTEM disk because my system is on an SSD and it's recommended (from what I've read) to minimize keeping things on there that get beat on regularly... BUT, as I understand it, any disk that has a pagefile on it is going to be included in the system image. This is a problem 'cause the non-system disk it's backing up has a couple TERABYTES of images on it along with the pagefile.

SO, can I tell Windows 10 Image backup NOT to mess with the other disk?
OR, do I put a little partition on the other disk just to hold the pagefile?
OR, do I just say, "screw it" and put the whole pagefile on the system SSD?
OR, do I find a 3rd party tool to make a system image?

Well GracieAllen, the BEST way to make your system image is to use Macrium Reflect, free version. This will make your backup of just your C-drive if that's what you want. Lots of us on here either use Macrium or Acronis for making complete Image backups. Acronis thou is not free. Windows image backup can have problems sometimes. Your choice.

You should also move your pagefile back to your SSD if you've got space - you are making your performance worse for no reason by putting it on HDD.

SSDs don't suffer from such a limited lifespan any more - you can re-write the entire disk multiple times per day every day for years

Drive writes per day | The SSD Guy

Cool. I'll drop it back on the SSD. I've got Acronis I believe. I'll have to look at the stuff I haven't installed yet.....

Hi,

SSDs don't suffer from such a limited lifespan any more - you can re-write the entire disk multiple times per day every day for years

Exactly.
And I wouldn't bother with Acronis anymore either. Macrium Reflect Free is just the ticket. Amazing piece of software and no bloat at all.

Best,