and Windows 11 is not an exception.
When making some changes to the PC, the system may turn unbootable.
Thus, backing up the PC data or Windows operating system in advance should be a good idea.
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Besides, it is convenient for you to access files that you want anytime and anywhere.
Move to the next part to know what you’ve got the option to do.
Is Windows 7 Backup and Restore blank or not opening?
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Lets look through them one by one.
How to backup Windows 11 to an external hard drive or USB flash drive?
See this post that focuses on Windows 11 backup for files and system.
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In the market, there are many choices for you and we strongly recommend using MiniTool ShadowMaker.
As a piece of reliable, professional, andfree backup software, MiniTool ShadowMaker can meet your multiple needs.
it’s possible for you to choose to create incremental or differential backups for only changed data.

Want to create automatic file backups in Windows 10/11?
This post shows you how to automatically back up files to an external hard drive with ease.
Note that it is a one-way sync tool.
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Then, follow the steps below to start a backup with MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Then, clickKeep Trialto go on.
30-day free trial is offered by the Trial Edition.

Step 2: Navigate to theBackuppage for an image backup.
By default, system partitions for Windows to run have been selected as the backup source.
If you should probably create a system image for Windows 11, skip to the next step.

Step 3: Choose the connected external drive by clickingDESTINATION > Computer > OK. Then, start the backup.
How to backup only new or changed files in Windows 11/10?
In this post, you could find 2 ways for this Windows built-in tool and MiniTool ShadowMaker.

It is simple to run MiniTool ShadowMaker for Windows 11 backup to external drive.
Just get it to have a shot if you are interested in it.
In addition to the third-party software, you may ask: does Windows 11 have a backup option?

Of course, Windows 11 offers two options for you to backup Windows 11 to external drive.
One is Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and another is File History.
Continue reading the guide here.

Step 2: Tap on the feature ofCreate a system imagefrom the left pane.
Step 3: If the external hard drive is not connected to your PC, connect it.
Then, choose an external drive to save the backup.
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An external hard drive is a very good destination.
Step 4: Decide which drives to include in the system image.
By default, system partitions are selected.
If you want to back up another drive, choose it.
Then, go on by clickingOK.
Besides, you’re able to choose folders manually to back up.
Lets see how to automatically backup files to an external hard drive in Windows 11.
Step 1: Launch Backup and Restore in Windows 11 and tap on the button ofSet up backup.
Step 2: Choose where you want to keep your backup.
Also, here we recommend using an external hard drive to continue.
Step 3: Check the option ofLet me chooseto go on.
Step 4: Choose the folders you gotta back up.
Then, clickOK > Save tweaks and run backup.
you’re able to choose to back up these folders to an external hard drive automatically.
How to automatically back up files to an external hard drive Windows 11 via File History?
Just make the connection and refresh this page.
you’re free to choose the target by clickingSelect drivefrom the left pane.
Step 3: If you dont back up some files, clickExclude folders > Addto filter out them.
Step 5: Finally, clickTurn onto enable File History to start the backup.
Conclusion
Now three ways for you to run Windows 11 backup to external drive are introduced here.
What if you run into Windows 11 backup options missing on the PC?
Take it easy and you might find some useful solutions from this post.
Just get it to have a shot now.
Do you meet some issues when using MiniTool ShadowMaker?
Do you have any idea about Windows 11 backup to external drive?
If yes, contact us by writing a comment below.