Windows 11 best backup and restore option including image creation

hello please tell me what are best backup and restore options in Windows 11, i never done one on any windows yet and plan to create a backup one on current machine and one image file too. Prefer not to do download any other software for this image creation.

1. If i can get a restore so in i dont like a software behavior i can have it restored to earlier state ?

2. A image i can keep so i need to restore my system if needed ?

Any other better suggestions are welcome and please tell how to restore too ty

I am just having just a Win USB pen drive,

If you don't want third-party software, in this video i will guide you on how to create and restore an image backup of Windows operating system.

Even Microsoft recommend using a 3rd-party backup solution these days.
There are several debates on this forum over which is 'best' but it's subjective.
Personally I use Macrium Reflect and it's unlikely I'll ever change to anything else.

After using Acronis True Image for many years, when the moved to a subscription model I switched to Macrium Reflect. It's every bit as good as True Image, if not better. Probably the best imaging utility available for Windows.

Since Macrium REFLECT seems to be moving toward a SUBSCRIPTION model... it may be time to start looking elsewhere.

allan said:

After using Acronis True Image for many years, when the moved to a subscription model I switched to Macrium Reflect. It's every bit as good as True Image, if not better. Probably the best imaging utility available for Windows.

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Uh... Macrium no longer supports FREE editions. Even their support forum is unavailable if you don't have a key you had to pay for

I use Macrium Reflect 8.1.7847 That I paid for and I can use it for as long as I want. I just do not get support from MR.

Froggie said:

Since Macrium REFLECT seems to be moving toward a SUBSCRIPTION model... it may be time to start looking elsewhere.

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Nah - free version is still available and works fine. Also you can still buy a perpetual licence.

CSharpDev said:

Uh... Macrium no longer supports FREE editions. Even their support forum is unavailable if you don't have a key you had to pay for

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You are comparing apples and bananas.

Acronis never supported free versions unless bundled with hard drive.

1. the in house Microsoft Image and restore point should be good enough ? is there anything wrong with MS image creation? i only looking to backup OS + Software's installed not files as such in my documents as i already have backup for it.

2. Also does restore point take take the computer back to a place where a software was not installed or installed.

3. I am actually trying to see if MS office 2021 will work on my laptop properly for couple of days before i let go of 2007 edition i am having which works good i think. Any inputs on 2021 and 2007 MS office worth upgrade would be good too ty.

4. Also on PC i have Win 11 and wanting to have backup of OS + Software's for safe keeping.

"good enough".???? I think MS itself has used the word "deprecated". Try it if you must. It is convoluted. Like many things, it "works" if you know its quirks.

System Restore restores certain portions of the registry. It often helps. It sometimes doesn't. It is not a "backup" unless you have your own definition of that word.

I have seen reports of Office 2007 and newer all installing and activating on Windows 11.

I don't think you'll have much luck with a "backup" of applications that does not also include Windows.

That pretty much limits you to imaging, although "cloning" meets some people's definition. Not mine.

Fishmill said:

"good enough".???? I think MS itself has used the word "deprecated". Try it if you must. It is convoluted. Like many things, it "works" if you know its quirks.

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I’ve been using it (Backup & Restore) since Windows 7, literally made well over a hundred images. The one time it ever failed on me, was due to a hard drive issue not Backup and Restore. I am aware there are naysayers here, and that’s personal opinion which I appreciate, but my personal opinion is that it’s great. It isn’t at all ”Convoluted” in my opinion, a couple of clicks and you’re done.
Yes, Microsoft has stated it is or is to be deprecated. It’s said that for years. I am still using it.

I also use Acronis sorry, AOMEI Backupper

If you don't want to use the built in Windows 7 imaging program then you probably will need to instal a program to do images. EaseUs is a free one that's quite simple to use.

I've recently started using idrive though. Not instead of a system image, but as a belt and braces. It's not free. It costs about £70 a year, but I really like it. The initial back up takes ages, but after that it just backs up anything new once a day - and that's easier than doing a system image regularly - especially if you forget. The main reason I like it is I've twice had external hard drives fail on me and either lost images or lost files (managed to retrieve them though). I just find it quicker and simpler now. It doesn't make system images though - just backs up all personal files.

CSharpDev said:

Uh... Macrium no longer supports FREE editions. Even their support forum is unavailable if you don't have a key you had to pay for

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1) I don't understand your point. Acronis was never a free product. The issue is they switched from a perpetual license to subscription pricing.

2) While Macrium Reflect isn't cheap, it isn't any more expensive than its major competitors. And it IS a one-time payment for a perpetual license.

3) If you have a free version of Macrium Reflect, it will continue to work - just no updates or support.