Windows 10: Macrium for dummies? (basic backup strategy)

My Windows 10 system is Version 1909.

I've been a reliable and consistent backer-upper, although until late last year always used Drive-Image. Because Macrium Reflect free edition is more widely-used, and I like it too, I switched to that when I got a new computer.

But, as straightforward as the whole process is, they confuse me with this or that option about differential/incremental backups, xml files, etc.

All I want is to image the drive monthly after the monthly updates. My important files are cloud-backed-up, and I figure if I could recapture where I was 4-5 weeks or less ago in terms of OS, browser history, etc., I can live with that.

So what's a good simple approach to take, and please let me know which options I should pick for my imaging.

:)

 

Restoring Windows 10 Image using Macrium Reflect


In addition to the above. Here's my suggestion in step by step.
I assume you have Macrium Installed in your current HD and already made a backup copy.

1. Connect your new HD via USB port and boot up.
2. Run Macrium, click on Restore tab then select the Backup Image that you made to restore
3. click on "select a different target disk" then select your new HD as destination
   
   
   
4. Proceed to restore then Shutdown and disconnect the old HD and replace with the new HD
5. Boot up with your new HD.

 

Macrium Backup Strategy + What Happens if Backup Drive is Disconnected

Macrium lets you backup to disk specifying the unique volume ID instead of drive letter. This means it doesn't matter what if Windows assigns different letters - it will always use the correct disk.

Go to "Other Tasks" > "Edit Defaults" > "Advanced" > "Destination Drive Discovery"

 

Need Serious Help: How To Record Video of What is Done on my PC?

I suggest the following simple steps:

1. Set the autosave options in MS Office to a low value say 5 minutes.
2. Setup file history to autosave frequently - the shortest period is 5 mins
3. Install Macrium Reflect Free and configure it to do a daily incremental system backup

You should be well covered if you do the above to protect your key files.