Quick answer: To back up a Windows 11 PC, turn on Windows Backup to sync your main folders and settings to OneDrive, and add File History to an external drive for versioned local copies. Using both gives you an online copy and a local copy.
Drives fail, laptops get stolen and ransomware happens. A backup you set up today means a bad day costs you an hour, not your photos and documents.
This guide applies to Windows 11 users in any country. It is general information, and menu names may differ slightly between Windows 11 versions. If you also have a failing drive, see how to check SSD and hard drive health first.
What should I back up?
Start with files you cannot replace: photos, documents, tax and work files, and anything on your Desktop. Apps can be reinstalled, but your own files cannot.
How do I back up with Windows Backup and OneDrive?
Windows Backup syncs your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music folders to OneDrive. It also saves settings such as installed apps, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, and personalization. Microsoft Edge favorites are not included unless you turn on Edge sync (Microsoft Support).
- Sign in with a personal Microsoft account under Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Open Windows Backup from the Start menu.
- Turn on the folders you want to protect.
- Turn on the settings you want saved, then select Back up.
A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, so a large photo library may need a paid plan. Personalization settings are not backed up if storage is insufficient, and work or school accounts are not supported (Microsoft Support). Also, Pureinfotech notes that deleted OneDrive files stay recoverable in the recycle bin for 30 days.
How do I set up File History on an external drive?
File History saves copies of files at regular intervals, so you can restore earlier versions, not just deleted files. It only covers folders inside your user profile (C:Usersyour name), so move other files there if you want them protected (Windows Eleven Forum).
- Plug in an external USB drive. NTFS formatting is the safe choice; forum users who had trouble were told to check this.
- Open Control Panel and click File History.
- Click Select drive and choose your backup drive.
- Optional: use Exclude folders and Advanced settings to choose what is saved, how often, and for how long.
- Turn File History on and click Run now for the first backup.
If the drive is unplugged, File History caches copies locally and moves them when the drive returns. The drive must stay connected for backups to run. Drive prices are up, so see our guide to external drive prices and options before buying.
Do I need a system image?
A system image is a full copy of the PC, including programs and settings. It helps if the whole system breaks, but it is not needed for most people. One data-recovery firm’s guide says a system image should go on a drive other than the Windows boot drive, and that restoring needs a bootable USB or DVD (Secure Data Recovery). That company sells recovery services and the page has some unclear wording, so treat it as a rough outline.
Pureinfotech describes the older Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool in Control Panel, which can include a system image of drives and run on a schedule. Backups there are stored on-site and need the drive connected.
Which backup method is best for me?
The right choice depends on how much you store and how much effort you want to put in.
- Small library, little effort: Windows Backup with OneDrive. It runs in the background once it is on, and it lets you restore files and key settings on a new PC.
- Large photo or video library: File History on an external drive, because 5 GB of free cloud storage fills quickly. Add a paid cloud plan or a second drive for an off-site copy.
- Whole-system protection: A system image, plus a recovery USB drive, so you can get a PC that will not start running again. The Secure Data Recovery guide says the USB drive should be at least 16GB.
Whichever you choose, the most common failure is not a bad tool but a backup that quietly stopped. An unplugged drive, a full OneDrive or a signed-out account can all stop a backup without much warning, so look at the status screen once a month.
How do I keep my backups safe?
- Keep two copies in different places. A local drive does not protect against fire or theft, and Pureinfotech says so for File History and Windows Backup.
- Check them. Open the backup now and then and confirm recent files are there.
- Watch OneDrive health. Microsoft says sign-in, storage and sync health all affect whether backups succeed.
- Update Windows. The Secure Data Recovery guide also advises keeping Windows updated.
Windows 10 users heading to Windows 11 should back up first; see our Windows 10 to 11 upgrade guide. More guides are in more computing coverage.
How do I restore my files?
On a new or reset PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account during setup. Windows offers to restore your backup, and your files are available by signing in to OneDrive. Store apps can be reinstalled from restored pins, and other apps link to their web installers (Microsoft Support). For File History, open it in Control Panel and browse the timeline of saved versions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows Backup free?
Yes, but it uses OneDrive storage. Free accounts get 5 GB, and more costs extra.
Does File History back up the whole PC?
No. It backs up files in your user folders, not a full system image.
Does turning off Windows Backup delete my data?
No. Microsoft says turning it off does not delete existing data.
How often should I back up?
Windows Backup runs as you change files, while File History lets you set the interval in Advanced settings.