Backing up Windows 10 OS

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  1. Posts : 65
    Windows 10 home
       #1

    Backing up Windows 10 OS


    Hi ,I sucessfully upgraded my PC from Windows 8.1 to Win 10 home via Windows update, all went smoothly.I would like to back up the OS in case of trouble,if I use the "Create a Recovery Drive" option is this the same as using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download Win 10 to a USB drive? If I use the MCT and leave the box ticked for "Use recommended options for this PC"will I be able to repair/reinstall Win 10 on my PC without the need for activation or Product Key.Regards,tommo
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  2. Posts : 2,832
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #2

    Hi,

    I wouldn't bother with this "Recovery Drive" but use Macrium Reflect Free instead to image the important partitions and have Macrium create a USB or DVD recovery medium.
    No, it's not the same as using the MCT tool. The latter will just create universal installation media. Not sure what the optional settings will do exactly but that said, you're better off with the downloaded ISO file from MS Tech Bench which contains an install.wim instead of the highly compressed install.esd. The .wim file is of great value as a source in case system files end up damaged as they quite often tend to do.

    No need to worry about activation here, the system will remain activated after a restore with Macrium.

    Once the system has beren activated it will remain so generally speaking.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/techbench

    Cheers,

    P.S. On Tech Bench, International English = UK English.
    Last edited by fdegrove; 09 Jan 2016 at 10:51.
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  3. Posts : 1,871
    W10 pro x64 20H2 Build 19042.610
       #3

    You can make a disk image of your installation using W10's own built in tools. Go to 'control panel', change the view to 'icons' (top right of screen) and select 'backup and restore (Windows 7' from the list. At the top left of the next screen is 'create system image'.

    You can store the image on an external drive or on another partition of your main drive (not recommended unless you have strict backup policy and move those backups somewhere remote for keeping).

    In fact I see Shawn has done a tutorial,
    System Image - Create in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
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  4. Posts : 459
    Windows 8&10
       #4

    In the Windows\System32 folder there is a utility named RecoveryDrive.exe. This utility is not the same as earlier versions in that it is not trying to copy a factory image to the recovery drive.

    I am not completely certain but it appears this utility, even with no OEM type Factory Image, will check a box to copy over System Files. It may be copying some special type of image but I get the impression it is using DISM to create an image of your current install. The only way for me to confirm exactly what is happening is to restore from the drive which I am not at this time able to do.
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  5. Posts : 134,174
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #5

    I suggest you take fdegrove advice on making your image backup. Using Windows for making a backup is a 50/50 shot of it working when you might need it. Where a program like Macrium Reflect does a much better job, and more dependable. Also making the Rescue Media Disk, which is an option in MR is almost a must have for someones toolbox. You can make this on a DVD or USB stick. This is a Free program.
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  6. Posts : 2,832
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #6

    Hi,

    It may be copying some special type of image but I get the impression it is using DISM to create an image of your current install. The only way for me to confirm exactly what is happening is to restore from the drive which I am not at this time able to do.
    Yes, I think it does use DISM.
    Should I have a dull moment ( not likely) I'll give it a shot, I've got a USB stick containing a recovery wim anyways.
    Still, as OldMike65 points out, Macrium Reflect is such a great tool that never failed me so far that it seems a bit silly to take chances with W10's inbuilt tools really.
    Not saying these are bad, it's just Macrium being a thousand miles ahead really.

    Cheers,
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 56,804
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #7

    OldMike65 said:
    I suggest you take fdegrove advice on making your image backup. Using Windows for making a backup is a 50/50 shot of it working when you might need it. Where a program like Macrium Reflect does a much better job, and more dependable. Also making the Rescue Media Disk, which is an option in MR is almost a must have for someones toolbox. You can make this on a DVD or USB stick. This is a Free program.
    fdegrove said:
    Hi,



    Yes, I think it does use DISM.
    Should I have a dull moment ( not likely) I'll give it a shot, I've got a USB stick containing a recovery wim anyways.
    Still, as OldMike65 points out, Macrium Reflect is such a great tool that never failed me so far that it seems a bit silly to take chances with W10's inbuilt tools really.
    Not saying these are bad, it's just Macrium being a thousand miles ahead really.

    Cheers,
    If I'm not mistaken, Windows native image backup gets overwritten each time you run it. How would you go back to, say last Monday if you do daily backups using native? Not to mention it is slower than molasses running uphill in January!

    Take some good advice, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use a good 3rd party, like Macrium Reflect (I do), spend $60-$70 on a decent 1TB USB external drive you can hide in your sock drawer, do regular backups (Full is preferred), and you will sleep better!

    Just MHO... TC
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  8. Posts : 2,832
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #8

    Hi,

    If I'm not mistaken, Windows native image backup gets overwritten each time you run it
    Exactly.
    With Macrium you can keep as many snapshots of your system as you see fit (disk space permitting) and it just works. Not only that, it can do so much more.
    Anyone remember the days MS used to incorporate external software from say Central Point, Diskeeper etc. ? Well, IMO, instead of buying stuff like Skype they maybe should consider something like Macrium as , in my book at least, this is pretty much an "essential" masterpiece software proggie. Brilliant stuff, British without the usual idiosyncracies. :)
    No offense intended to anyone.

    Cheers,
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 1,871
    W10 pro x64 20H2 Build 19042.610
       #9

    OldMike65 said:
    Using Windows for making a backup is a 50/50 shot of it working when you might need it. .
    I have tested this (Windows Backup) extensively and up to now find it 100% reliable. I've also tested it both running from within Windows and using the recovery media (DVD/CDR) that it asks you to create. Its also quick, with images being created in around 2.5 minutes, and with only a minute or so more for a restore (that's with an SSD).

    The only two disadvantages for me are that it only creates full images (no incremental possible) and you can not name backups at the time they are created. You can rename them afterwards but you must revert them back to the default name if you wish to restore the image. If you do not rename the backup then it gets overwritten the next time you create one.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Backing up Windows 10 OS-capture.jpg  
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  10. Posts : 1,579
    Windows 10 Pro
       #10

    fdegrove said:
    ...Well, IMO, instead of buying stuff like Skype they maybe should consider something like Macrium as , in my book at least, this is pretty much an "essential" masterpiece software proggie. Brilliant stuff, British without the usual idiosyncracies. :)
    No offense intended to anyone...
    Got a chuckle out of this. I feel same way, also without any offense intended. That feeling is reinforced by my second tier (primary for years) imaging software being Image for Windows/DOS/Linux, from Terabyte Unlimited, also British. I often wonder if the Macrium folks started up after having worked at Terabyte.
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