You can easily fix the system image backup failed error using 6 simple and effective methods. If all else fails, try easy alternative - AOMEI Backupper Standard.
When you try to create a system image backup, get the “system image backup failed” errors, it can be frustrating, especially if it’s created to protect against data loss, for fast recovery, or hard drive upgrade. Here are some common symptoms:
These messages usually point to what might be causing the system image backup failed error, such as not enough space, corrupted system files, Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) errors, corrupted external drive with bad sectors, file system issues etc.
If your system image backup failed, don’t panic -most of the time, the issue is fixable. Now, let’s get started to fix this error effectively.
A lack of free storage is one of the main reasons a system image backup fails.
For best results, ensure the backup drive has at least twice the size of the system image you’re creating.
Sometimes, even when the target drive is large enough, the system image backup failed error persists. That’s because this error isn’t just about your backup drive. Still, shadow storage, related to VSS and free space on both drives (at least 10–15%), system reserved partitions, recovery partitions, etc., is ensured to meet the minimum free space requirements.
Step 1. Type cmd in the Start menu and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. Type the following commands to check and resize shadow copy storage.
⚠️Note: To free up more space, you can choose to delete old shadow copies in Disk Cleanup.
The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) is what allows Windows to take snapshots of your system before saving it as backups. If it stops working, the backup failed.
Step 1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2. In the Services window, find Volume Shadow Copy. Double-click it and set its Startup type to Automatic.
Step 3. Click Start if it stopped. If not, go back and right-click it and select Restart.
Damaged system files can interrupt the backup process and cause backup failure. You can fix it with the SFC command.
Step 1. Open CMD as administrator.
Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. It will start to repair system files. Just wait and restart your computer.
Corrupted backup images can also cause system image backup failed error. You can use DISM to fix it.
Step 1. Open CMD with administrator privileges.
Step 2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. It will attempt to fix the Windows image issues.
Step 3. Once it completes, restart your computer and try again.
Corrupt sectors or file system errors on the backup drive can cause the backup process to stop. You can use the chkdsk command to fix it.
Step 1. Open CMD as administrator.
Step 2. Type chkdsk X: /f /r and press Enter. Replace “X” with the drive letter of your backup disk.
Wait for the scan to complete. If errors persist, back up any important data and format the drive before trying again.
By following these fixes, most users can resolve the “system image backup failed” error and try to create a new one for data safety. If not, it’s time to try an easy alternative to backup the system.
AOMEI BackupperStandard is a free and simple Windows backup software that can create a system image backup in Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, and 7, in just a few steps. It will include all data and OS-related partitions, ensuring the backup is bootable.
Step 1. Download free backup software - AOMEI Backupper Standard and open it after installing. Then, click the Backup tab, and select System Backup.
Step 2. Click the PC icon to select the destination path. It’s suggested to use a different drive, such as an external drive, USB drive, network drive, etc., with enough space. The program will select OS and boot-related partitions automatically.
Step 3(IMPORTANT). All the space-saving features will be enabled automatically. Click Options to change it if needed. To free up your hands, click Schedule and select Weekly or longer for regular backups. Click Start Backup.
✨More flexible features on the advanced edition:
✔ Schedule: Consider using "Wake the computer to run scheduled tasks" and shut down the computer after the scheduled task is completed to make it more convenient.
✔ Backup Scheme: Differential backups theoretically use the least space and are worth trying. Also, set a cleanup method to automatically delete old backups, preventing not enough space errors more effectively.
The “System image backup failed” error is a common backup issue, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix. Start by checking for enough free space, repairing system file errors, restarting the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), etc.
However, if you want an easy and reliable option, consider using AOMEI BackupperStandard. It lets you create, schedule, and restore system images easily -without running into VSS errors or not enough space issues.