Share via

BACKING UP YOUR ENTIRE HARD DRIVE

Perry Perrement 0 Reputation points
2026-03-23T01:24:18.4333333+00:00

G'day,

I have purchased a new desktop computer with Windows 11 installed. My old computer has Windows 10. I have tried to do a backup onto a 2 TB External Hard Drive. There should be ample room as the Windows 10 Hard Drive only as 920 gb.

Each time I try to backup I get a message. " Back Up Failed. I am 85 years old and my IT skills are not the best. Please could somebody tell me what I need to do>

Cheers Perry

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Sumit D - IA 167.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-23T02:42:37.19+00:00

    Hi Perry,

    Backup utilities in Windows 10 are deprecated and are not being actively maintained. Microsoft and I recommend using a 3rd party utility. My choice is a freeware like Paragon Community edition:

    System Image Backup (SIB) Solution We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.

    https://www.paragon-software.com/free/br-free/

    I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

    Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

    Standard 3rd party link disclaimer:

    There may be links to non-Microsoft websites that provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on websites frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers, as they sometimes do more harm than good.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-23T01:24:32.5066667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To move everything from the old Windows 10 PC to the new Windows 11 PC without relying on the failing full-drive backup, use one of these simpler methods that are supported in Windows:

    1. Use an external drive and copy files manually (recommended for simplicity)

    On the old Windows 10 PC:

    1. Connect the 2 TB external hard drive.
    2. On the taskbar, open File Explorer.
    3. Open folders where personal files are stored, such as Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Pictures, and Videos.
    4. Select the files and folders to keep. To select multiple items, hold CTRL while clicking them.
    5. Right‑click the selected items and choose Send to (or Copy to) and then select the external hard drive.
    6. Wait for the copy to finish.
    7. Safely remove the drive by using Eject before unplugging it.

    On the new Windows 11 PC:

    1. Connect the same external hard drive.
    2. Open File Explorer.
    3. Open the external drive and copy the files into the corresponding folders on the new PC (for example, copy documents into the Documents folder, photos into Pictures, etc.).

    This avoids the complexity and errors of a full system backup and still preserves all personal data.

    1. Use Backup and Restore on the old PC (if still preferred)

    On the old Windows 10 PC:

    1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
    2. Select Set up backup.
    3. Connect the 2 TB external drive and select Refresh.
    4. Under Backup destination, choose the external drive and select Next.
    5. Select Let me choose > Next.
    6. Ensure the folders under Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos (and any others needed) are selected.
    7. Clear the checkbox Include a system image of drives (this keeps the backup smaller and avoids some failures).
    8. Select Next, then Change schedule, and clear Run backup on a schedule.
    9. Select OK, then Save settings and run backup.
    10. When finished, safely Eject the external drive.

    On the new Windows 11 PC, use Backup and Restore to restore files from that backup on the external drive.

    If the full backup continues to fail, the manual copy method in step 1 is the most reliable way to move data.

    References:

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.