Your Windows PC has a backup tool that's secretly useful - here's what it can do

2026-02-13 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Windows 10 and 11 include a hidden, deprecated backup tool called "Windows Backup" that allows users to save selected files, folders, or even an entire system image to various destinations. This legacy tool, accessible via the Control Panel's "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" applet, supports saving backups to recordable CDs/DVDs, external hard drives, or network locations. Users can configure it to run regularly, such as weekly. Although Microsoft no longer supports or updates this tool, leading to potential errors, particularly with network share destinations, it generally functions reliably for local backups. A newer, distinct "Windows Backup" tool also exists, primarily for migrating files and settings between PCs, but the older version offers more traditional backup software functionality.

Key takeaway

For IT professionals managing Windows 10 or 11 endpoints, consider leveraging the built-in, albeit deprecated, "Windows Backup" tool for simple, scheduled local file and folder backups. While network share destinations may encounter errors, using an external hard drive provides a reliable, no-cost solution for essential data protection, especially for individual users or non-critical systems where third-party software isn't justified.

Key insights

Windows 10/11 contains a deprecated, yet functional, legacy backup tool for local file and system image backups.

Principles

• Regular backups are crucial.
• Deprecated tools may still function.

Method

To use legacy Windows Backup: prepare media (external drive recommended), launch "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" from Control Panel, select backup destination, choose files/folders, schedule, and run. Restore via the same applet.

In practice

• Use external drives for reliability.
• Schedule weekly backups.
• Verify restored files.

Topics

• Windows Backup
• Data Backup
• System Restore
• Windows 10/11
• Deprecated Software

Best for: IT Professional, Operations Professional

Related on AIssential

• I tried Microsoft's Windows 365 Cloud PC on MacOS, Android, and iOS - here's what it's like — Windows 365 delivers a cloud-hosted Windows 11 PC, enabling access from diverse devices and streamlining IT hardware management.
• Internet down? 3 ways I use an old Android phone as a backup connection for my home router — An Android phone can serve as a router's backup internet via USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet tethering, maintaining home network continuity.
• 5 ways your Windows updates are about to get a lot less painful — Microsoft is enhancing Windows Update with greater user control over pauses, restarts, and update information.
• The best NAS devices of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed — NAS systems offer robust data protection and accessibility, leveraging RAID for redundancy and performance.
• Switching to Mac after 10 years as a Microsoft User — Persistent performance and hardware issues on Windows drove a data professional to fully adopt macOS.
• This is Microsoft’s plan to fix Windows 11 — Microsoft's Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri, has announced a comprehensive plan to rebuild trust and improve Windows 11 quality following user backlash over AI additions and general issues.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.