Windows 10: Entire PC Operating System Copy

Hi Everyone,


I want to start a discussion on the topic of Backing up or Saving a PC Personal Computer


I would like to think I'm above average when it comes to knowledge of how to copy, paste, clone, backup, things of that nature with windows or assisted by another program other than windows thatI know it all, but I don't. However, there is always room for improvement and "human upgrades" as well:-. Also, there are many ways to go about it. Preserving, Saving, and Protecting methods that I have picked up through the years have become a question of which way is the BEST? Which way do I want to use? So I thought of a discussion to help others, as well myself incase anyone is in the same situation.

Real brief.....

I would like to explain where my pc stands and get some input on some methods others use in the Microsoft community. I have a rather new PC as of 2020. An Acer Predator i7 with windows 10, the Orion 3000 to be precise which came with ONLY a 500Gb M.2 drive in it and 16Gb of Ram.

Now, just to explain what changes I made, the Ram is now 32Gb and as for the drives, they are now a 1Tb Samsung C:, the original Samsung M.2 E:, and an external Seagate 2Tb HDD or disk not SSDG:. Those consist of the operating system files. There are other drives recently added hence the reason for this discussion post. I included the picture to show others who may be questioning the same. Now it's operating quite smoothly, but I would like to SAVE the whole thing so that if anything happens I don't have to go searching, or reloading "ALL OF THE STUFF" :- again. I'm thinking and reading more about servers lately as well so any information to add on the topic would be greatly appreciated as well!


I have learned along the way, when your PC and operating

system has grown larger in size I like to use the terms "promoted

or graduated", the best practice is to SAVE IT. :-



:)

 

Copy of the entire disk including the operating system

Dear BulldogXX,

Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate a lot to receive the information you have sent to me. In fact, this is what I was looking for.

I still have one question for you.

Is "Macrium Reflect" already compatible with Windows 10? I mean can I use it for making copy of the entire disk of my laptop comprising the Windows 10 operating system?

I am asking this because I do not need a software for copying the disk and previous operating system (Windows 7 Professional in my case).

I am using Windows 10 for more than one month, I am happy with it and I want to keep it.

As you understand I would like to copy the entire disk as it is now comprising Windows 10 operating system. I would like to make an exact copy to use it in case of disk failure.

Sorry for the delay in replying and thanking you.

Best regards,

 

Copy of the entire disk including the operating system

Dear Bob,



Be sure that I have read your reply to my question very carefully and I have followed the steps you indicated even though without completing the process.



The only thing that made me ask you again, if you were sure that, the procedure is valid also for Windows 10 is the reply of the Microsoft Support Engineer,
Karthicka, which I quote here:



"Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.



There is no such option in windows you can create system image or back up the files on other hard drive, you can go to your favorite browser and check for any third party application for copying the files.



Disclaimer: Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting
from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.



Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist."



Is strange that he did not mention the procedure for making System Image. Probably he was referring to the fact that there is no possibility for making a copy of the entire disk comprising the operating system, via Windows 10.
Actually, that was my initial question, i.e. if there is a way through Windows 10 to make a copy of the entire disk to use it for copying everything on a new hard disk in case of failure of my laptop’s disk. In this way, I will not have to reinstall on the
new disk all the operating system and all the programs again.



I am sorry that you misunderstood me but by no way I wanted to say that you are posting irrelevant info.



Thank you very much again, for your help. I appreciated it a lot.



Best regards,

 

Copy of the entire disk including the operating system

Hello Karthicka,

Thanks for your reply, however it seems strange to me that you (Microsoft Support Engineer) say that:

"There is no such option in windows you can create system image or back up the files on other hard drive, you can go to your favorite browser and check for any third party application for copying the
files."

while Shilhbob (Insider) says:

"You can use the system image capability provided by W10"

Probably with your answer you wanted to say that there is no possibility to copy the entire disk (make copy of the entire disk) using Windows 10 option. Am I right?

What about the way described by Shlohbob (Insider), can you please comment?