Backing up your Windows 11 PC to an external drive is the best way to protect your photos, documents, and system settings from hardware failure or accidental deletion. You can choose between two main built-in methods: for regular file backups or System Image for a complete snapshot of your entire computer. Method 1: File History (Best for Personal Files)
Not all drives are equal. For Windows 11 backups, look for: backup to external drive windows 11
Windows 11 also includes , which is more modern than Backup and Restore. Backing up your Windows 11 PC to an
: Plug your external hard drive or SSD into a USB port. For Windows 11 backups, look for: Windows 11
Best for: Creating a "snapshot" of your entire system. If your computer crashes, you can restore everything exactly as it was, including Windows, settings, and apps.
Format the drive as NTFS (not exFAT) so it can handle large files and Windows system images.