The regular functionality of bringing Windows back to life in critical situations, if the system crashes, or even does not boot at all, is not particularly popular. Microsoft itself has unwittingly contributed to ordinary users this tool was not found in the wilds of system settings. Even in the version of Windows 10, where important system settings moved to the "Settings" application, in the "Update and Security" section you will see only the possibility and the mode with special boot options, which allows you to restore Windows from a system image, in fact, from a backup. But the function of creating this very system image must be sought inside the control panel, and preferably under the guidance step by step instructions. This will be shown below. In this article, we'll see how to create backup Windows 10 with its regular functionality and how the system recovery process takes place.
1. Regular Windows 10 backup functionality
The standard backup function was inherited by Windows 10 from Windows Vista. Like third-party backup programs, backup, created using the built-in functionality, is a snapshot of the system with all its settings, boot sector installed by programs and stored on system drive user files.
All this can be restored from a backup if Windows failure will occur. Even if the system stops booting, you can return it to working capacity from the recovery environment called by the F8 key when the computer boots. In this environment, you can start the process of restoring the system to the state from the backup. You can get into the recovery environment of an unbootable Windows 10, if not by calling the F8 key, then in two other ways. Wednesday Windows Recovery 10 is included with the system installation disc. For critical cases, you can specially prepare a Windows recovery disk, this is provided for by the regular functionality of the system.
In terms of options for calling the recovery environment of an unbootable Windows, the standard functionality as a backup tool outperforms third-party backup programs. But this is his only winning moment. In all other respects, the native functionality, alas, is far from perfect.
However, backup Windows copy and its restoration with the help of regular functionality - these are the basics for those who want to master the potential operating system from Microsoft.
2. Create a system image
In Windows itself, the term "backup copy", as in third-party backup programs, is not used, but the concept of "system image" is used. For the function of creating this very image, let's go to the control panel. For this we use context menu on the start button.
In the Control Panel section "System and Security" we need a subsection "Backup and Restore Windows 7".
You can also get directly to this subsection - using system search.
Click "Create a system image".
Next, the window for selecting the storage location for the image will follow. This may be a non-system disk partition, another HDD(internal or external), as well as network resources. There is even the option to store the system image on multiple DVDs. In our case, a partition is selected on the second connected hard drive. This is a good option for choosing where to store important data, such as an operating system backup. In the future, Windows can be recovered even if the primary hard drive that hosts the system partition fails. Click "Next".
Regular functionality provides not only copying system partition with Windows, copies of existing non-system disk partitions can be included in the image. Backup non-system data through native Windows functionality is not the best way to ensure the safety of this data due to irrational use disk space. Still, to backup user data, it is better to resort to third-party software. Therefore, in our case, the composition of the image system will enter preset configuration - partition with Windows and reserved by the system space. Click "Next".
In the confirmation window for archiving parameters, click "Archive".
When the image creation process is completed, Windows 10 itself will offer to prepare a recovery disk for the future.
This offer should not be rejected if we are dealing with a computer device with a CD / DVD drive. And, of course, if there is an empty CD or DVD disc available. If there are serious problems with the system, it will be easier to boot from the recovery disk than to use the F8 key when booting the computer. The response time of this key is difficult to catch due to the reduced time Windows startup 10. System version 10 inherited this feature from version 8.
After inserting an empty CD / DVD-disk into the drive, click "Create Disc".
You can return to the process of creating a Windows recovery disc at any time. In the control panel window from which we started the process of creating a system image, there is a button "Create a system recovery disk".
Close the system image creation window.
That's it - now the system image will be safely stored for itself until there is no need to resuscitate Windows 10.
If there are problems with the system, the first step will be to get to its recovery environment. It is in this environment that the opportunity to apply the newly created image will appear.
3. Paths to the Windows Recovery Environment
Working system
If you have problems with Windows 10, but they do not affect its ability to boot, you can get into the recovery environment using the Settings application. In "Settings" select "Update and security".
F8 key
If Windows does not boot, you can try to get into the recovery environment in the way mentioned above using the F8 key. The key must be pressed before the Windows logo appears.
Windows 10 installation disc
The recovery environment for the current system is provided as part of its installation disk. Naturally, we are talking about the official Windows 10 installation disc. builds of Windows can only be used for a clean install new system and do not contain the functionality of restoring the current system. Booting from a USB flash drive or DVD with the Windows 10 distribution, we go through the welcome window.
Recovery disk
failure to Windows boot 10 - the case of using the recovery disk mentioned above. We boot from it and press any key to continue booting from the CD / DVD.
Choosing a keyboard layout
4. Windows Recovery
By any of the methods discussed above, we will get the action selection menu. In this menu, select the "Diagnostics" section, and in it - " Extra options».
The next step- Restoring the system image. This is the standard tool for restoring Windows 10 from a backup.
The system is preparing for the recovery process.
The step-by-step wizard for restoring Windows from a system image will start. By default, the last created image will be selected. But if the system needs to be restored from an earlier image, you must manually specify the path to it. Click "Next".
Now click "Finish".
We confirm the start of the Windows recovery process and wait for it to complete.
After successful completion, restart the computer.
That's it - Windows 10 will return to the state it was in when the image was created. The system will have the same settings, the same installed programs, the same user files on drive C.
Have a great day!
The newly installed Windows operating system cannot but please the eye. Virgin clean, without any processes slowing down the computer, unnecessary software and a bunch of games. Experts recommend regularly reinstalling the OS every 6-10 months for preventive needs and cleaning up redundant information. And for a successful reinstallation, you need a high-quality disk image of the system.
When You May Need a Windows 10 System Image
The main reasons for the urgent need for an OS image are, of course, reinstallation or recovery of the system after damage.
Damage may be caused by broken files on hard drive sectors, viruses and/or incorrect installed updates. Often the system can recover itself if none of the critical libraries have been damaged. But as soon as the damage affects the bootloader files or other important and executable files, the OS may well cease to function. In such cases, it is simply impossible to do without external media (installation disk or flash drive).
It is recommended that you have multiple permanent media with a Windows image at once. Anything can happen: disk drives often scratch disks, and flash drives themselves are fragile devices. In the end, everything falls into disrepair. Yes, and the image should be updated periodically in order to save time downloading updates from Microsoft servers and immediately have it in your arsenal latest drivers for equipment. This is mainly about a clean install of the OS, of course.
Burning an image to a disk or flash drive
Let's say you have an image Windows disk 10, assembly or downloaded from the official Microsoft website, but there is little use for it, as long as it just lies on the hard drive. It must be correctly written using a standard or third party program, because the image file itself is of no value to the bootloader's attempt to read it.
It is important to consider the choice of media. Usually a standard DVD-blank with the declared 4.7 GB of memory or a USB flash drive with a capacity of 8 GB is enough, since the weight of the image often exceeds 4 GB.
It is also desirable to clear the flash drive of all contents in advance, and even better, format it. Although almost all recording programs format removable media before writing an image to it.
Create an image using the installer
In our time created special services to obtain images of the operating system. The license is no longer tied to a separate disk, which may become unusable for various reasons, or its box. Everything goes electronic, which is much safer than the physical ability to store information. With the release of Windows 10, the license has become more secure and mobile. It can be used on multiple computers or phones at once.
You can download the Windows image on various torrent resources or using the Media Creation Tool recommended by Microsoft developers. This small utility for writing a Windows image to a USB flash drive can be found on the official website of the company.
- Download the installer.
- Run the program, select "Create installation media for another computer" and click "Next".
Choose to create installation media for another computer
- Select the system language, edition (choose between Pro and Home versions), as well as 32 or 64 bits, again "Next".
Define boot image parameters
- Specify the media where you want to save the bootable Windows. Either immediately to a USB flash drive, creating a bootable USB drive, or as an ISO image to a computer and then using it:
- Wait for the process of your choice to finish, after which you can use the downloaded product as you wish.
After the process is completed, the image or bootable flash drive will be ready to use
While the program is running, Internet traffic is used in the amount of 3 to 7 GB.
Video: How to Create a Windows 10 ISO Image Using the Media Creation Tool
Creating an image using third-party programs
Oddly enough, but OS users still opt for additional programs to work with disk images. Often due to more user-friendly interface or functionality such applications outperform the standard utilities that are offered by Windows.
Daemon Tools
Daemon Tools is a well-deserved leader in the software market. According to statistics, it is used by about 80% of all users who work with disk images. To create a disk image using Daemon Tools, do the following:
Daemon Tools also allows you to create a bootable USB drive:
Video: how to burn a system image to disk using Daemon Tools
Alcohol 120%
The Alcohol 120% program is an old-timer in the field of creating and burning disc images, but still has some minor flaws. For example, it does not write images to a USB flash drive.
Video: how to burn a system image to disk using Alcohol 120%
Nero Express
Almost all Nero products are designed to work with disks in general. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to images, but a simple burning of a disc from an image is present.
- Open Nero Express, hover your mouse over "Image, project, copier." and select "Disk image or saved project" from the drop-down menu.
Click on the item "Disk image or saved project"
- Select the disk image by clicking on the desired file and click the "Open" button.
Open the Windows 10 image file
- Click "Burn" and wait for the disc to finish burning. Don't forget to check if the bootable DVD works.
The "Record" button starts the process of burning the installation disc
Unfortunately, Nero still doesn't write images to flash drives.
Video: How to capture a system image using Nero Express
UltraISO
UltraISO is an old, small, but very powerful disk imaging tool. It can record both to discs and flash drives.
- Open the UltraISO program.
- To burn an image to a USB flash drive, select the required disk image file at the bottom of the program and double click on it mount it in virtual drive programs.
In the directories at the bottom of the program, select and mount the image
- At the top of the program, click on "Boot" and select the item "Burn image hard drive».
The "Burn hard disk image" item is located in the "Boot" tab
- Select the required USB media that fits the size and change the recording method to USB-HDD+ if necessary. Click the "Burn" button and confirm the formatting of the flash drive if the program requests this request.
The "Burn" button will start the process of formatting the flash drive with the subsequent creation of an installation flash drive
- Wait for the recording to finish and check the flash drive for compliance and performance.
Burning boot disks with the UltraISO program takes place in a similar vein:
Video: how to burn an image to a USB flash drive using the UltraISO program
What problems can occur during the creation of an ISO disk image
By and large, problems during the recording of images should not arise. Only cosmetic problems are possible if the carrier itself is of poor quality, spoiled. Or perhaps there is a power problem during recording, such as a power outage. In this case, the flash drive will have to be formatted on a new one and the recording chain will be repeated, and the disk will, alas, become unusable: it will have to be replaced with a new one.
As for creating an image through the Media Creation Tool, problems may well arise: the developers did not really take care of decoding errors, if any. Therefore, you have to navigate the problem using the “poke” method.
If the download does not start and freezes already at 0%
If the download does not even start and the process freezes at the very beginning, the problems can be both external and internal:
- Microsoft servers are blocked antivirus programs or provider. Perhaps a simple lack of connection to the Internet. In this case, check which connections your antivirus and connection to Microsoft servers are blocking;
- lack of space to save the image, or you downloaded a fake backup program. In this case, the utility must be downloaded from another source, and disk space must be freed up. Moreover, it is worth considering that the program first downloads the data, and then creates an image, so you need about twice as much space as stated in the image.
If the download hangs at a percentage, or the image file is not created after downloading
When the download freezes while loading the image, or the image file is not created, the problem is (most likely) related to the operation of your hard drive.
When the program tries to write information to broken sector hard drive, the OS itself can reset the entire installation or boot process. In this case, you need to determine the reason why the hard drive sectors became unusable by the Windows system.
First of all, check the system for viruses with two or three anti-virus programs. Then check and disinfect the hard drive.
Video: how to check a hard drive for errors and fix them
Creating an installation disk from an image is very easy. Every Windows user should have this kind of media on an ongoing basis.
The backup is exactly the same system as yours. It includes exactly the same drivers, settings and all other elements of a functioning system. A backup differs from restore points in that restore points contain only information about changes to the system, while a backup is the entire system.
First of all, a copy will be needed for quick recovery if there are any problems with the system. Restoring a system from a copy is much easier and faster than reinstalling Windows and all the software that is required. In addition, after reinstalling the system, absolutely all personalization parameters will fail. Therefore, it will be very smart and thoughtful to keep any means of storing information with an image, in case of any unforeseen problems. This is especially true for those who especially value files and applications on their personal computer.
Consider the best ways to create a copy for two OS - Windows 7 and 10
Windows 10 has a handy tool called Backup and Restore. To use this tool you need:
Important! It is not at all necessary to save the system image only on the computer itself, because if it breaks, then you will not be able to fix anything, therefore, the whole point of backing up is lost. Use more reliable data storage methods.
Installing from a Created Disk
There are two main situations when you need the disk we created earlier. In the first case, your working machine will be unstable or work incorrectly, but it will still be in service. Another case - you can not even start the computer. The created disk will definitely help us fix the problem in both situations.
In the first case, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- Open the "Start" menu, select the "Settings" tab. It looks like a gear.
- Select the "Update and Security" section, and in it click on "Recovery".
- We get to the tab "Special boot options" and click on the reboot button in this window.
- Next, we get to where you need to install the old system. To get started, select the "Troubleshooting" item.
- Then "Advanced options", in the window that opens, click on.
- This program will independently search for the image and, if it finds it, will begin to return the system to its state. If this does not happen, then you yourself will have to specify where the copy of your Windows is located.
- The next step is to confirm the recovery procedure, it will begin.
Guide for restoring a system image from a disk
Copy of the "seven"
Owners of a computer with not the latest version of the system also need to take care of their data and save them in some kind of reliable storage.
- A window will display a message stating that data archiving is not configured. We have to set it up. We click "Set up backup", and the computer starts searching for suitable recording media.
- Select the disk where the backup will be stored.
- Next, the system will want to know what to archive. You can trust it to automatically select files, or do it manually. Windows itself will back up the entire drive if there is enough space on the media.
Interesting! It is most convenient and safest to save on external hard disk. Not everyone will have flash drives of the required volume, but regular discs extremely resistant to scratches and mechanical damage.
Backup using special programs
For reservations, you can also use the old and reliable program Acronis True Image. Its main advantages are simple and clear interface and compatibility. The application gives a huge selection of settings for faster, more convenient and comfortable booking. This is a great alternative to standard tools.
Let's see how to use the program.
- We download it. It is free only for the first 30 days of use, so we will activate the trial period.
- Now we need what the program will reserve for us. That is, those disks and partitions that are needed to restore the system. By clicking on the computer icon, you can change the copy source that the utility has automatically selected "Entire Computer". At your discretion, you can add to the backup what you may need.
- Choose a save location.
- Click on "Create a copy" and wait.
livecd aomei backupper
For backup, you can also use a reliable program designed for this purpose - AOMEI Backupper. This program is the main competitor of the famous Acronis True Image, it is not inferior in functionality, but at the same time it is free.
Its main advantages are a simple and intuitive interface and compatibility with all known operating systems. Can create boot disk or a flash drive with the program, if you suddenly need to urgently restore the system without access to a working computer.
Let's see how to work with the program.
- We download it. The program is completely free.
- Installing the program is simple, you just need to click "Next" several times. None unnecessary programs together with AOMEI Backupper Standard will not be installed. Initially, it works in English, it is possible to Russify it, but we do not need to do this. You need to download the crack separately.
- Open the program and click "Create a new copy". The only button you will see in front of you.
- Click "Back up your system". You can also make copies of files by section.
- We select a pre-inserted external hard drive, or a partition on your drive.
- We press "Start". After a few minutes, a copy will be created.
Recovery via AOMEI
Backup with dism
Backup can be done through command line. For this:
Important! Note that "D:" is where the copy is stored. example.wim is its name. The main thing is not to change the extension. "C:" - the place where the files for copying will be taken from.
If you choose one of these methods and create a system backup in the near future, then you and your files will be reliably protected from unplanned problems with the operating system.
Read the simplest better ways removal old folders in a new article
Video - Windows 10 Backup
Create an image of windows 10 OS
Creating an image for installation and burning it to a USB flash drive or disk is not so difficult. Moreover, this can be done (in some cases) even using the standard features of the operating system. Of course, you can use third-party software, but Windows will cope with this task much better, since the OS itself knows how to burn the image correctly so that there are no problems with installation in the future. There are several ways to create a Windows 10 image. Some of them are even approved by Microsoft itself. However, to install the OS in an official way, you will need a license key.
Ways to create an image
Read also:
The vast majority of users are accustomed to downloading various OS builds from torrent trackers and writing them to a drive or disk using third-party programs. But this way is by no means the only one.
- Using the Windows 10 Installation Media Creation Tool. This is an official utility from Microsoft that helps you create a bootable media with "ten" on board. The company's experts recommend using this method.
- Easy copy (if UEFI mode is available in BIOS). This option is suitable for new PCs and laptops. If there is a UEFI mode and the partition table is of type GPT, then the user will not need any special utilities for creating installation image
- Use of third party programs. To date, many utilities can create "correct" flash drives or disks with Windows installation images. As a rule, this option is much easier than all the previous ones.
- Create an image using the backup wizard. This utility helps you create an image of an already running operating system and burn it to media. A sort of "lifeline" in case the OS suddenly refuses to boot
You can also just update your Windows version to current. But it is worth considering that in this case, system failures are possible. They can be so severe that the user may lose all their data. Therefore, it is better to install from scratch.
1. We use the utility from Microsoft
Read also:How to speed up Windows 10? TOP 6 Main ways to overclock the operating system
This is the same "official" method approved by Microsoft. Its essence is that the user downloads the image of the operating system itself and the utility for creating bootable media from the official website of the company.
It is worth noting that the download speed from the company's servers is quite decent, so the whole process is quite fast. To complete the process, the user will need a USB drive with 8 or 10 gigabytes free space. It can't be less.
DOWNLOADAfter the download process is complete, open « Windows Explorer» , go to the downloads directory and run the file "MediaCreationToolexe".
The installation wizard will immediately launch and ask you to accept the terms. license agreement. Click on the button "To accept".
At the next stage, we mark the item "Create Installation Media" and press the button "Further".
Now we select the OS language, edition and architecture (32 bit or 64). After that, click on the button "Further".
The next step is to create a bootable drive right away or create an ISO image for later writing to flash driveorDVD. It is better to choose the first option, since the installation image will require at least 8 gigabytes of space. This is a double layer DVD. So choose the first option and click "Further". But before that, you need to insert the USB flash drive into the appropriate port.
The recording process will start immediately. It is worth considering that the master downloads necessary files from Microsoft servers and writes them to the drive. Therefore, the operation can take quite a long time. Will have to wait. Progress will be displayed as a percentage.
After the media creation process is complete, the wizard will run an image integrity check. You must wait for it to complete.
As soon as the check is completed, the program will display a corresponding message stating that the creation of the image is completed. All you have to do is press the button "Ready".
This method allows you to be sure that the installation process will go as expected. Create a Windows 10 image using official utility from Microsoft is the preferred option.
Before starting the image creation process using the official utility, you need to close all programs. Otherwise, the recording may be aborted due to an unknown error. Some utilities may block the actions of the Image Creation Wizard. So it's better not to risk it.
2. Copy the necessary data to a USB flash drive
Read also:3 ways to install Windows XP from a flash drive
As mentioned above, this method is available to owners of new PCs and laptops that have UEFI mode enabled and the partition table on the hard drive is of the GPT type. Other users should not even try this method.
A similar method is sometimes used in the Linux OS family. There you can simply unpack the image and copy all the files to a USB flash drive, after making it bootable in the partition editor. However, in Windows latest not required.
Let's assume that the official image of Windows 10 has already been downloaded from Microsoft servers. Now you need to mount the image using some program. Utilities such as Daemon Tools or Alcohol 120% are capable of this. But even ordinary Total Commander can open ISO. We will use it. Open the program, find the desired image and simply double-click on it.
Now in the second panel, switch to the flash drive.
Now select all the files that are in the Windows 10 image and press the copy button (or hold down "F5").
The copy process will start immediately. As soon as it is completed, it will be possible to restart the computer or laptop and select bootable media in UEFI. Everything should work. But only in UEFI on a GPT table.
3. We use third-party programs
Read also:9 Easy Ways to Open Command Prompt in Windows 7-10
Now there are many utilities that allow you to burn a high-quality Windows 10 image to a USB drive or DVD. As a rule, these programs are easy to use and have a Russian language in the interface. Let's analyze the most popular.
Rufus
A small utility from independent developers. It is completely free and does not require installation. You can download it on the official website. And it's very easy to use. The program easily copes with recording Windows and Linux distributions.
DOWNLOADWe go to the directory with the downloaded program and run the executable file with EXE permission.
The main window of the program will immediately launch. If a USB drive is already inserted into the port, the utility will detect it. Next, you need to select the desired image for recording by clicking on the button "Choose".
Now select the previously downloaded Windows 10 image and click "Open".
The next step is to select recording options. You must set the UEFI or BIOS options, and also select the type of partition table (MBR or GPT).
All is ready. It remains only to press the button "Start" and wait for the operation to complete.
The image is now written to the USB drive. You can restart your PC or laptop and start installing the operating system on your hard drive. It should be noted that for the correct notation "tens" required latest version Rufus.
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
Another very popular program to write the image to a USB drive. It was originally created for recording on Windows flash drive 7. But also with "ten" The utility works great. And you can download it on the official Microsoft website.
DOWNLOADDownload and install the application. Then we launch using the appropriate shortcut and get to the main window. First you need to select an image using the button Browse.
Select the desired ISO image and click "Open".
Now we press the button Next.
Now the wizard will prompt you to choose where to write the image. If you planned to write to a USB flash drive, then click USB device. If you need to write to disk, then select "DVD".
Select the desired flash drive and click the button Begin copying.
