How do I backup all of my applications along with the Windows?


  1. SirDarknight
    Posts : 27
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #1

    How do I backup all of my applications along with the Windows?


    Is there any way to create a media/drive/disc/img so that I can use it to restore Windows to the current state?

    Example, I've 95 software/apps installed in my PC, along with a lot of customization/themes etc. So, if my Windows or HDD crashes for some reason, is there any way I can use a flash drive to install Windows along with all those apps and customizations.
    Basically, I just don't want to spend all that time installing 100+ apps/software everytime I've to re-install Windows.
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  3. dalchina
    Posts : 42,953
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       New #2

    restore Windows to the current state
    That's disk imaging, I believe- which we highly recommend.

    Most recommend Macrium Reflect (free).
    Then there are
    Veeam Endpoint
    Aomei Backupper
    and more...

    I just don't want to spend all that time installing 100+ apps/software every time I've to re-install Windows.
    If you have a disk image you can also use it with a Laplink or Easeus program to transfer programs to a new OS installation.

    See Laplink PCMover, which specifically focusses on moving your programs & settings to a new OS. For several hundred programs this is more than 95% successful.
    Easeus ToDo PCTrans aims to do the same
    Free PC transfer/migration software - EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free

    1 time use license- so relatively expensive. The Laplink version which uses a disk image is cheaper (and in my experience, easier and quicker to use).
    Last edited by dalchina; 21 Jun 2017 at 02:24.
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  4. Bree
    Posts : 31,622
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       New #3

    dalchina said:
    That's disk imaging, I believe- which we highly recommend.

    Most recommend Macrium Reflect (free).
    Then there are
    Veeam Endpoint
    Aomei Backupper
    and more...
    They all work broadly the same way. You make an image of the partitions required by your system, this should be on an external HDD. You boot from a USB flash drive with the recovery software on it to restore the image to the PC should you need to.

    For completeness it should be mentioned that Windows comes with its own imaging software built in: Backup & Restore (Windows 7) - 'Create a system image'. This has been known to be temperamental. While it can restore an image reliably, it's all too easy for the restore process to fail to recognise an image as being one it can restore. That's why most recommend Macrium as a more robust solution.
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  6. Steve C
    Posts : 7,898
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       New #4

    Some imaging programs like Macrium Reflect Free let you mount the image as a virtual drive so you can copy selected files/folders from the image. This is useful if you just want to recover a few files.
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  7. Stephanie
    Posts : 14,586
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       New #5

    Hi SirDarknight, Macrium Reflect (free) is a very good backup solution and the UI is easy to use (If you do need any help/advice there is a thread here at Ten Forums - Macrium Reflect free - Windows 10 Forums

    Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free :)
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