System State Backup & System Image Backup Windows 10 [2022]

What Is System State Backup?

The system state backup is a snapshot of the system's configuration, settings, and installed applications, but not the actual data. It's like taking a picture of the system's "look" and "feel" at a particular point in time, without capturing any of the actual files or documents.

This type of backup is helpful because it allows you to restore a system to a previous state in case of system failure.

What Is Included in System State Backup?

A Windows computer's system state includes the Registry, COM+ class registration database, boot files, and the "volume shadow copy" service, all saved in a single file through a system state backup, which can be used for disaster recovery and migrating a machine to a new domain.

A system state backup includes the following files:

System State Backup VS Bare Metal

Bare Metal Recovery (BMR) is a Windows Server feature that allows for a complete system restore in the event of a catastrophic failure.

So what's the difference between the two?

With System State Backup, you can restore individual components without affecting the others, allowing you to fix specific issues like a corrupt Registry without touching the rest of the system.

Restore, on the other hand, will overwrite the entire contents of your hard drive, including the operating system, applications, and user data, whereas BMHRestore will do the same.

BMHRestore is used after a hardware failure, while System State Backup is used for software failure or corruption.

Part 1. System State Backup for Windows Server System

#1. Use Windows Server Backup

Note:The Windows Server Backup program is not installed by default.

1. Install the Windows Server Backup utility.

To access the Server Manager, click on the Start button and navigate to the top side, where you can find it.

2. To add the Windows Server Backup feature to Windows Server, go to Features, click on Windows Server Backup, then click Next and Install.

3. Run Windows Server Backup and click Backup Once in the Actions section.

4. Follow those prompts on the Backup Once Wizard.

• Under Backup Options, choose Different Options.

• Under Backup Options, choose Select Backup Configuration and click Custom on the right side.

• To go to a specific destination, choose the type of destination you want to visit, such as a city, landmark, or restaurant, and select the saved location that suits your preference.

5. Click Next and then click the Backup button to start the process.

#2. Run System State Backup Software

You can use a cloud-based backup service that automatically backs up your server to the cloud, eliminating the need for manual backups. This way, you can have a flexible backup schedule and enjoy fewer steps in the backup process. Would you like me to elaborate on this?

Apart from the Windows Server Backup, you can use the safe and professional backup software for Server devices - Qiling Backup.

Qiling Backup for Business is a reliable and efficient backup solution for businesses of all sizes, offering a range of features to safeguard vital data, including file, system, email, and database backup, and is easy to use for high protection.

• Free Download
• All Windows PCs and Servers, 100% Secure

Part 2. System Image Backup for Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can create a full backup that includes the operating system, Registry, and other data by using the built-in Backup and Restore (Windows Backup) feature. To do this, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, then select Add a drive and choose the drive you want to use for the backup.

To back up a Windows 10 system image, you can use the built-in tool "Backup and Restore (Windows)" or a third-party software like Acronis or EaseUS. The system image backup includes all installed applications, settings, and drivers, making it a comprehensive backup of your Windows 10 system.

1. Create System Image Backup with Windows 10 Backup Software [Free]

Qiling Backup performs well in backing up the system for the above method and is free for individual users.

Step 1. Launch Qiling Backup on your computer, and click System Backup on the home screen.

Step 2.In the Windows operating system, the process of creating a system image backup involves automatically selecting all system-related files and partitions, eliminating the need for manual selection. The next step is to choose a location to save the system image backup, which can be done by clicking on the illustrated area.

Step 3. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, network, cloud, or NAS, with an external physical drive or cloud being the recommended options for preserving system backup files.

Step 4. The software allows customization of backup settings, including scheduling automatic backups daily, weekly, monthly, or upon specific events. Users can also choose to make differential and incremental backups. To initiate the backup process, users click the "Proceed" button, and the system will begin the backup task. The completed backup will be displayed on the left side in a card format.

More useful guide - Create System Image Windows 10 on USB:

Create System Image on USB Drive in Windows 10/8/7

If you need a complete guide to create a system image for a USB drive, this article is for you. It will guide you through the process in three parts, providing a comprehensive solution to your issue.

#2. Built-in Tool - Windows 10 Backup and Restore

• Type Control Panel on the search box.
• Click the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) on the System and Security section.
• On the Backup and Restore window, click Create a system image.

• Choose the saved location: external drive or USB.
• Confirm that the backup settings include the EFI system partition, the C drive, and the Recovery partition.
• Click the Start Backup.

System State Backup FAQs

1. How Long Does A System State Backup Take?

A system state backup may take around one hour or more to complete, depending on the size of your file.

2. Does Windows 10 Have A System Backup?

Windows 10 comes with a Backup and Restore (Windows 7) utility that can be used to backup system files.

3. How Often Should System State Be Backed Up?

Back up your system state every two months, but not exceeding 60 days.

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