How to backup Windows 11 to external USB drive

Backing up Windows 11 is important to protect your data in case of hardware failure, malware, or accidental deletion. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for different methods-

1. Open Start on Windows 11.
2. Search for Control Panel and click the top result to open the app.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. Click on File History.
5. Click the “System Image Backup” option from the left pane.
6. Click the “Create a system image” option from the left pane.
7. Select the external drive to save the Windows 11 backup.
8. Click the Next button.
9. Click the Start backup button.
10. Click the No button.
11. Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, a full backup of the Windows 11 device will be created to the external storage with the installation files, settings, applications, and personal files.