In Microsoft Windows, a system image backup is a copy of the drives required for Windows to run. If the hard drive crashes or becomes corrupt, the system image can restore Windows.

Use the links below the version of Windows on your computer to find the steps for performing a system image backup.

This type of backup does not allow you to restore individual files. If you want to backup and restore individual files, see: How to back up your computer.

Windows 10 system image backup

  • Open the Windows Control Panel.

  • In the Control Panel, click Backup and Restore.

  • On the left column, click Create a system image.

  • Windows 10

  • Windows 8

  • Windows 7

  • Select where you want to save the backup. For most users, we recommend using an external hard drive connected to the computer as a backup drive.

  • Once the drive is selected, click Next.

  • Windows then lets you know how much disk space is required for the backup and the drives that will be saved. Once you are ready to start the backup, click the Start backup button.

  • After the backup is complete, you are given a prompt to create a system repair disc. Unless you already have one, we recommend creating this disc, as it will be used to boot your computer and allow you to restore the system image.

Once the backup is completed, if you saved the backup to a hard drive, there should now be a “WindowsImageBackup” folder on that drive.

If your backup is larger than 4 GB, you must be using a drive with NTFS and not FAT or FAT32.

Windows 8 system image backup

  • From the Start screen, type File History and select File History settings in the search results.
  • In the File History window, click the System Image Backup link in the bottom-left corner.
  • Select where you want to save the backup. For most users, we recommend using an external hard drive connected to the computer as a backup drive.
  • Once the drive is selected, click Next.
  • Windows then lets you know how much disk space is required for the backup and the drives that will be saved. Once you are ready to start the backup, click the Start backup button.

Windows 7 system image backup

  • Open the Windows Control Panel.
  • In the Control Panel, click Backup your computer.
  • On the left column, click Create a system image.
  • Select where you want to save the backup. For most users, we recommend using an external hard drive connected to the computer as a backup drive.
  • Once the drive is selected, click Next.
  • Windows then lets you know how much disk space is required for the backup and the drives that will be saved. Once you are ready to start the backup, click the Start backup button.

Once the backup is complete, if you saved the backup to a hard drive, there should now be a “WindowsImageBackup” folder on that drive.

  • How to back up and restore a Mac.
  • See our backup definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.