By
Ivy
/ Last update
October 24, 2025
Why Backup Specific Folders in Windows 11?
More and more users want to backup specific folders in Windows 11, and here are two main reasons behind it:
- Protect Important Data Safely: Most people want to protect what matters most, such as documents, photos, videos, work folders, or any other important folder, rather than the entire computer, thereby preventing accidental deletion, hardware failure, or system crashes.
- Save Time and Storage Space: Full system backups require a significant amount of time and storage space. Backing up only selected folders is faster and uses much less space. This is undoubtedly the ideal choice if you want quick, regular backups that fit easily on an external drive or in the cloud.
So, how to backup specific folders in Windows 11?
Windows 11 Backup Options and Limitations
Microsoft includes File History, OneDrive, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) to backup files and folders in Windows 11, but with limitations.
- File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) primarily backup the default library folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Desktops, etc. You cannot add folders individually unless they are included in a library.
- OneDrive allows you to add any folders to it. However, unless you have a OneDrive subscription, you are limited to 5GB of free cloud storage.
- In addition, you can’t compress backups with built-in tools, especially for regular backup, significantly consuming a large amount of storage space. As a legacy tool, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) may encounter compatibility issues.
Click Windows 11 backup options if just want to backup files or folders without extra software. Be sure you clearly get what File History, OneDrive, and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) back up, along with their limitations.
How to Backup Specific Folders in Windows 11Easily
If you want to backup specific folders in Windows 11effortlessly, AOMEI BackupperStandard is the best choice. It’s free, with a user-friendly wizard, and fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, and 7.
- With a simple and intuitive interface, even beginners can use it easily and quickly.
- File Backup - Backup any files or folders, whether it’s on a local drive, external drive, network drive, NAS, etc.
- 7 schedule backup options, including daily/daily(by interval), weekly, monthly (by week/date), one time, and event triggers
- Auto space-saving features, e.g., incremental backups, compression, splitting, etc, greatly save backup time and space. All features are default-enabled and adjustable.
Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper Standard (it’s free). Then, goto Backup > File Backup.
Step 2. Click Select Source > Add Folder to select the specific folder you want. Click Add Source to select again. Then, click the PC icon to choose where to save them. This can be a local drive, external disk, NAS, network drive, or cloud storage.
Step 3(Important). All the space-saving features will be enabled automatically. Click Options to change it if needed. Click Schedule to set it to run daily, weekly, monthly, etc., or event triggers automatically. Confirm and click Start Backup to backup specific folder in Windows 11.
Final Thoughts
Backing up specific folders in Windows 11 is a smart way to protect your important data without wasting time or storage on full system backups. While built-in tools like File History or Backup and Restore work for basic needs, they come with limitations — fewer options, slower performance, and less control.
For a more flexible solution, AOMEI Backupper Standard stands out as the best free choice. It lets you backup any files or folders, schedule the task, optionally select multiple destinations, etc., keeping your data safe with ease.
FAQs
1. Can I back up only certain folders instead of my whole system in Windows 11?
Yes. You can choose specific folders using tools like File History, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), or third-party software such as AOMEI Backupper Standard.
2. Does Windows 11 have a built-in tool to back up specific folders?
Yes. File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) automatically backup folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. You can also include custom folders in the library.
3. Can I schedule automatic backups for selected folders?
Yes. File History runs on a schedule, from hourly to daily, while AOMEI Backupper offers more flexible options, not only daily, but also weekly, monthly, etc.
4. Where can I store my folder backups?
You can back up folders to a local drive, external hard drive, NAS, or cloud storage, depending on your backup tool.
5. What’s the easiest way to back up specific folders on Windows 11?
The easiest way is to use AOMEI Backupper Standard — it’s free, supports backing up all folders, and offers automatic and incremental backups for hassle-free protection.