How to Perform Windows 11 Local Backup Easily (3 Ways)

Why Select Windows 11 Local Backup?

Even now there are more options for backup path destinations, such as backing up files to an external hard drive, to a USB drive or cloud drive, etc. But Windows PC local backup is still loved by many users because this kind of backup still has many irreplaceable advantages.

• Inexpensive: If the user buys a local storage device large enough, you can simply connect the device to a computer, run free local backup software, and upload files to the hard drive without paying anything.
• Fast data access: Windows 11 local backup does not need to rely on the Internet, users can quickly back up data and access even without an Internet connection.
• Data can be managed by itself: The biggest advantage of local backup is the high degree of control over information, it can protect your data from third-party servers and make important data more secure.

How to Perform Windows 11 Local Backup

After understanding the reasons, you can continue reading this article. This article will introduce 3 ways to perform a Windows 11 local backup in turn. You can use Windows built-in tools or free professional backup software to help you achieve the goal. Detailed tutorials are included for each method.

Method 1. Use Free Third-party Backup Software (Easiest)

Although the built-in tools Backup and Restore and File Backup can back up files to local devices such as external hard drives. But there are also some problems that cannot be ignored, for example, no file can be specified, differential backup is not supported, Windows backup and restore not working and the file history cannot recognize external hard drives, etc.

Therefore, the easiest way is to use a more professional backup software to help you perform Windows 11 local backup. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a good choice. It provides a variety of backup programs to meet your various backup needs. And it also has the following advantages.

Then you can download this freeware and follow the graphic tutorial below to let Windows 11 backup to local drive easily. By the way, If you are a Windows Server user, you can pick AOMEI Backupper Server.

Step 1. Open the free backup software. Select Backup > File Backup.

Step 2. Click Add File or Add Folder, then select the files or folders to be backed up.

Step 3. Choose the destination for your backup.

Step 4. Click Start Backup to perform Windows 11 local backup.

Notes:

• Options: It allows you to write comments, compress or split an image file and enable email notification.
• Schedule Backup: It supports setting a backup task to run automatically at fixed intervals, such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event trigger and USB plug in.
• Backup Scheme: It offers 3 backup methods (Full/Incremental/Differential). And the Differential backup method are easier to restore, you can upgrade to the Professional or higher versions to enjoy it.  

Method 2. Use Windows Backup and Restore

Windows 11 built-in tool – Backup and Restore can help you achieve the goal of Windows 11 local backup. It allows you to back up your desktop and files from the default Windows file backup to a local device like an external disk. The following are the specific operation steps.

Step 1. You can go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Window 7).

Step 2. Click Set up backup as shown in the picture, select the backup destination where you want to store the files, and click Next.

Note: If your local backup device is not found, recheck that it is properly connected to Windows 11 and is recognized.

Step 3. In the next page, select what you want to back up:

• Let Windows choose (recommended): Windows 11 backs up files about users, such as libraries, desktops, and files in the default Windows folder.
• Let me choose: Windows 11 will back up folders of user choice.

Note: You can go ahead and click Change schedule to set the local backup task to happen automatically.

Method 3. Use Windows File History

Besides Backup and Restore, there is another built-in backup tool - Windows 11 file history. It can also help you perform Windows 11 local backup. Unlike Backup and Restore, its purpose is to let users back up personal files, not to create system images. You can follow the steps below.

Step 1. Connect an external hard drive or USB drive to your computer properly.

Step 2. Type and search File History in the Windows search bar, then click Open.

Step 3. File History will automatically select the external drive connected to your computer as the backup destination. Click Turn on to enable File History.

Notes:

• Exclude folders: Add the folders you don’t want to save copies.
• Advanced settings: Set how often to backup your files and how long to keep the saved versions.

FAQs about Windows 11 Local Backup

1. Does Windows 11 have a backup program?

Yes, Windows 11 has several built-in backup features:

• File History: Backs up personal files (documents, photos, etc.) to an external drive or network location.
• Backup and Restore (Windows 7): Creates a full backup of your system or backup specific folders.
• OneDrive: Syncs files to the cloud, ensuring you have access to them from any device.

2. Can you backup Windows 11 without OneDrive?

Yes, you can back up Windows 11 without OneDrive. There are many other Windows 11 backup programs available, such as File History, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and free AOMEI Backupper.

3. What’s the difference between a local backup and a cloud backup in Windows 11?

A local backup stores your data on local devices (USB, external hard drive, etc.), while a cloud backup stores it on remote servers (like OneDrive or other third-party services). Local backups offer fast recovery speeds and full control over your data, while cloud backups provide off-site protection in case of physical damage to your devices.

Summary

This post explains why you should perform a Windows 11 local backup and 3 simple and useful ways to do it. Windows 11's built-in tools can help you, but they can't specify files, don't support differential backups, and sometimes don't work. The easiest way is to choose the free professional backup software AOMEI Backupper Standard to help you. It supports multiple backup methods and backup paths, and you can also set the backup frequency to back up files regularly.

In addition to file backup, system backup, disk backup and partition backup are also widely praised by users. They can meet your various backup needs and fully protect your data security. You can download this software to explore more useful functions.