Performing a full backup on Windows Server is a fundamental task for any administrator or system manager, as it ensures data protection and recovery from failures or incidents. Despite its importance, many users find the entire procedure confusing, especially due to the variety of methods and tools available within the operating system itself and through third-party options.
In this article, you'll discover, in a simple and organized way, how to make a full backup on Windows Server using both built-in utilities and other practical alternatives, as well as how to restore data when needed. Not only will you learn the steps to create and restore your backups, but you'll also learn tips, common precautions, and recommendations to ensure your backup is efficient and secure.
Why is it so important to make a full backup in Windows Server?
Servers are the heart of any company or project's IT infrastructure. If your server becomes inoperable due to a power failure, hardware, a cyberattack, human error, or even a natural disaster, you can lose essential information and paralyze your activity. A full backup allows you to restore an entire server (files, settings, system state, applications) and continue working with minimal impact. Furthermore, Having a reliable backup plan is a basic requirement to comply with data protection measures and legal regulations., which makes it even more essential not to leave it for tomorrow.
Tools built into Windows Server to create backups
Windows Server itself includes several tools to facilitate both backup creation and restoration. The main utility is "Windows Server Backup," a feature that has always been available in different versions and allows you to perform both automatic and manual backups, complete or customized. In addition, there is the option of working with the line of commands using Wbadmin.exe, ideal for administrators who prefer to automate processes or require greater control.
How to install Windows Server Backup
- Open Server Manager.
- Access the "Add Roles and Features" wizard. Click Next on the first screen.
- Choose feature-based or function-based installation (default) and continue.
- When you get to the “Features” section, select “Windows Server Backup.”
- Confirm your selection and click Install. Once finished, you can close the wizard.
This process makes the tool available in the Tools menu of the Server Manager.
Create a full backup with Windows Server Backup
Backing up from the graphical utility is intuitive and lets you choose exactly what you want to save and where to store it. Here are the detailed steps to make sure you don't get lost:
- Open Server Manager and go to Tools > Windows Server Backup.
- In the left panel, click on “Local Backup.”
- Click "Back up once...". A guided wizard will open.
- Choose between using the settings from a previous scheduled backup or "Different settings" if this is your first time. Select this option if you don't have any previous settings.
- Select “Full Server” to copy everything: disks, system state, and settings.
- Indicates which volumes to include (you cannot choose the same disk as the destination that you include in the backup).
- Choose the destination: You can save the backup to a local drive or a shared network folder. Make sure the destination has enough space and permissions are set correctly.
- Review the action summary before confirming.
- Click "Backup" and wait for the process to complete. You'll see a progress bar and, once complete, a summary of the backed-up data.
It is important to verify that the backup appears in the list and save the file in a safe place.
What can you include in the backup?
The wizard allows you to define the scope of the copy:
- Full server backup: Includes user data, settings, applications, and system status.
- Custom backup: Allows you to select specific partitions, folders, or files.
You also have the option to exclude certain files or folders that are not essential to optimize backup space and time.
Other useful options
- Notification by mail after each copy: Configure the tool to receive an email with the backup status.
- Incremental backups: After the first full backup, only recent changes are saved, saving resources.
How to restore a backup in Windows Server
Knowing how to recover backed-up data is just as important as making the backup. The built-in utility includes a wizard that guides you through the entire process.
- Open Windows Server Backup and select “Recover.”
- Choose whether the backup comes from the same server or a different one on the network.
- Select the date and time of the backup you want to restore, making it easy to recover previous versions.
- Decide which items to restore: the entire server, applications, volumes, folders, or specific files.
- Select items in the navigation tree and define the destination location, allowing you to overwrite or restore to a different folder.
- Configure whether you want to retrieve permissions and security properties.
- Review and confirm, then wait for the process to complete and receive notification.
Once the restoration is complete, verify that your files are in order. If you restored from another location, verify that the data is accessible and correct.
Backups and restores from the command line with Wbadmin.exe
For advanced administrators or automation, Windows Server includes Wbadmin.exe, a powerful command-line tool which allows backups and recoveries to be performed without a graphical interface, always with elevated privileges.
Example to make a full backup
Open the Symbol of the system as administrator and runs:
wbadmin start backup -backuptarget:D: -include:C:
Where D: is the destination unit and C: the disk to be backed up. Other drives or folders can be specified as needed.
Example for restoring data
To restore, use:
wbadmin start recovery -version:xx/xx/xxxx-xx:xx -itemtype:Volume -items:C:
Tailor the command to what you need to recover, such as files, applications, or volumes. See the help by running wbadmin /? to learn about all the available options.
Third-party solutions: alternatives and advantages
While native tools are useful, in business environments with specific needs, it may be advisable to opt for external solutions.
Winchin Backup & Recovery
Vinchin provides a cross-platform backup platform that allows you to schedule full, incremental, and differential backups with advanced features., such as ransomware protection, recovery across different hardware, and compatibility with modern versions of Windows Server. Take a free trial and see if it fits your infrastructure requirements.
- Simple server selection and backup strategy
- Automation with varied policies
- Selective and dissimilar hardware recovery
- Optimized for virtualized environments
Includes protection against external threats, ensuring greater security in the storage of the data.
Full backups on control panels and hosting: example with Plesk
Server managers like Plesk make it easy to create backups from their graphical interface. From the Tools > Backup Manager section, you can configure full or incremental backups, define destinations, and exclude unnecessary files, simplifying management.
- Exclude log files or non-critical data helps optimize space and avoid errors.
- Set up email notifications when the backup is complete to keep you informed about its status.
Tips and best practices for Windows Server backups
- Verify that backups are successful and that files can be restored. Periodic testing prevents surprises at critical moments.
- Store a copy in off-site locations or in the cloud for protection against attacks or disasters.
- Implement an automatic backup schedule and perform periodic test restores.
- Document your recovery plan to act clearly in cases of emergency.
- Use a versioning system in the files to be able to return to specific points in There.
- Don't forget to include settings and credentials in your backups., especially in critical applications.
- Check backup compatibility on different hardware for Bare Metal recovery, preparing drivers necessary in advance.
Common mistakes when making or restoring backups and how to avoid them
- Not checking free space at the destination: Make sure there is enough space to store it.
- Use the same disk for backup as for protection: Select different drives to avoid total loss in case of failure.
- Insufficient permissions on remote folders: Correctly configure permissions and credentials.
- Carelessly overwriting files: Always choose to create copies to avoid accidental losses.
- Do not perform restoration tests: simulate recoveries to be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backup and Restore in Windows Server
- Can I restore to different hardware? Yes, using Bare Metal Recovery and appropriate drivers.
- What happens if the server doesn't start? The installation media can be used to repair or restore from backups on the network or external devices.
- Can backups be made while running? Of course, thanks to VSS technology that allows snapshots without interrupting operations.
- Is it advisable to use the cloud to save copies? Definitely, especially if your infrastructure requires protection against local failures or disasters.
Performing a full backup on Windows Server is a vital process and much more accessible than it seems if you understand the procedure well and have the right tool. Whether you opt for Microsoft's built-in solution or prefer external tools for advanced needs, spending a few minutes configuring and verifying your backups can save you days of trouble and ensure the security of all your information.
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