Windows 10: System image create option missing

Just about got my new install of windows 10 running how I like and thought I should make a system image on an external back drive just in case.

So I followed the instructions to get to control panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) but that's it no option to select a drive and create an image. In fact nothing at all, just a dead end functionality wise.

I've tried inserting USB drives, hot swap sata drive (my preferred image media) - but still nothing.

File history is working fine.

Maybe there's another setting I need to tweak ?

Any ideas ?

Edit - I've been able to create a 'recovery drive' on a hot swap sata hard drive so I guess that's as good as a system image or am I missing something here as well ?

Regards Tim

:)

 

Strange "C Missing" in Restore window

Results of testing Acronis clone and Image restore.

Boot SSD 1 – verified that there is no C Missing.

Created a second restore point for this drive.

Wipe SSD 2.

Clone SSD 1 to SSD 2 using Acronis 2016 booted from Rescue USB.

Boot from SSD 2.

C Missing exists on SSD 2

System Protection turned OFF for C System.

System Protection ON for C Missing.

Wipe SSD 2.

Image SSD1 to External backup drive using Acronis 2016 booted from Rescue USB.

Restore image from external drive to SSD2 with Acronis 2016 booted from Rescue USB.

Boot SSD2.

System Protection turned OFF for C System.

System Protection turned ON for C Missing.



My Results of testing;

Macrium clone creates C Missing folder on cloned drive.

Macrium Image restore does NOT create C Missing on imaged drive



Acronis clone creates C Missing folder on cloned drive.

Acronis image restore creates C Missing on imaged drive.



Turning Protection OFF on C Missing removes it from System Protection window.

Must turn protection on for C System.

These are my results - Others may have different results.

 

Creating a System Image

at my age I'm not so sure about a "great (technical) learning experience. If I do nothing will I be OK?

You're the best, thanks

 

If you choose 'File History' instead of 'Backup...' there is an option at the bottom of the bar on the left to create a System Image. This is the way I always do it and it works fine.

 

turns out I had already tried that path and the same thing happens ie I get a page showing "back up or restore your files" and that's it nothing else anywhere - very odd.

 

For the Best image backup program to use for your Windows 10, I suggest you use Macrium Reflect Free. Its far better than the built-in Windows app, with more features, and much more dependable!!! Lots of us on here use Macrium. *Smile
Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

 

Thanks for the link to Macrium, just downloaded, installed and ran it.

Seems to have worked - hopefully will never need it, bit like insurance.

Might even buy the full version later on as it seems reasonably priced.

Regards Tim