Encrypt and compress windows built-in system image backup

can compact vhd and vhdx files like this:

diskpart
select vdisk file="T:\WindowsImageBackup\SIW2-PC\Backup 2020-09-29 013658\10222b33-f7b7-11ea-9f9c-806e6f6e6963.vhdx"
attach vdisk readonly
compact vdisk
detach vdisk
exit

Studynxx said:

I am wondering how I could encrypt and compress to the max a system image backup using the Windows 10 built-in system image backup solution?

Far as encryption goes, what if I created another partition on the HDD (destination) as a VHDX and encrypted it with Bitlocker? Then create the system image backup and put it on this VHDX within the HDD. Both the HDD and the VHDX partition would be Bitlocker-encrypted.

Question 1: Could I deploy the system image on my PC in this case, or would I run into issues?

Question 2: How can I compress the system image to the maximum extent when using the Windows 10 built-in system image backup solution?

Well here is the thing - the Windows 10 built-in system image backup solution is a deprecated feature and has not been supported for many years.

Many here have found it to not be the most reliable solution. MS recommend using 3rd party tools.

The most commonly used free tools are

Macrium Reflect Free
Easeus Todo Backup Free
AOMEI Backupper Free

Macrium Reflect Free can handle bitlocked drives.

- please consider using something that is known to be reliable and is documented, supported and updated. There are even Youtube videos...

Did you notice e,g,

Differential/incremental backup is not implemented yet.

Due to the image format limitation, the image can not be explored or mounted. You can _NOT_ recovery single file from the image. However, you still have workaround to make it, read this.

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