How to Create a Windows 11 Local Backup | Top 3 Solutions

Unlike cloud-based solutions, local backups give you full control of your data, faster recovery times, and the peace of mind that everything you need is stored safely on your own drive or device. In this guide, I’ll show you the best local backup software for Windows 11 and how to create a local backup step by step.

3 Best Local Backup Software for Windows 11

When it comes to protecting your data, choosing the right local backup tool makes all the difference. Windows 11 includes several built-in options, and there are also reliable third-party tools that offer more flexibility and automation. Below are the three best solutions to create fast, safe, and consistent local backups on any Windows 11 PC.

1. AOMEI Backupper Standard

AOMEI Backupper Standard is the best free backup tool for Windows 11. It provides a modern interface, comprehensive backup modes, and more customization than the built-in utilities.

2. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Despite the outdated name, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) is still included in Windows 11 because it offers one major advantage: full system image backups. This makes it highly valuable for local backup tasks that require complete system protection.

Key Features:

• Create a Complete Snapshot: Generate a system image that includes your personal files, applications, and OS configuration.
• Set It and Forget It: Automate backups on your schedule, saving directly to an external or network drive.
• Flexible Recovery: Retrieve individual files or perform a full system restore in the event of a crash or data corruption.

3. File History

File History is designed for continuous protection of your personal files. Instead of full system images, it tracks changes to documents, photos, desktop items, and other user folders—saving multiple versions so you can go back in time when needed.

Key Features:

• Automatic File Versioning: Keeps previous versions of files so you can restore older edits.
• Local Drive Support: Works with external drives and network locations for local backups.
• Easy Restore Panel: Browse and recover files with a clean, timeline-based interface.

How to Create a Local Backup in Windows 11

Below are three reliable methods to create a Windows 11 local backup, ranging from full system imaging to continuous file backup. Choose the approach that best fits your needs.

Method 1: Backup Windows 11 using AOMEI Backupper

Step 1. Download and open AOMEI Backupper on your Windows 11 PC. Go to Backup on the left and choose System Backup for full protection.

💡 Tip: To backup selective data, choose File Backup. If you upgrade to higher editions, you can also enjoy the Outlook Backup and Email Backup features.

Step 2. Boot-related partitions are selected by default. Choose a destination path to store the system image. You can perform Windows 11 backup to local drive, external drive, USB drive, or NAS, etc.

Step 3. (Optional) Enable Schedule to run your backup daily, weekly, or monthly. The program automatically uses incremental backups to save space.

Step 4. Click Start Backup. The program will create the backup and allow you to monitor or manage it at any time.

Method 2: Create a System Image via Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Step 1. Search for Control Panel in the Windows search bar and open it. Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. In the pop-up window, click the Create a system image option from the left pane.

Step 3. Choose a location to save your system image, and then click Next. You can select On a hard disk, On one or more DVDs, or On a network location.

Step 4. Windows automatically includes system partitions. If needed, select other drives to be included in the backup and click Next.

Step 5. Click Start backup and wait for the process to finish.

Step 6. Once the backup finishes, you will be prompted to create a system repair disc. Select "Yes" to proceed or "No" to create a recovery USB drive instead at a later time.

Method 3: Backup Personal Files with File History

Step 1. Plug in an external drive. Then search for File History in the Windows search bar and open it.

Step 2. File History will choose the backup source (Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites) and destination (the connected external drive) for you. To prevent certain folders from being backed up, click Exclude folders from the left panel to leave them out.

Step 3. Click Advanced settings to customize your backup schedule and storage.

• Save copies of files: Set your backup frequency from every 10 minutes to once a day (the default is every hour).
• Keep saved versions: Choose how long to keep old file versions, from one month up to forever (the default).

Step 4. Confirm your settings and click Turn on to save copies of your files for the first time.

✍ Notes:
● File History only supports external hard drives in NTFS format.
● To add specific folders you want to backup in File History, please open File Explorer, right-click on the folder and select Include in Library.

FAQs about Windows 11 Local Backup

1. What is a local backup in Windows 11?

A local backup is a copy of your system or files stored on a physical device you control—such as an external hard drive, USB drive, NAS, or another internal disk. It does not rely on cloud storage.

2. Does Windows 11 have a built-in backup tool?

Yes. Windows 11 includes multiple built-in tools:

• File History for personal files
• Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for system image backups
• OneDrive for cloud-based file sync (not local, but included in Settings)

3. Where should I store my local backups?

Use an external HDD/SSD or a secondary internal drive. For better redundancy, rotate two drives and store one offline or in a separate location.

4. How often should I create a Windows 11 local backup?

• Casual users: Once every 1–2 weeks
• Work or school users: Daily or several times weekly
• Professionals: Automatic daily backups using scheduled tools

Conclusion

Creating a solid Windows 11 local backup strategy is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your data and keep your system running smoothly. Whether you prefer full system imaging or continuous file protection, you can find a way to go from this page.

While built-in tools offer limited features, you may pick AOMEI Backupper for a smoother, more powerful backup experience. What’s more, it is embedded with the file sync feature that can help you sync a laptop and a desktop. Why not give it a shot?