Friends, hello everyone! In this article, we will continue the topic of computer security and saving data. Therefore, now I will tell you about creating an image of the Windows 10 system using standard tools. And let's try to copy it even to a USB flash drive.
By the way, the method described below is quite suitable for Win 7, since the whole procedure is done in full analogy. Now a few words about the essence of the created image. Its difference from is that it can contain full copy PC disk.
So let's go. Remember, our task is to copy system partition to a USB stick. To do this, first of all, go to the Control Panel and follow the path "Small icons-backup copy and restore (Windows 7)":
And look, it says here that this recovery archive can be used even if the hard drive or computer breaks down. Interestingly, is it really possible to raise the system on new hardware with regular means? If so, then the guys from Microsoft respect and respect. But to be honest, I highly doubt it. Although...
Now about saving to a USB flash drive. As you can see in the picture below, it is available in the device selection list. But there is one caveat - it must be formatted in NTFS:
And one moment. In this way, only standard system directories are copied that are necessary to restore the health of Windows and programs. Arbitrary user folders and files are not taken into account. At least that's how I understand it. But a little lower we will still consider the option of a full backup.
So, since such requirements for file system I did not know, we will copy the archive to the second partition of the hard drive. In my case it's called Multimedia:
Well, click the "Archive" button and wait for the creation of the Windows 10 image to complete. I must say that everything here depends on the amount of information being saved, but in any case, you will have to wait a decent amount.
Upon completion of the process, a folder will appear on the drive we specified Windows Image Backup with backup image:
Now a few words about how such an archive can be used in practice, for example, in a critical situation. Very easy. If the system is skewed, but loaded, use the "Recovery" section of the Reserve copy Windows 7:
Now let's look at another section of this panel, which is called "Set up backup":
Please note that copying to a USB flash drive is not available at all here. You can only select an external or internal hard drive:
But the user is given a choice. It is possible to archive not only the system partition, but absolutely any user data. By the way, about the last one. note on the one highlighted in the picture below snippet.
It says that the program will back up only those files that are saved in the user's libraries (Pictures, Music, Videos folders, etc.), desktop and standard system directories:
Therefore, by clicking "Give me a choice" you should specify either the entire C drive, so to speak, with all the available good, or only the necessary directories:
Hope you can see the difference now? But keep in mind one more thing. If yours is divided into only two sections, for example, as I have now, then the second one will not be copied in this way, since it will be selected as the save location.
Move on. The next step is another nice option. You can configure the creation of images on a schedule. Agree, it is very convenient. Therefore, it remains only to click on the button "Save settings and start archiving":
That's all friends, now you all know about creating a Windows 10 system image on a USB flash drive using standard tools. Do you think this function is conveniently implemented in the top ten?
Share your opinion in the comments, and also ask questions if you have any. And finally, as always, I suggest watching another interesting video.
Create an image of windows 10 OS
Creating an image for installation and burning it to a USB flash drive or disk is not so difficult. Moreover, this can be done (in some cases) even using standard features. operating system. Of course, you can also use third party software, but Windows will cope with this task much better, since the OS itself knows how to burn the image correctly so that there are no problems with installation in the future. There are several ways to create a Windows 10 image. Some of them are even approved by Microsoft itself. However, to install the OS in an official way, you will need a license key.
Ways to create an image
Read also:
The vast majority of users are accustomed to downloading various OS builds from torrent trackers and writing them to a drive or disk using third-party programs. But this way is by no means the only one.
- Using the Windows 10 Installation Media Creation Tool. This is an official utility from Microsoft that helps you create a bootable media with "ten" on board. The company's experts recommend using this method.
- Easy copy (if UEFI mode is available in BIOS). This option is suitable for new PCs and laptops. If there is a UEFI mode and the partition table is of type GPT, then the user will not need any special utilities for creating installation image
- Use of third party programs. To date, many utilities can create "correct" flash drives or disks with Windows installation images. As a rule, this option is much easier than all the previous ones.
- Create an image using the backup wizard. This utility helps you create an image of an already running operating system and burn it to media. A sort of "lifeline" in case the OS suddenly refuses to boot
You can also simply update your version of Windows to the latest. But it is worth considering that in this case, system failures are possible. They can be so severe that the user may lose all their data. Therefore, it is better to install from scratch.
1. We use the utility from Microsoft
Read also:How to speed up Windows 10? TOP 6 Main ways to overclock the operating system
This is the same "official" method, approved by Microsoft. Its essence is that the user downloads the image of the operating system itself and the utility for creating bootable media from the official website of the company.
It is worth noting that the download speed from the company's servers is quite decent, so the whole process is quite fast. To complete the process, the user will need a USB drive with 8 or 10 gigabytes of free space. It can't be less.
DOWNLOADAfter the download process is complete, open « Windows Explorer» , go to the downloads directory and run the file "MediaCreationToolexe".
The installation wizard will immediately launch and ask you to accept the terms. license agreement. Click on the button "To accept".
At the next stage, we mark the item "Create installation media» and press the button "Further".
Now we select the OS language, edition and architecture (32 bit or 64). After that, click on the button "Further".
The next step is to create boot drive immediately or create an ISO image for later recording on flash driveorDVD. It is better to choose the first option, since the installation image will require at least 8 gigabytes of space. This is a double layer DVD. So choose the first option and click "Further". But before that, you need to insert the USB flash drive into the appropriate port.
The recording process will start immediately. It is worth considering that the master downloads necessary files with Microsoft servers and writes them to the drive. Therefore, the operation can take quite a long time. Will have to wait. Progress will be displayed as a percentage.
After the media creation process is complete, the wizard will run an image integrity check. You must wait for it to complete.
As soon as the check is completed, the program will display a corresponding message stating that the creation of the image is completed. All you have to do is press the button "Ready".
This method allows you to be sure that the installation process will go as expected. Creating an image of Windows 10 using the official utility from Microsoft is the most preferred option.
Before starting the image creation process using the official utility, you need to close all programs. Otherwise, recording may be interrupted due to unknown error. Some utilities may block the actions of the Image Creation Wizard. So it's better not to risk it.
2. Copy the necessary data to a USB flash drive
Read also:3 ways to install Windows XP from a flash drive
As mentioned above, this method is available to owners of new PCs and laptops that have UEFI mode enabled and the partition table on the hard drive is of the GPT type. Other users should not even try this method.
A similar method is sometimes used in the Linux OS family. There you can simply unpack the image and copy all the files to a USB flash drive, after making it bootable in the partition editor. However, in Windows latest not required.
Let's assume the official Windows image 10 has already been downloaded from Microsoft servers. Now you need to mount the image using some program. Utilities such as Daemon Tools or Alcohol 120%. But even ordinary Total Commander can open ISO. We will use it. Let's open the program, find desired image and just double click on it.
Now in the second panel, switch to the flash drive.
Now select all the files that are in the Windows 10 image and press the copy button (or hold down "F5").
The copy process will start immediately. As soon as it is completed, it will be possible to restart the computer or laptop and select bootable media in UEFI. Everything should work. But only in UEFI on a GPT table.
3. We use third-party programs
Read also:9 Easy Ways to Open Command Prompt in Windows 7-10
Now there are many utilities that allow you to burn a high-quality Windows 10 image to a USB drive or DVD. As a rule, these programs are easy to use and have a Russian language in the interface. Let's analyze the most popular.
Rufus
A small utility from independent developers. It is completely free and does not require installation. You can download it on the official website. And it's very easy to use. The program handles recording easily Windows distributions and Linux.
DOWNLOADGo to the directory with the downloaded program and run executable file with EXE permission.
The main window of the program will immediately launch. If a USB drive is already inserted into the port, the utility will detect it. Next, you need to select the desired image for recording by clicking on the button "Choose".
Now select the previously downloaded Windows 10 image and click "Open".
The next step is to select recording options. You must set the UEFI or BIOS options, and also select the type of partition table (MBR or GPT).
Everything is ready. It remains only to press the button "Start" and wait for the operation to complete.
The image is now written to the USB drive. You can restart your PC or laptop and start installing the operating system on HDD. It should be noted that for the correct notation "tens" requires the latest version of Rufus.
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
Another very popular program for writing an image to a USB drive. It was originally created for recording on Windows flash drive 7. But also with "ten" The utility works great. And you can download it on the official Microsoft website.
DOWNLOADDownload and install the application. Then we launch using the appropriate shortcut and get to the main window. First you need to select an image using the button Browse.
Select the desired ISO image and click "Open".
Now we press the button Next.
Now the wizard will prompt you to choose where to write the image. If you planned to write to a USB flash drive, then click USB device. If you need to write to disk, then select "DVD".
Select the desired flash drive and click the button Begin copying.
Hello everyone, today I want to tell you how to create a Windows 10 recovery image and how to restore Windows 10. Windows 10 offers many system recovery features, including resetting your computer and restore points, creating a full system image on an external hard drive or DVD, and also record USB disk recovery (which is better than previous systems).
This article describes exactly how the Windows 10 recovery features are implemented, how they work, and how you can access each of the features described. In my opinion, understanding and using these features is very useful and can greatly help in solving computer problems that may arise in the future.
Reset your computer
The first recovery feature you should pay attention to is resetting Windows 10, which can be accessed by clicking on the notification icon, selecting "All settings" - "Update and security" - "Recovery" (there is another way to get to this section, without signing into Windows 10, described below).
If you click “Start” in the “Reset to its original state” item, you will be prompted to either completely clean the computer and reinstall Windows 10 (at the same time, a bootable USB flash drive or disk is not required, the files on the computer will be used), or save your personal files ( installed programs and the settings will still be deleted).
Another easy way to access this feature, even without logging in, is at the login screen (where you enter the password), press the power button and, while holding the Shift key, press Restart. On the screen that opens, select "Diagnostics", and then - "Reset to original state".
On the this moment I have not seen laptops or computers with Windows 10 preinstalled, but I can assume that when restoring in this way, all the manufacturer's drivers and applications will also be automatically reinstalled on them.
pros this method recovery - you do not need to have a system distribution, reinstalling Windows 10 occurs automatically and thereby minimizes the likelihood of some mistakes made by novice users.
The main disadvantage is in case of failure hard drive or serious damage to the OS files, it will not work to restore the system in this way, but the following two options may come in handy - a recovery disk or creating a full backup copies of Windows 10 built-in system tools on a separate hard drive (including external) or DVD drives.
How to create a Windows 10 recovery drive
Note: a disk here refers to a USB drive, for example, a regular flash drive, and the name has been preserved since the time when it was possible to burn CDs and DVD discs recovery.
In previous versions of the OS, the recovery disk contained only utilities for trying to automatically and manual recovery installed system(very useful), in turn, the Windows 10 recovery disk, in addition to them, may also contain an OS image for recovery, that is, you can start resetting from it, as described in the previous section, automatically reinstalling the system on the computer.
To record such a flash drive, go to the control panel and select " Recovery». Already there you will find the necessary item - "Create a recovery disk".
When you create a disk, if you check the box "Back up system files to the recovery disk", then the resulting drive can be used not only for manual actions to correct problems that have arisen, but also for a quick transfer Windows installation 10 on a computer.
After booting from the recovery disk (you will need to boot from a USB flash drive or use boot menu), you will see a menu for selecting an action, where in the "Diagnostics" section (and in " Extra options» inside this paragraph) you can:
- Restore the computer to its original state using the files on the USB flash drive.
- Go to BIOS (UEFI Firmware Settings).
- Try a system restore using a restore point.
- Run automatic recovery while loading.
- Use command line recovery Windows bootloader 10 and other actions.
- Restore the system from a full system image (described later in the article).
Having such a drive in some ways can be even more convenient than just a bootable Windows 10 USB flash drive (although you can start recovery from it by clicking the appropriate link at the bottom left in the window with the “Install” button after choosing the language).
How to Create a Full System Image for Windows 10 Recovery
Windows 10 retains the ability to create a full system recovery image on a separate hard drive (including external) or multiple DVDs.
The difference from the previous version is that in this way a kind of “cast” of the system is created, with all the programs, files, drivers and settings that are available at the time the image was created (and in the previous version we get a clean system with only personal data saved and files).
The optimal time to create such an image is immediately after clean install OS and all drivers on the computer, i.e. after Windows 10 was brought to full healthy state but not yet cluttered.
To create such an image, go to Control Panel - File History, and then at the bottom left select "System Image Backup" - "Create a System Image". Another way is to go to "All Settings" - "Update and Security" - "Backup Service" - "Go to the section" Backup and Restore" - "Creating a System Image".
In the next steps, you can choose where the system image will be saved, as well as which partitions on the disks you want to add to backup(as a rule, this is a system reserved partition and a system disk partition).
In the future, you can use the created image to quickly return the system to the state that you need. You can start recovery from an image from the recovery disk or by selecting "Recovery" in the Windows 10 setup program (Diagnostics - Advanced Options - System Image Recovery).
Recovery points
Restore points in Windows 10 work the same as they did in the previous two versions of the operating system and can often help you roll back last changes on the computer causing the problem.
To check if it's enabled automatic creation restore points, you can go to "Control Panel" - "Recovery" and click "Setting System Restore".
By default, protection for system disk is enabled, you can also configure the creation of restore points for a disk by selecting it and clicking the "Configure" button.
If a computer with the Windows 10 operating system suddenly stops working, something breaks in it, or programs “fly off”, then a system restore may be required. It also happens that the operating system has gone astray, “deteriorated” so much that the computer (laptop) has even stopped loading.
To boot a computer that has an operating system, a Windows 10 system recovery disk is used. But this disk is not enough to completely “repair” the operating system. With its help, you can only boot the computer () in order to start the system recovery procedure.
But the Windows 10 system itself can be successfully restored if you use a pre-made Windows 10 system image for this. That's about it, how to create an image of the Windows 10 system, so that later this image can be used to restore the operating system after a severe failure - this will be discussed in this article.
So, we create an image of the Windows 10 operating system, a backup image of the system for use in case of need to restore the system after failures that lead to serious consequences when the computer no longer "wants" to boot.
What you need to restore the Windows 10 system
Remember that the set software tools, which allows you to restore the health of the Windows 10 operating system, consists of three elements, three parts. This is
- systems,
- system image and
- users.
That is, in order to successfully restore the Windows 10 operating system in the event of a serious failure, we need all the three components listed above.
Consider how to create the second component for system recovery, how to create a Windows 10 system image.
Preparing to create a Windows 10 system image
Before we begin the procedure for creating a Windows 10 system image, we need to prepare the media or media where this image will be stored. Suitable media for creating and storing a system image are:
- external hard drive,
- USB flash drive (having the appropriate size) or
- several DVDs (which of course also require a DVD writer/reader, the so-called DVD-ROM).
External hard disks and flash drives are connected to a PC (laptop) via a USB interface (connector). They must have free space to place the Windows 10 system image, which can be 25 GB or more. These are the most handy devices to store an image of the system, they are the easiest to work with.
But for flash drives and external hard drives there is a downside to using them as a system image repository. The fact is that usually flash drives and external hard drives are not used only for storing a system image. They record a lot of other useful information. And sooner or later on flash drives and external hard drives the place is running out, they have to be cleared of extra information.
Since the Windows 10 system image is created once and then stored for a long time, there is a temptation to remove it from a disk or from a flash drive when it comes to cleaning these devices, freeing up space on them to store other useful data, photos, videos, etc. other content.
Therefore, the first image of the system, which is usually created, is made immediately after purchasing a computer (laptop), it is best to do it on slow and not very convenient DVDs. But then it is unlikely that there will be a desire to erase these disks with the image of the Window 10 system recorded on them. And this means that the system image will be stored for a long time and reliably, which is what we need.
True, since DVDs themselves are not very reliable data carriers, and they themselves can “fail” when trying to read this system image, you should save the system image twice, do not be too lazy to do this work twice, and then store two system images in different places for reliability. This will allow, in the worst case, when the system, God forbid, fails, restore it using one of the two saved images of the Windows 10 system.
So, if we decide to make a system image on DVDs, we also need a DVD reader / writer. Some PCs still have such devices for reading/writing laser or compact discs (DVD-ROM), in which case we can use them.
If your computer or laptop does not have a DVD reader/writer, we will need an external DVD reader/writer that connects to the PC or laptop via the USB interface (connector).
We will also need several (approximately 5-10) DVD "blanks" - these are blank discs designed to record new data on them. Previously used DVDs on which information has already been recorded can only be used if they are rewritable DVDs. Then first you need to delete all data from these disks, clear them completely before using them as future disks for storing the Windows 10 system image.
How many DVDs do I need for a Windows 10 system image
To boot the Windows 10 operating system in the event of a failure, we will need one system recovery CD / DVD. But to restore the system image - after all, the system recovery disk does not include a system image - we need from 5 to 10 DVDs, depending on their volume.
To create and store a system image on DVDs, it is recommended to use the most voluminous discs, on which more than 4GB of information can be written. You can completely forget about CDs. They will not be suitable for burning a Windows 10 system image, as they will require too many, since their volume is very small compared to DVDs. After all, a system image can take up to 25 GB, or even more, which, in terms of the number of DVDs, gives us the number 5 or 6.
But it would also be necessary to duplicate the image of the system, to make two identical images of the system. So for such purposes: to create and store the main and backup image of the Windows 10 system, we may need 10-12 blank DVDs with more than 4GB of information stored on each of them.
Now that we are ready to create a Windows 10 system image, we will run the appropriate program. This program located in the standard Control Panel, which can be opened, for example, using the search button on the taskbar.
We click on the magnifying glass icon on the right next to the “Windows” button, and enter the text “Control Panel” in the search bar (Fig. 1). Below the inscription "Best match" we see a link to the program "Control Panel", and click on this inscription to launch the Control Panel.
Rice. 1. Launching the Control Panel in Windows 10
In the Control Panel window that opens, we find the program "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" in the "System and Security" section and click on it (Fig. 2).
Rice. 2. Launching Backup and Restore (Windows 7) in Windows 10
Create a Windows 10 system image
Now it remains for us to launch the Windows 10 system image creation program. To do this, in the opened window of the “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” program in the left column, we find the inscription “Create a system recovery disk” and click on it (Fig. 3).
Rice. 3. Launching the program to create a Windows 10 system image
Everything, now the system image creation program is launched and begins its work. First of all, the program asks us to specify where the Windows 10 system image will be stored and then allows us to start the procedure for creating a system recovery disk (Fig. 4).
Rice. 4. Selecting a DVD Burner and Launching the Windows 10 System Imaging Software
Now the system image creation program tells us about the size of the system image being created and prompts us to confirm the parameters for archiving the system image. On fig. Figure 5 shows that in the above example, the system image will have a size of about 25 GB, and for this volume, accordingly, you need to prepare the required number of blank (ready-to-write) DVDs.
Rice. 5. Confirm backup settings before creating a Windows 10 system image
Having received from us confirmation of agreement with the proposed archiving parameters (the parameters for creating an image of the Windows 10 system - and what, in fact, did we have to do except confirm the proposed parameters ?!), the system image creation program begins its work. On fig. 6 we see the message of the program about the preparation for the creation of the archive.
Rice. 6. Message from the system imaging program about preparing to create an archive
You need to be patient and wait for the program to finish preparing and start burning the system image to DVDs. In general, all work related to data archiving, whether it be:
- creating a system recovery disk,
- creating a system image,
- creating an archive of user files and folders, –
These are processes that take a long time to complete. In some cases, it takes more than one hour to complete them! And here patience is required and once again the patience of a PC (laptop) user, you have to wait and wait ...
And then, finally, the moment comes when the system imaging program offers to prepare and insert the first blank DVD to write data to it (Fig. 7).
Rice. 7. Message to insert the first DVD to burn Windows 10 system image data to it
Please note that the DVD must be prepared in advance, it must be a blank DVD or a rewritable DVD that has been cleared of previous data. Also, the system imaging program offers to label the DVD accordingly, so that later you can understand what is stored on this DVD. You can mark a DVD disc only from the non-working side, where no data is recorded, and only with a soft felt-tip pen, but not with a pen or pencil, which can damage the DVD disc and the information stored on it.
Personally, I prefer not to write anything on the DVD itself, but simply put the information written on a separate small piece of paper in the DVD box. Of course, in this case, you need to have a separate box for each DVD.
Next comes the question of the possibility of erasing all data from the DVD that we have inserted into the DVD reader/writer. Of course, since we have prepared this DVD to write the system image to it, we answer positively, that is, we click on the "Format" button in response to question asked(Fig. 8).
Rice. 8. The question of the possibility of erasing all information previously recorded on a DVD that is designed to write data to it when creating a Windows 10 system image
The program prepares a DVD-disk for subsequent recording of data on it - it formats this disk (Fig. 9). While the DVD is being formatted, it must not be removed from the DVD Reader/Writer, otherwise it may be damaged and cannot be used to write data to it.
Rice. 9. Message about formatting a DVD before writing data to it when creating a Windows 10 system image
That's it, preparatory actions are completed and data burning to the DVD disc has begun (Figure 10). We just have to wait...
Rice. 10. Message about burning a Windows 10 system image to the first DVD
You will also have to wait after the first DVD is written to, because the burner must check if the DVD is readable after the information has been written to it (Fig. 11). Again, we just have to wait until the process of checking the quality of data recording on a DVD is completed ...
Rice. 11. Message about checking the DVD that data was written to when creating the Windows 10 system image
Then we will need to insert the next 4-5 DVDs one by one, each time responding to the messages shown in Figure 7 above. Following the message to insert the next DVD, the formatting messages for this DVD will be repeated (Fig. 8-9), about writing data to a DVD (Fig. 10) and about checking the quality of recording on this DVD (Fig. 11). In general, in this way, step by step, a Windows 10 system image will be burned onto several DVDs.
Finally, the recording of the system image is completed, and the system image creation program will ask us if we want to make a system recovery disk at the same time. Since we made this system recovery disk earlier (described), we will refuse this service (Fig. 12).
Rice. 12. Refusal to create a system recovery disc after the process of creating a Windows 10 system image
That's all, the creation of the Window 10 system image is finished. We just have to close the program window (Fig. 13).
Rice. 13. Message about the completion of the creation of the Windows 10 system image and the need to close the backup program window
The DVDs with the Windows 10 system image data written on them now need to be collected together and put in a separate place where they can be stored for a long time in proper conditions. For the time being and until the time when we may need these DVDs, God forbid. It would be better not to be needed!
How to create a second set of Windows 10 System Image DVDs
To create a second set of system image DVDs to duplicate the first set of Windows 10 system image DVDs, you need to redo all the previous steps.
That is, you will need to prepare another batch of 5 or 6 DVDs, restart the Control Panel and the Backup and Restore Program, and redo all the steps of this program. And you have to be patient again to wait until all 5-6 DVDs are burned and checked.
This, of course, is additional trouble, and extra time. But an additional set of system image DVDs may not be superfluous if the first set of DVDs fails to read in a critical situation, or at least one DVD from the first set fails to read.
Therefore, it is better not to be lazy, and create at least 2 sets of DVDs with a Windows 10 system image, perform the procedure for creating a system image twice.
When to Create Windows 10 System Image DVD Sets
It is best to create a set of DVDs with a Windows 10 system image immediately after installing Windows 10 on your PC or laptop, immediately after purchasing a PC or laptop with the Windows 10 operating system installed on it. While the system is still working, while it is still a "new" system Windows 10 without additional programs, drivers and more.
But you can make a set of DVDs with a system image at any other time, there's nothing wrong with not doing it right away. It is important that these DVDs with the image of the Windows 10 system be made at least once, while the system is working without failures (preferably in 2 copies), and that they would lie quietly in a "secluded corner", as they say, "just in case a firefighter happening".
There is only one problem with creating a set of system image DVDs late. The Windows 10 system grows in volume over time, especially after installing new programs, drivers, and after receiving and installing updates. Therefore, the later you make a set of system image DVDs, the more DVDs and time it will take to create a Windows 10 system image.
Say, if you create a system image immediately after purchasing a PC (laptop), then it will be about 5-6 DVDs. And if you install the first updates that come almost immediately after connecting a new computer (laptop) to the Internet, then more than 10 DVDs will be required to save the system image. And then (according to the operating time of Windows 10) - and even more!
Well, of course, it's good if a set of DVDs with a Windows 10 system image never comes in handy. But from this its significance does not decrease in any way, but on the contrary, it even increases. It's great to have an extra margin of safety, and let this margin of safety never be used in practice!
How to Use Windows 10 System Image DVDs in an Emergency
If, God forbid, the Windows 10 system on your PC or laptop stops working, stops loading, this is where the Windows 10 system image along with the system recovery disk can come in handy.
You will need a device for reading / writing CD / DVD-ROMs (CD / DVD-ROM), which will need to be connected to a faulty PC (laptop), and the BIOS will need to be set to boot from this device.
You will need the Windows 10 system recovery disc we created, which you will need to insert into your CD/DVD drive/writer.
Well, then you will need to start the PC (laptop) and boot the system from the CD / DVD reader / writer. The system will have to boot, but not from the hard drive of the PC (laptop), but from the system recovery disk we created.
Then, using the menu items that the system recovery program will display on the display screen, it will be possible to restore the Windows 10 operating system step by step.
This is where we need the previously created image of the Windows 10 operating system. It is from it, from this image, that the system will be restored. Well, for a completely complete recovery of a computer (laptop), the third component for system recovery is also required - this is an archive copy of folders, files and programs of PC (laptop) users. Or you will need "File History" - the data archiving system that came with Windows 10.
But this is, as they say, another "story", which will be written in other articles. In general, it is better that the Windows 10 system image DVD set, along with the Windows 10 system recovery CD / DVD, lie unclaimed. But here, how lucky ...
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There is never too many backups. If you can back up a backup, then by all means do so. Luckily, Microsoft makes it a lot easier to create a complete copy of your entire computer with the built-in System Image Capture tool.
Never used this utility? We will explain in detail how to use it to your advantage.
What is a system image?
A system image in Windows 8.1 and includes a complete copy of the entire system. This backup includes a complete build of the operating system, settings, installed programs, Windows applications, and all personal files.
The main advantage of this function is that it allows you to completely restore the system in case of critical error software or hardware failure.
The disadvantage of this method is that you will not be able to restore individual files, i.e. all files on the hard drive. Although you will have access to the copied files in the Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.
Also, if you don't back up often, in the event of a system failure, you may lose valuable documents, settings, or programs because you can only restore data to the time of the last backup.
You can use a system image to create a master backup of your computer that includes the Windows installation itself, everything Latest updates, personalized configurations and programs. You can use File History or Protect Important Files to back up your files. OneDrive service. This backup recipe will avoid duplication of files, and you will always have an up-to-date copy of all personal documents.
If the computer is working correctly, then the system backup function will help in all situations where changes have been made to the system that could disrupt performance. In this case, the restoration of the initial state will take an acceptable time.
The instructions provided allow you to create a backup system image in Windows 10, but they work fine in Windows 8.1 as well.
How to back up a system image in Windows 10 or 8.1
- Type in the search menu Start and follow the link found.
- Turn on view mode Large icons or small icons and select a section.
- Select the link in the lower-left corner of the window.
- Connect a portable hard drive (USB flash drive), USB flash drive or SD card with enough free space.
Note. The media must be formatted with the NTFS file system so that it can be used to store a system image.
- Select from the left menu.
- The system imaging wizard will ask you to choose one of three options for placing the backup: on a hard drive, on DVDs, or in network folder. The fastest procedure will be when choosing a hard drive. Click Further.
- Select the drives you want to include in the backup and click Further.
- Confirm the start of the backup by clicking the button Archive.
- The backup process can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the amount of data being backed up. While the backup is in progress, you can continue to do other tasks as if you were using your computer normally.
- After the System Image Capture utility completes the task, you can create a . You can use the system recovery disc to boot your computer. It also contains Windows System Restore tools that can be used to restore Windows system in the event of a serious error, or restore the computer from an image using a system image.
Put the portable drive with the system image and the system recovery disc in a safe place.
Restoring a computer from a backup
If your system has stopped starting or you decide to change the main hard drive on the device, then you can use next steps to restore the system from a backup:
- Connect your system recovery disc or Windows 10 installation media to your computer.
- Connect the media containing the system recovery files (system image) to your device.
- Restart your computer.
Advice: If the Windows Setup Wizard does not start automatically, then you should change the system BIOS settings. Usually, to enter the BIOS, you need to press one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12) or the ESC and Delete keys. Hotkeys depend on the device manufacturer and even on specific model. The exact information can be found in the support section on the official website of the manufacturer.
- On the page, click the "Next" button.
- Select the link in the lower-left corner.
- On the next screen, select the option.
- On the Advanced Options page, select the option.
- Select as the target operating system.
- In the "Restore your computer from an image" window, select the "Use the latest available system image" option.
Advice: You can select the "Select a system image" option if you have created multiple system backups. In this case, you can restore an older copy.
- Click "Next".
- If you are restoring a full system image to a hard drive, you can also select the "Format and Partition Drives" option before restoring the backup.
- Click "Next".
- Click the Done button.
- In the confirmation window that appears, select Yes.
After completing these steps, the system recovery process will begin. The time it takes to complete the operation depends on the amount of data to be restored and the characteristics of your hardware. Any process interruptions can disrupt the computer and prevent it from booting up, so make sure your computer is connected to a UPS. In the case of a laptop, before starting the recovery, make sure that the device is connected to network source nutrition.
Since a long time may have passed since the backup was created, it is recommended to go to the Settings > Update & Security > Center windows updates and select the "Check for Updates" option to download and install the latest security patches.
System Image Creation is a useful tool in many scenarios
A system backup image can be very useful in many cases. For example, if you are about to upgrade to a new Windows versions 10, be sure to create a copy of the system to simplify the process of rolling back to previous version in case of serious errors and failures after the update. In addition, it is recommended to create regular backups in case you need to quickly restore your system after a hardware or system failure, malware infection, or other problems.
However, you need to be aware of the limitations and features of this recovery method. For example, the user must take the initiative when creating backups, since the state of the system and files can only be restored to the time the full backup was created. Any data, settings, and applications created, modified, or installed after the backup will not be restored during this process.
This function is designed to restore the entire system, not to restore individual files, settings and applications. If you want to keep an up-to-date copy of your files, you should consider using additional features or OneDrive's Protecting Important Files.
System imaging is a deprecated feature in Windows 10. This means that while you can still create backups, the feature may suddenly stop working or may be removed in future versions.
How often do you make a full backup of your computer? Which software you are using? Share your backup experience in the discussion below.