Buzz
Although using Windows 10 S may reduce the risk of malware attacks and system hijacks, it doesn't mean your computer is immune to software glitches and hardware failures.
No one can predict when a hard drive might fail, causing important files on your system to become corrupted, or when malware might infiltrate your device and steal critical data. Therefore, backup is essential. This article will show you how to backup your Windows S computer.
Options for Backing Up Unlocked Windows 10
On Windows 10, Microsoft doesn't allow the installation of traditional programs (win32). However, users can still utilize the System Image feature integrated into the system to safeguard their settings and important data.
How to Backup Windows 10 S Computer
To create a backup of a Windows 10 S computer, the first step is to connect a USB hard drive (not a USB flash drive) with sufficient free space. Then follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel.
Step 2: Select System and Security.
Step 3: Choose Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 4: Click on the link Create a system image in the left pane.
Step 5: In the 'Where do you want to save the backup?' section, opt for On a hard disk.
Step 6: From the drop-down menu On a hard disk, select the storage drive to store the backup.
Step 7: Click on the Start backup button.
Upon completing the aforementioned steps, the backup utility will generate a comprehensive backup for your device, encompassing everything stored on the main drive.
Once the backup process concludes, you will be prompted to create a system repair drive. However, as Windows 10 S devices lack optical drives, simply click on No and then select Close.
You can access recovery options by utilizing a Bootable USB drive containing installation files for any Windows 10 release.
Windows 10 Backup Restore
Assume that after upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, your computer fails to boot. You can always downgrade to the previous Windows 10 S version. Follow the steps below to restore the backup:
Step 1: Connect a Bootable USB drive containing the Windows 10 installation file to your computer.
Step 2: Connect to an external hard drive containing the system backup.
Step 3: Power on your computer.
Pro Tip: If your device doesn't boot into the Windows Setup wizard, you may need to change the system firmware settings to ensure the device can boot from USB. Typically, you can access firmware by booting the device and pressing one of the function keys or the ESC key. Visit the manufacturer's website for more detailed information.
Step 4: On the Windows Setup window, click the Next button.
Step 5: Click on the Repair your computer link located at the bottom left corner.
Step 6: Click on the Troubleshoot option.
Step 7: Click on the System Image Recovery option.
Step 8: Select the target operating system.
Step 9: On the Re-image your computer window, select the option Use the most recent system image available.
Step 10: Click on Next.
Step 11: If you're restoring a full backup from a new drive, you may choose the option Format and repartition disks.
Note: Exercise caution when using this option as it can wipe out all partitions and drives on your computer.
Step 12: Click on Next.
Step 13: Click on Finish.
Step 14: Click on Yes to confirm the backup will replace data on your drive.
Once the steps are completed, the restoration process will begin, and the time taken will vary depending on the amount of data you need to restore and your hardware configuration.
After the restoration process is complete, you can use the Windows Update service within the Settings app to apply any new bug fixes.
Despite the plethora of tools and features for system backup, the System Image stands out as particularly useful for creating backups before installing a new version of Windows 10. In case any issues arise, you can revert to the previous Windows 10 version. For instance, if you've just upgraded to Windows 10 Pro and encounter an error, you can use the backup to downgrade to Windows 10 S.
An important point to note when using the Windows 10 S computer backup feature is that you need to remember to create backups regularly. You can only restore everything from the last backup created. Additionally, settings, applications, files, and additional changes made during the restore process may not be available.
Furthermore, this tool only allows for system-wide restoration rather than restoring individual files. If you wish to backup files, you can use alternative solutions like OneDrive or File History.
Above, Mytour has just guided you on how to backup a Windows 10 S computer. However, you can apply this guide to backup Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Home, Windows 8.1, and even Windows 7.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Windows 10 S is not provided as a standalone version. However, the experience will still be integrated within the new S Mode in other Windows 10 editions.
