Is there something new with backup feature in newly launched Windows 11 23H2? How to backup with it and is there any other alternative?
Windows 11 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, released on October 31, 2023, marking its second major release. Wondering what's cooking in this update? Here's the new things:
◆ Copilot: There's a new digital assistant in town, and it goes by the name of Copilot. It's powered by AI and takes the spotlight, giving Cortana a break. ◆ File Explorer update: The trusty File Explorer gets a makeover with fresh visual designs, an updated Gallery page, a spiffy Details pane, and native support for file formats like RAR, 7z, GZ, and TAR. Plus, there are tweaks to Nearby Sharing for smooth file transfers between computers. ◆ Fresh Apps and Updates: Bring a new Windows Backup app, a revamped Outlook email client, and a bunch of updates sprinkled across tools like Paint, Photos, Snipping Tool, Clipchamp, Notepad, and more. It's like a makeover party for your apps!
So you may choose to update the current version to Windows 11 23H2 to enjoy more features. But some users still report some hard issues like below:
Windows 11 23H2 Latest Release After update boots to recovery screen
This update simply killed my PC. I have already had issues with all updates since July 2023 but most of those are finally installed now. This new update after installation only boots up with Windows recovery. I have 3 options to choose from for a roll back and all 3 boot to Windows recovery. Luckily, I had a backup from last week. There is no error code of any sort. Unable to go into safe mode. Windows Command Prompt worked but access C: drive itself showed 0 bytes and some absurd number showing above 60 Gig for unused space. Other drives showed everything correctly. If I do need to re-install, this is simply a pain for upgrades I will never use. But since the updates, force you to update eventually this is just not a good thing.
Because of the headaches, I had with previous updates, even delaying updates, and when shutting down I don't choose to shut with updates ready to go.... the updates still install...or worse... I had the whole system freeze,forced a shutdown and low and behold, the windows began updates after the freeze.
Sadly, I will probably limit my time on Windows and choose another operating if this type of thing continues.
- Question from Microsoft Community
Generally, you have several options when you face such an error:
No matter what actions you choose, a backup can rescue when you are in need. So in this article, I will show you how to perform Windows 11 23H2 backup the newly-launched Windows Backup, and a powerful backup and restore tool AOMEI Backupper Standard.
In the Windows 11 2023 Update (23H2), Microsoft is bringing in a new app called "Windows Backup." The goal is to offer users an additional method to put their data in the cloud. Simultaneously, this aims to assist developers in enhancing customer loyalty when users switch devices, by simplifying the process of restoring their applications.
You can find the Windows Backup app in the Start menu, and it lets you set up a backup for your files, settings, credentials, and apps to your OneDrive account. Even though the app is new, the option to back up your data to the cloud isn't, as users have had access to similar features on the "Windows Backup" page in the Settings app for quite a while.
Here's a step-by-step guide to back up your files, settings, apps, and credentials from Windows 11 to the cloud:
1. Open the Start menu. Search for "Windows Backup" and click on the top result to open the app.
2. In the app, click on the "Folders" setting.
3. Turn on the toggle switch for "Folders" to back up your profile folders to the cloud, including Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.
Note: If it says "Backed up," your data is already backed up to the cloud due to previous configurations in the "Windows Backup" settings page.
4. Navigate to the "Apps" setting. Turn on the "Quick access apps on any Windows device" toggle switch. And Click on "Settings."
5. Turn on the settings you want to include in the backup, such as accessibility, language preferences, dictionary, personalization, and other preferences.
6. Turn on the "Wi-Fi networks & passwords" toggle switch.
7. Click the "Back up" button.
8. Click the "Close" button.
After completing these steps, your system will upload your profile folders to your OneDrive account in the root folder, making your files accessible from anywhere at any time.
Extra tip: To restore data created with the Windows Backup app during the Out-of-box Experience, follow these steps:
The Windows Backup app differs from traditional backup solutions in that it isn't designed for complete system restoration. Notably:
- The app lacks an interface for restoring specific files, settings, apps, or credentials.
- Instead, you access your files directly from OneDrive.
- For other elements, the only option for restoration is during the initial setup process.
1. Choose your region. Then click "Yes."
2. Select your keyboard language, and click "Yes."
3. Click "Skip."
4. Confirm a name for your device (if needed). Then click "Next."
5. Choose the "Set up for personal use" option.
Note: This option is only available in the Windows 11 Pro setup.
6. Click "Sign in."
7. Confirm your Microsoft account. Then click "Next."
8. Under "Restore from your PC backup," click "Restore from this PC."
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
After these steps, the system will finish the setup, restoring your files, settings, credentials, and apps in the new installation.
After reaching the desktop, you'll find your restored files in the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, accessible through File Explorer in the OneDrive location. The apps will show up in the Start menu and at the same location on the Taskbar, but they won't be fully installed on the computer.
When making the move to the Windows 11 23H2 update, uncertainty about what might happen is natural. Also, when Windows 11 23H2 backup not working may happen. You need to select a powerful and efficient backup and restore alternative to perform Windows 11 23H2 backup and restore.
AOMEI Backupper Standard stands out as one of the top FREE backup software options for Windows 11. It not only helps in backing up before a system upgrade but also serves as a reliable tool for long-term data protection. So you can enable Windows 11 23H2 backup free with this tool. It has more brilliant options:
✦ 4 backup options: you can backup files and folders, disks, and partitions separately, and the entire OS system as well. ✦ Auto backup: it is embedded in the Schedule Backup feature to allow you to backup in daily, weekly, monthly, and event triggers, and USB plug-in mode as you need. ✦ Various backup locations: you can backup your data to different destination paths according to your needs, including HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, external disk, NAS, network location, cloud, etc. ✦ Flexible backup methods: you can create a full copy of your data, also you can choose backup the changes via incremental and differential backup to enhance backup efficiency. (Differential backup is now available in Pro version)
This tool is fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. If you are a server user, please turn to AOMEI Backupper Server. You can follow the steps below to backup your computer:
Best free Windows backup software for personal use.
1. Download AOMEI Backupper and open this tool. Click Backup and select System Backup.
◆ Tip: To backup vital files and folders on a computer, you can choose the File Backup option instead.
2. The system-related partitions will be selected by default. You only need to find a destination to store the backup image. You can choose to backup files to your external disk, a USB flash drive, network, or a cloud drive.
3. (Optional)You can click on Schedule Backup to enable a timely backup.
4. Then you can select Start Backup to begin the Windows 11 23 H2 backup process.
It’s quite simple for you to restore from backup via this powerful software, here’s how you can do it:
1. Open AOMEI Backupper Standard and go to Go to Restore > Select Task to find the system backup.
2. Select to "Restore this system backup" or "Restore a partition in this system backup" and click "Next".
3. Just confirm the operations, and then click "Start Restore" if there isn't any mistake.
From this article, we know 2 ways to enable Windows 11 23H2 backup, you can use the newly launched Windows Backup and reliable third-party software AOMEI Backupper Standard.
Notably, you can use this software to create bootable USB drive in case of system crashes. Also, you have the flexibility to utilize default options like normal compression and incremental backup to save your backup disk space. Alternatively, by unlocking premium features such as differential backup, automatic backup cleanup, and more through Backup Scheme, you can enhance your backup strategy and tailor it to your specific needs.