Microsoft Endorses Windows 7 Backup and Recovery Tool for Use on Windows 11
Windows 11 aims to reduce reliance on older features and user interfaces as Microsoft emphasizes a trend towards modernization. However, this doesn’t hold true for every aspect of the operating system. Surprisingly, according to a recently updated support document, Microsoft continues to suggest using the Backup and Restore tool from Windows 7 if its newer alternatives don’t fulfill your requirements.
The latest addition to Windows 11 is the “Windows Backup” application, which works well but requires a OneDrive subscription to be effective. I will delve into this further later in the article, but first, I want to highlight the revised support documentation regarding “Backup and recovery tools in Windows.”
This document covers backup and recovery options for Windows 11 and Windows 10, unexpectedly endorsing the Windows 7 backup utility.
Interestingly, the recommendation for the Windows 7 tool came just last week; however, an unnoticed update to the support document this week revealed the change. We were alerted to this because we are subscribed to Microsoft’s RSS feed. While updates to Microsoft’s documentation occur regularly, what piqued our interest was the mention of the Windows 7 tool.
Microsoft states that users might prefer the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) edition for creating local backups of their files. It features functionality such as scheduling backups via the Control Panel and the capability to restore files or entire system images.
It’s clear that Microsoft acknowledges the advanced capabilities of the Windows 7 backup tool, which can be accessed through the Control Panel and allows for creating complete system images.
The backup will encompass the entire Windows 11 environment, including applications and user files. If a failure occurs, the image created using Windows 7’s backup tool can be restored to bring your Windows 11 system back online.
This illustrates one reason for continuing to recommend the Windows 7 backup tool over the newer Windows Backup app, which limits backups to apps and files stored in OneDrive.
At this time, backing up the entire Windows 11 installation image to OneDrive is not feasible, but could this change in the future? It’s a possibility.
Based on our evaluations, Windows Latest found that Windows Backup has limitations, particularly in its inability to generate a backup of the Windows image to OneDrive.
However, it is capable of backing up specific folders such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music directly to OneDrive. It also remembers your wallpaper, language preferences, and Wi-Fi credentials, along with a list of installed applications.
In contrast to the traditional Windows Backup utility, the modern version simplifies the restoration process, allowing you to recover your data simply by signing in with your Microsoft account during initial setup on a new PC or after a Windows reinstallation.
What are your thoughts? Do you favor the Windows 7 Backup tool over the Windows 11 OneDrive Backup app? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Leave a Reply