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Windows 11 System Image: 2 Quick Ways to Create One

Tested methods to safely create a backup for your device

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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When using Windows 11 or any operating system, you should regularly create a backup to prevent data loss and restore your system in case significant problems appear.

System images are recommended to back up your files since they create a complete backup of your drive. If you experience any issues, such as a system failure, you can fix them by restoring your system.

Creating a system image disk in Windows 11 hasn’t changed much, and it’s similar to theWindows 10 system image backupcreation process.

Nevertheless, this guide will detail and show you how to easily create a system image on your Windows 11 PC.

Why do I need a system image in Windows 11?

A system image is a backup file of your system drive that can restore your operating system in case of a failure.

You can also use a system image to quickly move your operating system to a new hard drive without any file loss.

The size of the system image varies depending on multiple factors, including the size of your partition, the number of partitions you’re backing up, and the compression rate.

Usually, it is equal to the size of your system partition, but some of you might choose to back up the entire hard drive so that the size can vary drastically.

Before creating a system image, ensure you have enough space on your destination drive to store the system image.

To put it simply, an image of the entire content of every partition on a computer’s C: or primary disk constitutes an image backup. It is a replica of the disk and includes the things that are stored on it and the operating system, settings, data files, and everything.

Yes, it does. Every OS needs a backup because there is a chance that you may lose some important data. Hence, the new OS is not an exception.

How can I create a Windows 11 system image backup?

1. Use Control Panel

You can also start Control Panel by pressing theWindows+Rcombination and typingcontrol panel. Then hitEnteror clickOKto start the app.

2. Use Settings

Open theStart Menuand click onSettings.

2.Navigate toSystemand then scroll down to theRecoverysection.

3.In theAdvanced startupsection,click onRestart now.

4.When the PC restarts, selectTroubleshoot.

5.Now selectAdvanced options.

6.Click onSee more recovery options.

7.SelectSystem image recovery.

8.Now choose your system image and click onNext.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Users can also create a system image backup for their Windows 11 devices via Settings. The OS has a built-in Recovery tool which allows you to both make a new system image and recover the OS using a previously created system image.

Both methods will open the same window, and you can use the more convenient one. However, remember that the latter approach is available only on older builds.

Once you openBackup and Restore, you can create Windows 11 system image backup by doing as described below.

Although this process is simple, you may prefer using specialized software such asAcronis Cyber Protect Home Officebecause it offers better features and more configuration options.

Is it better to use third-party solutions to create system images?

Even if the Backup and Restore feature in Windows 11 is completely free, it’s only suitable for basic tasks, and if you’re an advanced user, you might find some crucial features missing.

Most cloning applications offer a basic version of their software that you can enjoy free of charge for personal use with some minor restrictions.

Specialized software allows you to create several different system images, including both incremental and differential, while Windows Backup and Restore can only create full system images.

With these tools, you can also run your system image on a virtual machine and quickly gain access to your files on another PC.

Therefore, we recommend specializedcloning softwarefor advanced users for disk images and file backups.

What is the difference between System Restore and system image backup?

System Restore is a feature that allows you torestore your systemin case any software problem occurs.

For example, if issues start appearing after installing specific software or driver, you can use it to restore your system to the previous state before installing the software.

Remember that it doesn’t affect your files, so if you accidentally delete important files, you can’t restore them with System Restore. Moreover, note that Windows creates a system restore points automatically.

On the other hand, a system image creates a full copy of your system partition, including all applications, settings, and files.

You can use a system image to repair software issues, but system image files aren’t created as often as System Restore points, and they are used to fix more severe problems that System Restore can’t.

Unlike System Restore, the system image will restore all deleted files since creating the system image.

Remember that it will restore your system drive precisely when you created the system image. This means any files created on the system drive after the system image are removed.

A system image can also be moved to another system, and in case your hard drive is damaged, you can transfer all your files and operating system to a new hard drive and continue where you left off.

How can I restore my PC with a system image?

Creating a Windows 11 system image backup is simple and can be done efficiently with theBackup and Restoreapplication.

It’s a great idea to create backups based on the sensitivity of the information; you can even make more of the same and store them on different media and places.

Any backup on your system or an external device can eventually fail, and you will return to square one.

More than that, a copy of your system image is like an instance in time that you can return to if a significant problem arises on your PC.

Are you using system images, and what’s your favorite method to create system images? Let us know in the comments below.

Windows 11 System Image: 2 Quick Ways to Create One#

Why do I need a system image in Windows 11?#

How can I create a Windows 11 system image backup?#

1. Use Control Panel#

2. Use Settings#

Is it better to use third-party solutions to create system images?#

What is the difference between System Restore and system image backup?#

How can I restore my PC with a system image?#