This post has been shared It can be very frustrating to be unable to work remotely or to access your data on your computer. Windows 10 offers many options to quickly restore your operating system, data, settings, and other settings. It is easy to get your computer back up and running if you know what to do. This blog will show you how to protect your Windows machine and make your mind at rest.
Personal files protected
You have two options if you want to protect your personal files.
Save History
File History will save copies of your files to an external device, such as a USB drive.
How do we get there? Here’s how to get there: Window Settings > Update and Security > Backup > Back up with File History
You can see the folder locations (or libraries) that will be saved to an external device. You also have the option to add additional folders.
Microsoft OneDrive Path
Protect your personal files from local threats with a cloud-based solution like @RyanEarls suggested with Microsoft OneDrive Path
How do we get there? Here’s how to get there: Window Settings > Update and Security > Backup > Files to OneDrive
This requires you create a Microsoft account. It has the benefit of being accessible on any Windows 10 computer by simply signing into your MS account
These options will only backup your *personal files*. Windows files and system files will not be backed up.
You can have a complete backup of your entire drive (personal files, Windows, and system files ….etc), which can be used to replace the drive in case of a failure. After applying the image to the drive, you will get a working Windows 10 OS with all your personal files restored. There are two options:
The Windows Backup and Restore Tool
How do we get there? Here’s how to get there: Window Settings > Update and Security > Backup > Looking for an older backup option? > Go to Backup & Restore (Windows 7).
This will take to the classic Control Panel > Backup and Restore. You will see two hyperlinks at the top of the left-hand side. One allows you to “Create system images” and the other allows you “Create system repair discs”.
This image will be a bit-by-bit backup file. It can be combined with a “repair disk” to restore the entire OS (personal data included). Make sure you create BOTH.
Make a recovery drive
How can we get there?
Here’s the path = Window Settings > Search “Recovery Drive”
This will activate the User Account Control, so you will need to be an administrator of the computer
You will be taken to the “Recovery Drive Wizard” once you have clicked “Yes” to the UAC. Follow the prompts to create a recovery disk that can be used for Windows 10 OS restores to the point in time you created it. To fully restore your OS, make sure you check the box that says “Back up system files to recovery drive”.
Resetting your PC
How can we get there?
Here’s the path: Window Settings > Update and Security > Recovery> Reset this computer
Click the “Get Started” button to see two options. They are self-explanatory.
The upper option is for you if you wish to keep your personal files. The lower option is for those who want to delete everything and do a fresh installation of Windows.
It is important to remember that recovery is not possible if you wait for a failure to occur. This can be costly so make sure you have backups and get some rest.
You can find more Windows 10 training on ITProTV.