Windows 10 Backup to Network Drive [Full Guide]

Why Backup Windows 10 to Network Drive?

Here are 3 main reasons behind Windows backup to network drive:

1️⃣ Protect data from hardware failure or ransomware: A network drive keeps your backup in a separate location, away from your current machine. If the hard drive fails, gets corrupted, or is infected by a virus, your files are still safe on the network.

2️⃣ No external drives needed: Unlike USB drives or external disks, network backups work wirelessly or over LAN. Once set up, it will automatically perform backup in the background. No need to plug or unplug devices, find cables, or take manual action.

3️⃣ Works for multiple PCs or network share: If you have more than one computer at home, in the office, or on a small network, you can store all of your backups in the same location - keeps everything organized while significantly simplifying the process.

🌟 To check more scenarios about backing up Windows 10, please refer to this complete guide: Backup Windows 10.

Best Ways of Windows 10 Backup to Network Drive

In the following parts, you’ll learn 3 effective methods to backup Windows 10 to a network drive.

Option 1: File History (Files Only)

File History is the easiest method to back up users data, such as Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Videos, and more. Once set up, it runs automatically and saves multiple backup copies on the network drive or shared folder.

Step 1. Create a shared folder with full permission. Skip this step if you already have one.

• Right-click a folder on the NAS or network drive, select Properties.
• Click Sharing > Advanced sharing > Share this folder and Permission.
• Select Everyone and check Full Control.

Step 2. Open Settings > Update & Security > Files backup to access File History. You can also search for backup settings in the Start menu.

Step 3. Click Add a drive > Show all network locations.

Step 4. Wait and select your NAS or shared network folder. Enter login credentials if asked. It will now use the network drive to back up files using File History.

Step 5. Click More options to pick how often to back up, from every 10 minutes to daily, and how long to keep versions. You can also remove or exclude folders you don’t want.

Option 2: Older Backup (for System Image)

If you want a full copy of Windows 10, including system files, apps, and settings, use Backup and Restore to create a system image in Windows 10, allowing you to restore everything if the PC fails to start or the hard drive is damaged.

Step 1. Open Control Panel and select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. Click Create a system image on the left panel.

Step 3. Select On a network location. Click Select to enter network path (example: \\server\share). Type username and password if needed. Click Next >Start backup.

🤝 Tip: To backup OS & data together, click Set up backup in Step 2. The recommended option includes the OS and user data, along with automatic backup - every Sunday at 7:00 PM.

Option 3: AOMEI Backupper (All-In-One Backup Software)

Unlike File History or older backup software - Backup and Restore (Windows 7), AOMEI Backupper Standard is an all-in-one backup software that offers different backup solutions, giving you more choices and making the process easier. It’s fully compatible with Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, and 11.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper Standard. Then, go to Backup > File Backup. You can also select other backup solutions (if needed).

Step 2. Click Select Source to add any files and folders, not just user data or local drives. Then, click the PC icon > NAS or Network Share. Be sure to enter the network path and select a shared folder on it.

Step 3(Important). Click Schedule to set automatic backup, such as daily, weekly, monthly, etc., or event triggers. Optional: click Options to review or change other backup settings. Click Start Backup to backup Windows 10 to network drive.

🤝 More advanced features you can enjoy:
✔ Email notification: Sends notifications when backup tasks succeed, fail, or user interaction is required.
✔ Backup encryption: Prevent unauthorized access to backups.
✔ Backup Scheme: Change backup method or enable cleanup method to automatically delete old backups, freeing up more space.

How to Fix Network Drive Not Detected

If Windows doesn’t show network drive, shared folder, or NAS, it’s usually a simple connection or permission issue. Try the solutions below, they will resolve the problem in most cases.

#1: Check the network connection: Make sure the PC and network drive/NAS are on the same Wi-Fi or LAN. Reconnect if needed.

#2: Turn on Network Discovery & File Sharing

Step 1. Search control panel in the Start menu and select Network and Sharing Center at the right panel.

Step 2. Click Change advanced sharing settings.

Step 3. Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing. Save changes and restart.

#3: Direct access through network path

Press Win + R and enter: \\192.168.x.x\SharedFolder or \\ComputerName\SharedFolder. If it opens, map it so it stays connected.

Step 1. Open This PC. Click Map Network Drive.

Step 2. Enter the shared folder path and click Finish. Be sure to check Reconnect at sign-in.

#4: Check permissions

Make sure you have read/write permission to network drive.

Step 1. Right-click the shared folder and click Properties.

Step 2. Under Sharing, click Advanced sharing.

Step 3. Check Share this folder and click Permissions to verify.

#5: Manually add a network path

If File History does not show network drive, you can access it from Control Panel and maually add network path.

Step 1. Type control panel in the Start menu and select File History.

Step 2. Click Select drive in the left panel.

Step 3. Click Add network location to browse and select it manually.

FAQs about Windows 10 Backup to Network Drive

1. Can Windows 10 backup to network drive?

Yes, Windows 10 can backup to a network drive. You can use built-in tools like Backup and Restore (Windows 7) or File History. When setting it up, you’ll typically need the network path (e.g., \\ServerName\SharedFolder) and proper login credentials.

2. How to set up automatic backup to NAS/network share?

There are multiple ways to set up automatic backup to NAS/network share. Take Backup and Restore (Windows 7) as an example:

• Open Control Panel → Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
• Click Set up backup.
• Choose Save on a network and enter the network path and credentials.
• Select what you want to back up (system image or specific files).
• Click Change schedule and set your preferred frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).
• Confirm settings to enable automatic backups.

3. How to restore from network backup?

• File History: Search File History in the Start menu and select Restore your files with File History. Click the left or right arrow to browse backup. Once found, click the green button to restore files from backup.
• Restore Windows 10 system image: It requires a recovery drive to access the recovery environment and find avanced options -System Image Recovery, then select the network backup for restoration.

4. How much space do I need for Windows 10 backup to network drive?

The space you need for Windows 10 backup to network drive depends on what you’re backing up. For a full system image, you should have at least 1.5 to 2 times the size of the used space on your system drive to allow for multiple backup versions.

5. Which NAS works best with Windows 10 backup to network drive?

The best NAS for Windows 10 backup depends on your needs, but in general, you should look for ease of setup, reliability, and support for SMB (Windows file sharing). Here are a few solid options:

• Best for beginners (plug-and-play): Buffalo LinkStation 220 8TB Personal Cloud NAS
• Best for flexibility and advanced features: Synology DS923+ 4-Bay NAS
• Best for performance and power users: QNAP TS-264 NAS

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to perform Windows 10 backup to network drive with a good backup software, and you can backup any important items - File History for user data, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for system image, while third-party software is more flexible.

With it, you can backup files, system, disk, or partition, in just a few clicks, and it’s free in AOMEI Backupper Standard. You can set up automatic backup and keep multiple backups with the least backup time and space.