Windows created backup Image - win 10

Hi,

I have in fact never used the windows image backup.I am wondering if the backup image that windows creates from "Back up or restore your files" in the control panel can be used to create a new hdd/ssd for the laptop in case it needs to be replaced,where the existing hdd/sdd is no longer useable? Do i need the repair cd as well to create it?

thanks in advance

p.s. i keep getting told that using the windows system image backup is a good option instead of third party software.Is it? I havent used Macrium Reflect,but for just a complete copy of the recovery partition,is it just as good?? thanks

Welcome to TenForums!

You will notice that this feature is labeled "Windows 7". This is because there has been basically no development of the feature since Win 7. In fact, Microsoft themselves suggest that it is preferable to use another product. I'm surprised that it is even still here in Win 11.

You may want to simply try the free version of Macrium Reflect as a better alternative.

thank you both for the informative replies,much appreciated.regards

I used Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for years on my 2012 Dell (W7 upgraded to W10 in 2016); but had problem with Backup and Restore (Windows 7) late last year, so I switched to Macrium Reflect 7 free.

In June my 8.5-year old 1tb desktop hard drive ceased to work. I ordered/installed similar 1TB SATA hard drive, and restored a MR7 image to NEW hard drive. Worked great. Dell put 3 partitions on my 2012 PC; I include ALL partitions in each MR7 image. Need to make a MR7 Rescue Disc. I have W10 20H2.

can be used to create a new hdd/ssd for the laptop in case it needs to be replaced,where the existing hdd/sdd is no longer useable?

Yes

Do i need the repair cd as well to create it?

Yes, you need the repair media to restore it to a new disk

T J said:

I used Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for years on my 2012 Dell (W7 upgraded to W10 in 2016); but had problem with Backup and Restore (Windows 7) late last year, so I switched to Macrium Reflect 7 free.

In June my 8.5-year old 1tb desktop hard drive ceased to work. I ordered/installed similar 1TB SATA hard drive, and restored a MR7 image to NEW hard drive. Worked great. Dell put 3 partitions on my 2012 PC; I include ALL partitions in each MR7 image. Need to make a MR7 Rescue Disc. I have W10 20H2.

thanks for the information,much appreciated for the first hand info.regards

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SIW2 said:

Yes



Yes, you need the repair media to restore it to a new disk

thanks! regards

Bree said:

In theory, as long as you tick the box to 'include a system image' or just use the 'Create a system image' link then yes, you can restore the complete working system to a new HDD should the old one fail. You will need to boot from the repair CD, but for systems without an optical drive you can make a Recovery Drive USB (without including system files) instead, it contains the same software.

In practice the MS system imaging is at best 'temperamental'. It's most common failing is that it fails to recognise a perfectly good image as being 'restorable'. Microsoft themselves say that it is a deprecated feature and you really should use something (anything) else.


Features removed or Deprecated in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update


I have found Macrium Reflect Free to be totally reliable and a far better choice than Microsoft's built-in offering.

thanks for the answer.Much appreciated.regards