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#21
Windows Backup consists two separate things.
1/ A file and folder backup that just backs up your user files (documents/music/pictures etc). I have never used this feature.
2/ Windows System Image which is a true image of the complete disk and contains everything... operating system, the lot.
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Windows File History copies all your chosen user files (docs/pictures/music etc) to a location of your choice. That can even be a separate partition on the main drive. Once they are copied it then keeps those files but also adds to them whenever a change is made such as adding a new file or even changing the contents of one. So you have a complete record (a copy) of every file you have ever used, ever downloaded, or ever changed. You can restore the files easily or you can just browse them as normal use file explorer. Its brilliant and I do sometimes use it. For example I suddenly think, yes I remember that picture or file I downloaded last April or whenever. I read it and binned it and its long gone... but not with file history. Its still there.
The only time I clean install is when I feel there is a genuine need such as last month when the Windows Anniversary Edition appeared. I preferred a clean install to an upgraded install. Using disk imaging means that if there is the slightest doubt that something untoward has happened, then I would rather just restore an image rather than wonder if something was compromised.