Backups¶
Everything else on this site is about keeping attackers out. Backups are for when something gets through anyway, or when an administrator makes a mistake. A machine with no backup has no way back.
Windows Backup (Windows 11)¶
Settings → Accounts → Windows backup. Backs up folders and settings to OneDrive. Fine for a personal machine; not what a company relies on.
File History¶
Control Panel → System and Security → File History. Keeps versioned copies of user folders on a second drive. Turn it on if a second drive exists.
Backup and Restore (Windows 7)¶
Still present in Windows 11 and Server 2022 under Control Panel → System and Security → Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Create a system image: a complete copy of the drive, including Windows, programs, files, and settings. This is what you restore from after a disaster.
- Create a system repair disc: enough to boot and restore the image.
Windows Server Backup (Server 2022)¶
Install it: Install-WindowsFeature Windows-Server-Backup. Then Windows Server Backup from Server Manager → Tools → Backup Schedule. Back up the full server or at minimum the system state and the data folders.
The rule¶
A backup you have never restored from is a guess. Test it.