[All-in-One] Create Windows 11 Backup to NAS (Network Drive)

NAS, also known as a network hard drive, is an emerging network-based storage device. In the world of data protection, choosing a safe and secure backup location is the key to success. This article will focus on the possibility of backing up Windows 11 (including files and systems) to a NAS.

Storing computer data to NAS, a Network drive, has become one of the most popular methods to ensure the safety of important information. This post from EaseUS will discuss the definition of NAS, the benefits of NAS, and how to back up Windows 11 files and OS to NAS with step-by-step guides.

[Definition You Need to Know] What is NAS?

NAS, short for "Network Attached Storage", is a data storage device that can be connected to a network. It allows users to store and share data over the network, making it an ideal choice for backing up data. NAS devices have been around for many years, but they have only recently become popular as a backup solution. This is due to the fact that NAS devices offer a number of advantages over other storage solutions.

NAS devices are typically much cheaper than other storage solutions, such as SANs or DASs. They are also much easier to set up and use, making them ideal for small businesses or home users. In addition, NAS devices offer a number of features that make them ideal for backing up data. For example, most NAS devices come with built-in RAID support, which can protect against data loss in the event of a drive failure.

📖More Definitions Reading

Backup Locations | NAS vs. Local Drive: What's the Advantage?

If you want to create a Windows 11 backup, you have two options: either back up your data to a local drive or back up your data to a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of each method:

#1. Backup to Local Drive

#2. Backup to NAS

How to Backup Windows 11 to NAS Network Drive - Files & OS

Now that you know the pros and cons of Windows 11 backup to network drive, it's time to apply it to store your backup files. More and more Windows users have now upgraded to Windows 11. This new system brings a lot of features and refreshes the operation experience. But in the aspect of backing up data, Windows 11 is a little bit disappointed.

Generally speaking, Windows 11 only strengthens the OneDrive sync feature, which most users think is useless. However, users can still make a basic data protection move thanks to the other built-in backup utilities. There are two methods to back up Windows 11 to NAS:

• Backing up files only
• backing up the entire system

Apart from Windows built-in backup tools, you might need a third-party helper. Let's take a look at each method.

🚩Further Reading: How to Back Up Network Shared Files Using Network Backup Software

Method 1️⃣. Back up Windows 11 Files Only to NAS

This method is suitable for users who only want to back up specific files or folders. If you want to back up the entire system, please skip to Method 2. 

You can either copy and paste the files and folders to the NAS drive or use Windows 11 File History to save different versions. In this part, we only introduce how to use File History to back up data to NAS on Windows 11. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Search Control Panel, enter System and Security, and then go to File History.

Step 2. Connect your NAS device to your computer and make sure it is turned on.

Step 3. On the left side is an option - "Select drive". Click and choose "Add a network location" to set your NAS drive as the backup location.

Step 4. Then turn on your File History, and it will start to make the first backup to your NAS drive.

Note: These are the steps to back up Windows 11 to network drive with File History. Actually, the Windows Backup and Restore tool is also available to execute the task. You can refer to its ultimate guide to back up Windows 11 files and systems to NAS effectively.

The detailed guide above is about backing up Windows 11 files to NAS with File History. Method 2 will tell you how to back up the system to NAS.

📖You may be interested: Automatically Backup a Folder to A Network Drive

Method 2️⃣. Backup Windows 11 System to NAS

Back up Windows 11 system is not simply making a copy of all the system files. It is to create an image file that contains files, configurations, and even disk structure to a backup location. In Windows 11, users can use the built-in Backup and Restore to create a disk image. They can also rely on a free third-party backup tool - EaseUS Todo Backup, to simplify the process.

EaseUS Todo Backup is a professional backup and restore software that can back up systems, hard drives, files, and applications with simple steps. Now let's see how to use EaseUS Todo Backup to perform Windows 11 backup to network drive. Before starting, please free download and install EaseUS Todo Backup on your computer first. Then follow the steps below:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup and choose "Create Backup" on the home page, click "Select backup contents".

Step 2. Among the four available categories, click "OS" to start back up.

Step 3. The system partition will be automatically selected, you only need to select the location.

Step 4. Local Drive, Cloud, and NAS are available for you to save the backup file. You can also connect an external hard drive to preserve the system backup files.

Step 5. You can customize the settings in "Options" at the left bottom. After that, click "Backup Now", and the process will begin.

*After finishing the backup process, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

FAQs on Windows 11 Backup to Network Drive

1. How do I backup to a network drive in Windows 11?

There are two methods to backup data to NAS on Windows 11: backing up files only or backing up the entire system. Both Windows built-in tools and third-party backup software can help you backup Windows 11 files to a network drive. Connect the Network drive to your computer, and select it as the backup location when setting up the backup.

• Windows built-in tools: File History and Backup and Restore
• Third-party backup software: EaseUS Todo Backup, Acronis Cyber Protect, Paragon Backup and Recovery, etc.

2. Does Windows 11 have a backup program?

Windows 11 has two built-in backup programs: File History and Backup and Restore. File History can only backup specific files, while Backup and Restore can create a system image file containing all your computer's data. You can choose either of them according to your needs.

Final Thought

With the above guide, you should know how to backup Windows 11 files and the system to NAS. If you have any questions or suggestions when using EaseUS Todo Backup, please feel free to contact us. We're always here to help you out.