It’s always good to have a complete system image backup. This way, if you mess up something on the partition where your operating system is, you will have a backup file to restore the Windows system. There are few people who back up files from their computers, normally they do this because in the past, they may have experienced operating system failures and they were forced to reinstall it, therefore losing data from system partition. They learned that making a full system image backup of Windows, allows them to save the settings and drivers that are currently set/installed on their computer.

Today we’re going to tell you about all the steps you need to take to make a full system image backup on Windows 10. Unlike the automated restore point feature that Windows comes with, the system image is going to make an exact snapshot of your entire Windows installation, which includes applications settings and data.

In other words, with this type of backup file, you will be able to restore the computer back to exactly how it was, no matter what critical failure caused the problem(s).

Getting started: What you will need

First of all, you will need to make sure that you have enough space to store the image. We suggest you have a secondary hard drive to save this image, this way, you will be able to restore the backup file even if the hard drive (partition) where Windows 10 is runs has stopped functioning. You will also need a set of blank DVDs and USB drive or memory card and a disc drive that can burn and write media.

Creating the System Image Backup

You will need to press the Windows button on your keyboard (the one next to the right CTRL button one), type “File History and finally press “Enter”. You will notice that a window will open and somewhere in the left bottom side you will see a “System Image Backup” button. Click on System Image Backup->Create a system image and you will notice that the system image utility will open, asking you where you want to save the backup file. You will have a few options such as: On a hardisk, on one or more DVDs and on a network location. Select where you want to store the backup file if you are selecting the USB/memory card, make sure that you select it from the drop-down menu and click “Next”.

After selecting where you want to save the System Image Backup file, you will need to select the driver(s) that you want to create an image backup of. By default, your primary Windows drive and boot sector will be selected but if you want to save data from other hard drives you are free to do that. However, keep in mind that you will need more space for this. After selecting all the drivers you want to want to make a backup of, click on the “Next” button.

Now, you will see a “preview” of the drivers that will be backed up and if everything looks as it should, click on the “Start backup” button. Depending on how many files and drives you’ve selected, the backup process can last from 10 minutes up to 1-2 hours.

After the backup process is completed, you will be asked if you want to create a system repair disc. Keep in mind that this step is optional and you can skip it if you want to.

Now you have the full system image backup of your Windows 10, you will no longer need to worry that someday if your Windows 10 fails to boot. However, if your Windows 10 fails to boot one day, don’t worry, because we’re going to teach you how to restore Windows 10 using the system image backup.

Restoring your Windows 10 using the System Image Backup

If you need to restore your Windows 10 using the system image backup, make sure that the driver where you’ve saved the backup image is connected to your computer. Now insert the Windows installation disc and boot with it.

Once you get inside the Windows setup, you will need to click on the “Next” button and select “Repair you computer” option that’s located in the left-bottom corner. Now you will need to click on the “Troubleshoot” button, followed by Advanced Options->System Image Recovery.

From here, things get even easier, as you will just need to select the full system backup image that you’ve created and follow the prompts. Once your Windows 10 is restored, you will notice that the system is restored exactly as how it was when you’ve created the backup file.

Conclusion

We should all create a full system image backup on our computer. This way, we will never lose data and waste a lot of time by re-installing Windows, applications, drivers etc.

Have did you restore your Windows system before?