SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.
Back up with Windows Backup
Choose the folders and settings you want Windows to remember.
Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.
STEP 1 OF 14
Open Start
Select the Start button (the Windows logo) on the taskbar.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+
STEP 1
Open Start
Select the Start button (the Windows logo) on the taskbar.
STEP 2
Search for it
Type Windows Backup.
STEP 3
Open Windows Backup
Select Windows Backup in the results.
STEP 4
Open Folders
Select the arrow beside Folders.
Select the arrow beside Folders. This picture shows the categories before they are expanded. The name, date and storage figures are examples.
STEP 5
Choose your folders
Turn on each folder you want to sync to OneDrive. Leave other folders off.
Check your OneDrive storage first. This does not copy your entire computer.
STEP 6
Check Apps
Select Apps and turn it on if you want your apps remembered.
These arrows open Apps, Settings and Credentials. The choices inside each category are not shown in this picture.
STEP 7
Check Settings
Select Settings and turn it on if you want your settings remembered.
STEP 8
Check Credentials
Select Credentials and turn it on if you want saved passwords remembered.
STEP 9
Start the backup
Select Back up. Keep the computer connected to the internet while it works.
Back up is at the bottom right. The name, previous backup date and storage usage are examples, not from your computer.
STEP 10
Open Start
Select the Start button (the Windows logo) on the taskbar.
STEP 11
Open Settings
Select Settings (the cog).
STEP 12
Open Accounts
Select Accounts on the left.
STEP 13
Open Windows backup
Select Windows backup.
STEP 14
Check the status
Check the status of your folders and preferences.
This is a cropped status example. It shows Folders still Syncing and Preferences only Partially backed-up, so it is not an example of everything finished.
IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT
A little help along the way.
Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.
I cannot find that option+
Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.
I need to go back a step+
Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.
Are these pictures of my device?+
They are example screens showing exactly where to click. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.