How to Create Full System Image Backup in Windows 10

Learn how to create a full system image backup in Windows 10 to protect it from crashes, malware, and failed updates.

Unlike the File History feature, which backs up individual files, a system image captures your operating system’s current state and saves it to a chosen backup drive. When your system becomes unbootable or seriously corrupted for any reason, you can restore this image to return Windows 10 to the exact state it was in when the backup was made. Think of it like a system reset but without the hassle of reinstalling and configuring all your apps and Windows settings.

For example, let’s say you make a registry edit, and now the system is crashing or has become unbootable. In that case, you can easily restore the backed-up system image to get Windows 10 back in working order.

Let me walk you through the complete steps to create a system image backup in Windows 10. Let’s begin.

Before You Start

• If you’ve just installed Windows, make sure to install all the apps and configure the system as you want before backing up the system image.
• Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive that is larger than or at least as big as your C drive.
• The plugged-in drive should be in NTFS format.
• (Optional) An empty USB drive of at least 4GB is required to create a system rescue disk.

Steps to Create Windows 10 System Image Backup

Follow the steps below to properly create the system image backup in Windows 10.

1. Open “Settings” by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
2. After opening the Settings, go to “Update & Security“.
3. Select “Backup” on the left panel.
4. Click the “Go to backup and restore” link on the right panel.
5. Now, click the “Create system image backup” link on the left.
6. Select the “On a hard disk” radio option.
7. Select the hard drive or USB drive from the dropdown menu.
8. Click “Next” to continue.
9. Click the “Start” button.

The above action starts the system image backup process. Depending on your Windows installation drive size, it will take a few minutes to complete. So, sit back and wait until the backup is complete.

Once the backup has been completed, you will see a dialog prompting you to create a system repair disc. This step is optional, but the system repair disc makes it easy to restore your Windows installation if you are unable to boot. To create a system repair disc, plug in an empty USB drive, click the “Yes” button, and follow the on-screen instructions.

That is all. It is that simple to create a system repair disc in Windows 10.

Restore Windows 10 Using the Backed Up System Image

To restore the system, follow the steps below:

If you have created a system repair disc while creating the system image backup, plug it in, and also plug in the external hard drive with the system image.

Note: If you’ve not created a system repair disc, launch Windows in repair mode or boot into advanced startup options and select “Troubleshooting” > “Advanced Options” > “See more recovery options” > “System Image Recovery”.

Next, reboot the system. Once the system boots in system repair mode, go to the advanced options page and select “System image recovery”. Next, select your user account and type the password to proceed.

After that, select the “Use the latest available system image” option and click “Next” (Optional: If you need to use an older image or one from a different location, choose “Select a system image” and browse to it). Follow the on-screen instructions, and the system image will be restored.

Once done, you can unplug the USB drive and external hard drive and reboot the system. It should boot normally.

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That is all. It is that simple to create a full system image backup in Windows 10. When needed, you can restore the system image by following the above instructions to restore your system to a known good condition.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.

Good to know: How to back up Windows 10 to a network drive.