Windows provides various built-in tools and features that allow you to create backups of your files, applications, and system settings. These backups can be stored locally on external drives or network locations, or even in the cloud for added security.
Modern Dell PCs come with SupportAssist OS Recovery that helps you diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up files, or restore your computer factory defaults in case of issues or errors.
When you turn on Windows backup, Windows saves the settings you select across all Windows devices that are logged in with your Microsoft account.
To turn on Windows backup and choose your backup settings, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
Every computer has standard folders such as Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Video, which you use but may not be included in your OneDrive. Back up these folders to your OneDrive, to ensure they are protected and available across all your devices.
To start backing up a folder, select any folder that says Not backed up, and then select Save.
To stop backing up a folder, select the toggle for the folder to turn it off. A confirmation dialog appears with a few options:
In Windows, you can back up and restore files using Backup and Restore or File History. By default, File History is turned off in Windows.
Back up folders using File History, go to Start > File History (Windows 11) or Backup settings (Windows 10) > Add a drive > More options.
To back up the entire computer, go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create a system image wizard.
SupportAssist OS Recovery environment enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up files, or restore your computer factory defaults.
Learn how to restore your PC using SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Download the operating system recovery image and create a USB recovery media for your Dell. This recovery image is customized for your Dell device includes the operating system and factory-installed drivers and applications.
Go to Dell.com/support/osrecovery. Use the Dell OS Recovery tool on a Windows computer to download the operating system recovery image and create a USB recovery media.
If you don’t have a Windows computer, get help to download and create a recovery media using a Ubuntu, Linux, or on a Mac computer.