How to Backup A Hard Drive Windows 7 [Ultimate Guide for Windows 7 Users]
Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7, which means that Microsoft releases no more security updates or patches. This makes Windows 7 a more vulnerable target for malware and other attacks. So, if you want to keep your data safe, it's important to back up your hard drive on Windows 7.
There are several ways you can backup your hard drive on Windows 7. You can use third-party software like Qiling Backup to create an image of your hard drive. Or, you can use the built-in Windows Backup tool to create a system image.
System images are a complete copy of your hard drive, including the operating system, applications, and all your data. So, if you ever need to restore your system, you can do so from the image.
How to Backup Hard Drive on Windows 7 with Qiling Backup?
*Applies to Windows 7/8/10/11
First of all, we know that Windows has built-in backup utilities, but we still think that Qiling Backup is a better choice. Why? We will tell you the reasons here.
Most users want to spend the least time doing the most things. In short, when it comes to backup software, users want it to be easy to use and help them back up as much data as possible. At this point, Qiling Backup can fully meet the needs of users.
It divides all available computer data into four types: common files and folders, system files, content in disks or partitions, and Outlook emails. No matter whether you want to create a specific type of backup or create a full backup of your computer. It is easy to do with Qiling Backup.
The backup software that comes with Windows provides basic schedule backup choices, but it doesn't meet users' needs very well. Another advantage of Qiling Backup that users often praise is its rich backup options.
It enables users to choose to create an incremental or a differential backup. And users can create a backup on a daily/weekly/monthly plan. More flexibility endues everyone with Qiling Backup more power to control the backup files.
- Completely free backup software which has rich backup options and features
- Enable users to back up more content than Windows built-in tools
- Compatible with Windows 7 perfectly. Also works with Windows 8/10/11
- It supports users saving backup files to their cloud drives
Download Qiling Backup from this button, and then follow the guide to see how to backup a hard drive on Windows 7.
Step 1. Open Qiling Backup and choose "Disk Backup" on the home page to back up your Disk.
Step 2. Qiling Backup offers you options. You can choose to back up a whole disk or a certain partition as you need. And then click "OK".
Step 3. Select the destination where you want to save the backup. You can choose to save the disk to a local drive or to NAS.
Step 4. Click "Proceed", after the backup process is completed, you can click any one of the tasks to further manage your backup such as recover it, create an incremental backup, etc.
How to Backup Hard Drive on Windows 7 with Backup and Restore?
*Applies to Windows 7/8/10/11
Backup and Restore is a built-in backup tool in Windows 7, which can create system images and back up specific folders. Although it's not as flexible as some third-party tools, it's still a good choice for those who want a simple backup solution. Now follow the guide to see how to backup the hard drive on Windows with Backup and Restore.
Step 1. Open the Computer on your desktop, right-click the hard drive you want to backup, and click Properties.
Step 2. A Backup option in the Tools tab will back up files on the target drive. Click "Back up now".
Step 3. After clicking the Back up now button, you will enter Windows 7 Backup and Restore. Then you can click Set up backup to start setting.
Step 4. Here we recommend you use an external hard drive as the backup location. Connect the backup drive to your computer and continue the backup process.
Step 5. In this step, you must select where to save your hard drive backup file. Select your backup drive as the destination. Click "Next".
Step 6. In this step, you could choose only to back up the Windows recommended content or back up customized data.
Step 7. Finally, review backup settings. Make sure you have backed up the whole hard drive. Then save settings and start the backup process.
Backup OneDrive to External Hard Drive
This article aims at introducing how to back up OneDrive content to an external hard drive. Click to read more information about backing up OneDrive to an external hard drive.
Tips for Keeping Your Backups Safe and Secure
Now that you know how to backup your hard drive keeping your backups safe and secure is important. Here are a few tips:
- Store your backups in a safe place, like an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.
- Make sure you have more than one copy of your backups.
- Test your backups regularly to make sure they're working properly.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your hard drive backups are safe and secure.
FAQs
1. How do I backup my entire hard drive to my computer?
You can use Qiling Backup to create a system image of your hard drive. Or, you can use the built-in Windows Backup tool to create a system image. Qiling Backup also enables users to back up a whole disk or a partition. So even if the hard drive you want to back up is not a system drive, you can back it up with Qiling Backup.
2. How do I manually backup my hard drive?
If you want to manually backup your hard drive, you can use the built-in Windows Backup tool or Qiling Backup. With these two tools, you can create a system image of your hard drive or backup specific folders.
Copy and paste hard drive files to a backup file is another option. But this method is only recommended when there are not many files and folders on your hard drive. What's more, copy and paste does not work with system hard drive backup.
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