A system image is an exact copy of system drives that are required for Windows to run.
In the image file, Windows system files, boot sectors, tweaks, programs, registry, etc.
Usually, an external hard drive is a good place to save the system image.
Here, we show you two tools Backup and Restore and the third-party professionalPC backup softwareMiniTool ShadowMaker.
Now, lets get started.
Step 1: Typecontrol panelinto the search box and go for the app to open.
View all the items by large icons.
Step 2: ClickBackup and Restore (Windows 7)to continue.
Step 3: ClickCreate a system imagefeature on the left side to begin the backup operation.
Step 4: Choose an external drive to save the system image file.
Step 5: System partitions for Windows to run will be checked.
Then, confirm the backup prefs and clickStart backup.
After that, insert a blank disc and clickCreate a system repair disc.
If Windows is unbootable, you’re free to boot your system from a bootable disc.
Can you create a Windows 10 recovery USB for another PC?
How to create such a repair USB drive?
The ways will be introduced in this post.
Besides, you cancreate incremental backups or differential backups only for all the changed files.
Additionally, automatic backup is also supported.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
How to backup Windows 11 to an external drive?
This post gives you three methods on Windows 11 backup and lets see them.
Step 1: Run MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition.
You only need to tap onDESTINATIONand go toComputerto choose an external drive to save the system image file.
Step 3: ClickBack Up Nowto begin the system image backup.
Want to make a hard drive image backup?
How to image a hard drive in Windows 11/10/8/7?
MiniTool ShadowMaker can easily do this thing.
Just go toTools > Media Builder, choose a USB or CD/DVD, and then start the creation.
Read the following guide.
Step 1: Run MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Choose the system backup and click theRestorebutton to start the system image recovery Windows 10/11.
Here the drive letter in WinPE differs from what it is in Windows.
So, identify carefully.
Step 3: Choose the partitions to restore from the backup file and make sureMBR and Track 0is selected.
Then, clickNextto the next step.
Step 4: Determine which disk you want to restore the system image to.
Step 5: The system image recovery from an external hard drive process starts.
Wait patiently until the operation finishes.
If you need, you might check the option ofShut down the computer when the operation is completed.
Then, you wont need to reinstall the operating system.
I use MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up my Windows 10 regularly.
Well then, how to restore Windows image backup from external hard drive?
As a matter of fact, the ways are different based on different situations.
Lets see some details.
Case 1: Windows Can Boot Directly
Sometimes Windows can still work normally although some system issues exist.
Under this circumstance, you could restore image via the steps below.
Step 2: Navigate toChoose an option>Troubleshoot>Advanced options>System Image Recovery.
Then, follow the wizard to restore system image from external hard drive.
Just follow the given instructions.
Then, here comes a question: Recovery Drive vs System image, whats the difference?
Want to back up system files to the recovery drive to restore PC?
Here are the detailed information and two effective alternatives ways.
A recovery drive stores a copy of your Windows 11 or Windows 10 environment on a USB flash drive.
If Windows cannot start, this drive can be used to reset it or troubleshoot problems.
Usually, it is as a repair disk.
While a system image is different from a recovery drive.
Once the machine goes wrong, you could restore the system to the earlier state without reinstalling OS.
Bottom Line
How to restore Windows image backup from external hard drive?
