Why Windows 10 Won’t Backup to External Drive and How to Fix It

User Case: Cannot Backup to an External Drive Windows 10

Creating regular backups of your system is essential for protecting your data. However, many users encounter the frustrating issue of Windows 10 not backing up to an external drive. In this article, we’ll explore several ways to troubleshoot the problem, providing you with clear steps to fix Windows 10 won’t backup to an external drive so you can secure your files without hassle.

Common Reasons Why Windows 10 Backup not Working

Understanding the reasons for Windows 10 backup failures can make it easier to apply the right solution. Here are a few common causes:

🚩 Incompatible Drive Formatting: External drives formatted with a file system not compatible with Windows backup (e.g., FAT32) may lead to errors.
🚩 Connection Issues: Faulty USB cables, unstable ports, or improper connections can interrupt the backup process.
🚩 File System Corruption: Corrupted files within Windows can prevent the system from completing a backup.
🚩 Third-Party Software Conflicts: Security software or third-party applications running in the background may interfere with backup processes.

Solutions to Fix Windows 10 Won’t Backup to External Drive

Case 1: File History Not Working

If you're facing issues with Windows 10 or Windows 11 backup, such as File History not working automatically or stopping its backups, here's what you can do to fix it:

1. Stop File History: Turn off the File History feature.

2. Delete Configuration Files: Go to C:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory\Configuration and delete the configuration files stored there.

3. Restart File History: Turn File History back on and select the same backup drive you were using before.

This should help get your back up and running again.

Case 2: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) Not Working

If you're using Backup and Restore (Windows 7) to either create a one-time backup or schedule regular backups, and you're seeing the error "The backup did not complete successfully" (or "The last backup did not complete successfully" on Windows 10/11), it usually happens when you're backing up to an external hard drive or USB stick. Here are a few steps to help you fix the problem:

1. Remove Old Backups: Old backup files may be interfering with the process. Try deleting them or moving them to another drive to free up space.

2. Run Antivirus Scan: Run a full antivirus scan on your PC to check for any viruses that could be affecting the source or destination drives. Remove any threats or untrusted files, then attempt the backup again.

3. Check for Disk Errors: Open the Command Prompt and run the following command: chkdsk /f /rThis will check your disk for bad sectors, fix any errors, and attempt to recover any readable information. After that, try the backup again.

These steps should help resolve the issue and allow you to complete your backup successfully.

Best Free Alternative to Windows 10 Backup Tools

When Windows backup isn't working, it can disrupt daily tasks and make it hard to keep files secure. If you're searching for a free alternative to the Windows 10 backup tool, consider AOMEI Backupper Standard.

This all-in-one backup software is compatible with all Windows versions and offers Backup, Sync, Clone, and Restore functions. Plus, it includes useful tools like the option to create bootable media, which lets you start your computer even if it won’t boot normally. To create a backup image, here’s what AOMEI Backupper Standard provides:

You can back up entire disks as well as specific systems, partitions, or files.

 Set up daily, weekly, or monthly schedule backups. Customize the backup by choosing specific times, dates, and intervals.

 By default, AOMEI performs incremental backup, saving only new or changed files with each scheduled run.

Backups can be saved to internal or external hard drives, cloud services, network locations, and NAS devices—whether it’s auto backup to a USB drive or direct backup to the cloud.

Ready to create a hard drive image with this free software? Simply download and install AOMEI Backupper on your computer to get started.

(Note: It also works on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, and Vista. Server users can try AOMEI Backupper Server.)

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper. On the left, click on Backup and choose Disk Backup.

Step 2. Click + Add Disk to select the source disk you want to create an image of.

Step 3. Pick a destination to save the disk image, ideally an external drive for extra security.

Step 4. Review your backup settings. Use Options, Schedule Backup, and Backup Scheme to customize as needed. When ready, click Start Backup.

◆ Options:  Add comments to your backups, enable email alerts for updates, and adjust the compression level to normal or high. To protect backups with encryption, consider upgrading to AOMEI Backupper Professional.
◆ Schedule Backup:  Set backups to run automatically on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to keep up with changes. Event triggers and USB auto-backup are also available.
◆ Backup Scheme: Free up disk space with incremental or differential backups and manage storage with cleanup methods by quantity, time, or schedule (daily/weekly/monthly). Full and incremental backups are available in all versions, while other options require the professional edition.

AOMEI Backupper also serves as a great alternative to the Drive Image XML clone boot drive. The Clone feature

Final Words

Encountering issues with Windows 10 not backing up to an external drive can be frustrating, especially when reliable backups are essential for data protection. By following the solutions outlined above, you can resolve these issues and ensure that your backup process runs smoothly. For enhanced backup performance, consider using AOMEI Backupper, a versatile tool that simplifies data backup and system recovery. With the right tools and settings in place, you can avoid common pitfalls and keep your important files secure on an external drive.