With 3 effective methods, you can easily backup Windows 10 to network drive, not just files, but also OS, disk, or partition as needed. Scroll down to learn more!
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.
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.
What You Need First:
Step 1. Create a shared folder with full permission. Skip this step if you already have one.
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.
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.
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 10, 1,1, and previous systems.
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/Add Source to add any files and folders, not just user data or local drives. Then, click the PC icon >NAS/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.
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.
1. Can Windows 10 backup to network drive?
Yes! Use File History (for files) or Backup and Restore (for system image). Map the network drive first (e.g., \\SERVER\Share) and select it as the destination.
2. How to set up automatic backup to NAS/network share?
You don't need to manually enable automatic backups in File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7), as they are enabled by default along with these backup tools. Simply activate the backup software now!
3. What files are backed up?
4. Can I backup system image to network drive?
Yes, you can backup system image to network drive using Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
5. Is it secure over Wi-Fi/network?
Please be sure when using Wi-Fi/network:
6. How to restore from network backup?
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.