Windows 10 Backup Takes Forever? Try Easy 5 Ways Here!

About Windows 10 data backup

Windows provides two built-in backup tools: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for full system and hard drive backups, and File History for backing up essential folders within the user directory.

How long does Windows 10 backup take?

Determining “How long does it take to backup files on Windows 10” can be tricky because it depends on various factors. On average, it might take about 30 to 40 minutes, but this can change based on:

In summary, the volume of data, backup type, drive speed, and drive condition all impact the backup duration.

User report: Windows 10 Backup takes too long

Despite their utility, users often face frustration due to errors, such as Windows backup getting stuck at specific percentages like 12%, 57%, or 97%. So what should you do when facing Windows 10 backup takes forever?

Just like the previous user case, when you use Backup and Restore feature in Windows 10, you might be anxious about the backing-up process. Before we troubleshoot the issue, let’s find out the exact reasons why Windows 10 system image backup takes forever issue:

Media Failure:
- The lifespan of backup media is finite.
- Replace disks if they show signs of failure, as attempting to work with failing disks can slow down the backup process.
Network Issues:
- When backing up over a network, ensure a stable internet connection.
- A weak or failing connection can significantly slow down the Windows 10 backup process.
Data Size:
- Larger data selections lead to longer backup times.
- Confirm only relevant data is selected for backup to optimize the process.
Fragmented Disks:
- Severe disk fragmentation can slow down reads and writes, affecting the speed of Windows backup.
Viruses and Malware:
- Presence of viruses and malware can degrade overall computer performance, impacting operations like backup and causing slowdowns.

Addressing these potential factors can help optimize the Windows 10 backup process and reduce the time it takes to create backups.

Quick & reliable: backup files via professional freeware

When you encounter the problem that Windows 10 backup taking forever, you may be looking for a program superior to Windows built-in tools. AOMEI Backupper Standard, the best Windows backup software for free, is an ideal choice. The following are its main features:

Now download this software and install it on your computer.

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Best free Windows backup software for personal use.

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Open it and go to Backup > System Backup. Then the system-related partition will be selected by default. After that, choose a destination location among local/external drive, Share and NAS, and Cloud service as you need. confirm the backup frequency via the Schedule Backup option and then click Start Backup to go.

How to fix Windows 10 backup slow

If you want to fix the Windows 10 backup slow issue, you can try the below several ways.

# 1. Improve Internet Connection

To enhance your internet connection and speed up the backup process, ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal or adequate bandwidth. Avoid running resource-intensive tasks simultaneously. Consider these tips to improve your internet connection:

1. Restart both the modem and router to refresh the connection.

2. Switch to an Ethernet cable connection for a more stable and faster data transfer.

3. Change the bandwidth limit settings to allocate more resources to the backup process.

4. Ensure network adapters are up to date by updating their drivers.

Implementing these small tips can contribute to a more reliable and faster internet connection, optimizing the overall backup experience.

# 2. Exclude unnecessary files

To speed up the backup process, it's essential to choose the backup source wisely. Avoid including unnecessary files, as they can consume valuable time during the backup. If you're dealing with large files or a significant number of files, the data transfer speed may be adversely affected. Optimize the backup by selecting only the data that is genuinely needed, streamlining the process and conserving time.

# 3. Replace the tape or disk

The performance of Windows 10 backup can be significantly affected by failing media. If the disk displays signs of impending failure, it's crucial to replace it promptly. Additionally, dirty heads in tape drives can result in failed reads and writes.

To mitigate this issue, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the tape drive heads, ensuring optimal functionality and enhancing the speed of backup processes. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of failing media are essential for a smooth and efficient backup experience.

# 4. Defrag your hard disk

The longer you use your hard drive, the more likely you are to create more disk fragmentation. The best way out is to defragment existing fragments on the external hard drive. Follow the given steps to perform disk defragmentation.

Step 1. Press Win + S to open the search bar. And type defragment and optimize drives and press Enter.

Step 2. Select the target drive for optimization.

Step 3. Click Optimize to analyze and reorganize fragments.

Executing these steps will initiate the disk defragmentation process, leading to a more efficient backup experience on Windows 10.

# 5. Perform an offline scan

If your system is compromised by threats like viruses or malware, Windows Defender Offline Scan can be utilized to scan and eliminate them. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. In the settings menu, scroll down and select Update & Security.

Step 3. Under the Windows Security section, click on Virus & Threat Protection> Scan options.

Step 4. Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and press Scan now to perform an offline deep scan.

Step 5. When threats are detected, Windows Defender will block and delete them.

Executing these steps will help safeguard your system by removing malicious threats using the Windows Defender Offline Scan feature.

Conclusion

To address the issue of Windows 10 take forever, you can implement the 5 solutions provided in this article. For those seeking a more advanced backup tool, AOMEI Backupper is a suitable choice. In its advanced version, it allows you to enable the automatic cleanup option to automatically delete the old backups so that you can save more storage location in your destination disks.