How to Perform Windows 11 Incremental Backup [2 Ways]
Do you know incremental backup? The incremental backup is a type of backup method that only copies data that has been changed since the last backup activity. For example, people use an incremental backup when their data is too voluminous. Incremental backups save restoring time and occupied space by backing up changed data. But does Windows 11 perform an incremental backup? You are sure to find the answer in the next part.
Does Windows 11 Do Incremental Backups?
Yes, of course. As the default backup tool in Windows 11, File History supports incremental backups where successive copies of data only contain what has been changed since the last backup. Users can use File History to back up their important data, frequently-used files and folders, or beloved photos or videos. In order to back up conveniently and quickly, users can have an incremental backup as long as they proceed with an advanced setting. But why do we need to perform an incremental backup? What can the incremental backup bring us?
Why Do We Need to Do Windows 11 Incremental Backup?
We all know data backup is of vital importance. But it is also crucial to choose a suitable backup way. There are three primary backup methods, incremental backup, differential backup, and full backup. Incremental backup is a popular backup method since it only backs up newly added and changed items, so the speed of backup in the fast and incremental backup will not occupy much space. The reasons why we need to do Windows 11 incremental backup is as follows:
- It uses less medium and produces a smaller image file.
- It is the fastest backup type because it only backs up increments.
- It saves storage space compared to other types of backup methods.
- Each backup increment can store a different version for a file or a folder.
Incremental backup is beneficial, but how to perform an incremental backup in Windows 11? What is the easiest way? You can find an answer in the next part.
Besides, incremental backup and differential backup are both useful. Do you know its difference?
How to Perform Windows 11 Incremental Backup- 2 Ways
Are you trying to do Windows 11 incremental backup? Is it troublesome? Take it easy. This part will respectively introduce two ways to perform Windows 11 incremental backup.
Method 1. Windows 11 Incremental Backup Software - Qiling Backup Home
This backup tool allows users to have easy backup plans. In addition, it makes Windows 11 automatic backup easy within a few steps. With its help, users can clone windows 11 or back up other important files. Now, it's time to show how to perform a Windows 11 incremental backup with Qiling Backup.
Step 1. Click the "File backup" button to start backup.
Step 2. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to be backed up.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen guide, select the destination where you want to save the backup.
Step 4. Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with password in "Backup Options". There are also many other options you can explore, customize the backup task according to your need.
Set the backup schedule and choose to start back up at certain event in "Backup Scheme".
Step 5. You can store the backup to local drive, Qiling's cloud service, and NAS.
Step 6. Qiling Backup enables users to back up data to both third-party cloud drive and its own cloud drive.
If you want to back up data to third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add and login your account.
Step 7. Click "Proceed" to start backup. After the backup task is completed, it will be displayed in the form of a card on the left side of the panel. Click the backup task to further manage it.
Following these steps, users can easily finish an incremental backup. Besides performing an incremental backup, Qiling Backup can help with problems, such as:
If you are curious about more detailed functions of Qiling Backup, continue to read.
What Else Can Windows 11 Users Do With Qiling Backup?
It is an easy-to-use backup software for Windows 11. It allows users to backup files, folders, or even backup hard drive to another hard drive. This backup tool makes it easy to back up files and restore files. In addition, it's stress-free to perform Windows 11 incremental backup with Qiling Backup Home. It allows users to make Windows 11 disk image and clone disk free. Its detailed functions are as follows:
- Provide 250GB of free cloud storage.
- Support system clone and disaster recovery.
- Back up and restore while keeping data safe.
- Allow users to create a system image and system image recovery.
- Allow disk backup and restore system backup and restore file and Cloud backup.
If you are trapped in various backup problems, just download it, and it will help you.
Method 2. Windows 11 Incremental Backup - File History
File History is a good backup tool that Windows provides itself. It has multiple backup options and allows users to have customization settings. As a default backup tool in Windows 11, File History also support incremental backup.
Note:
A full backup is the basis of the incremental backup. Therefore, before you perform the incremental backup, you must first make a full backup.
Guide 1. Perform a Full Backup with File History
Now follow these steps to do a full backup with File History.
Step 1. Select the "Update & Security", and then choose "Backup Using File History".
Step 2. Choose the backup destination. Users can have more backup options as long as they click "More options".
Step 3. Start backing up.
In this way, users can finish a full backup. But, then, users need an advanced setting to start an incremental backup.
Guide 2. Perform Windows 11 Incremental Backup with File History
After the full backup, follow these steps to perform an incremental backup.
Step 1. Visit the Control Panel > File History and select the "Advanced settings".
Step 2. Determine how often File History backs up files since it backs up every hour by default.
Step 3. Determine how long the computer keeps file backups.
Following these steps, File History can back up the changed or newly added data since the last backup.
Conclusion
This passage covers two ways to perform Windows 11 incremental backup. Of course, users are free to use two ways according to their requirements. But suppose users are not professionals in computers. In that case, Qiling Backup is a better choice and it can give you a comfortable digital life.
FAQs About Window 11 Incremental Backup
This part lists three questions you may be concerned about. If you are interested, continue to read.
What's the difference between incremental backup and differential Backup?
They are both popular types of backup. Their differences are as follows:
Speed: incremental backup is faster than differential backup.
Space occupied: incremental backup is smaller.
How do I automatically backup files to an external hard drive in Windows 11?
Step 1. Connect an external hard drive to your PC.
Step 2. Open the system, choose storage, and click "Advanced storage setting".
Step 3. Find the backup options and click "Add a drive".
Step 4. Click "on" under "Automatically back up my files".
Step 5. Click "Back up now". Then File History can automatically back up files to the external hard drive.
How do I back up my entire computer on Windows 11?
Follow these steps, and you can back up your entire computer.
Step 1. Find the "Control Panel", select "Backup and Restore", then click "Create a system image".
Step 2. Select the drives you want to back up and select a backup destination.
Step 3. Then, click "Next" to start.
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