Backup Windows Server to NAS

In the current digital era, ensuring data security holds the utmost significance for businesses. Employing a backup solution through NAS is a highly effective strategy to safeguard crucial data on Windows Server. This article aims to offer a thorough guide on how to backup Windows Server to NAS.

Windows Server Backup And Recovery

Windows Server is crucial for organizations as it enables the seamless collection and dissemination of files and information as per user requirements.

Multiple factors, such as hardware malfunctions, power disruptions, data corruption, human errors, natural disasters, accidental deletions, and cyber threats like hacking, theft, and malicious activities, can jeopardize data integrity and result in data loss. 

Concerning Windows Server backup and recovery, the procedure entails creating duplicate data from the server's content and subsequently using these backups to restore the server, thereby preventing any potential data loss.

Advantages of Backup Windows Server to NAS

Enhanced Data Security
By backing up Windows Server data to NAS (Network Attached Storage), businesses can ensure that their critical information is protected from the various risks we mentioned above. NAS devices come equipped with data encryption and access control features, thereby delivering an additional level of security for the backed-up data.

Remotely Data Access
As NAS operates as a network-shared resource, you will have the capability to remotely access data stored on any computer connected to the NAS. This grants you the freedom to retrieve any document or file within this network.

Simplified Management
Backing up Windows Server to a NAS makes managing backup files easier. IT administrators can centrally manage and monitor backups from one interface, eliminating the need to handle multiple backup tapes or servers. This centralized management saves time and effort, improving operational efficiency.

Scalability and Expandability
NAS devices provide scalability, enabling businesses to effortlessly enhance their storage capacity. As the size of Windows Server data expands, NAS devices can easily accommodate additional storage drives or expandable storage choices. This guarantees that businesses can fulfill their evolving backup requirements without experiencing any interruptions.

Redundancy and Data Protection
NAS devices often come with built-in redundancy options such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which mirror data across multiple drives. This redundancy guarantees data protection and reduces the possibility of data loss caused by drive failures, giving businesses an added sense of security.

3 Methods for Backup Windows Server to NAS

Method 1: Backup to NAS Using Comprehensive Backup Software

EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise is a trustworthy and secure backup software designed for efficient Windows server management. It creates .pbd images, ensuring dependable backups that can be effortlessly restored in case of system crashes, partition/disk corruption, virus infections, or unforeseen data loss. The following are the steps for backing up Windows Server to NAS.

Supported Systems
Windows XP®/Vista®/7/8/8.1/10/11
Windows Server® 2003/2008/2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019
Windows Small Business Server 2003/2008/2011

Step 1 Click New Task to choose the specific content you want to include in your backup. 

Step 2 Browse to select NAS Device in the list as the Destination to save the backup images.

Step 3 Click New... to specify the schedule types and backup methods.

Step 4 Employ Backup cleanup to use image retention rules to optimize the utilization of storage space during the long-term backup procedure.

Step 5 Wield Advanced Settings and Backup options to customize the backup task based on your preference. Once you have configured all the settings, click on Proceed to start the backup. 

To perform the restoration process effortlessly whenever needed, simply select the backup task and click on the Recovery function located on the left side of the homepage.

Method 2: Backup to NAS Using Windows Server Backup

Windows Server Backup (WSB) is a backup and recovery feature provided by Windows, which enables the creation of a duplicate copy of an entire disk volume in another location. This backup can then be utilized to restore specific datasets or the complete disk at a later time. Here are the steps.

1. Find the feature Windows Server Backup under Tools in Server Management.

2. Go to Backup Schedule...

3. Select Backup Configuration and check Custom.

4. Choose Back up to a shared network folder in Specify Destination Type section so that you can select a NAS to save the Windows Server image. Enter your NAS location in the next step.

5. Once all the configurations have been done, click on Finish to initiate the backup process.

Method 3: Backup to NAS Using Active Backup for Business Agent

If you are attempting to carry out a Windows Server backup to a Synology NAS, Active Backup for Business Agent can serve as the suitable backup solution for Windows Server.

Conclusion

In conclusion, backing up Windows Server to NAS offers numerous benefits, including enhanced data security, remotely data access, simplified management, improved accessibility, scalability, and data redundancy. By leveraging NAS devices for backups, businesses can effectively protect their critical data and ensure business continuity even in the face of unexpected incidents or disasters.

By following the guide above and using recommended backup software like EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise, businesses can achieve reliable and cost-effective data protection. Adopting this backup approach not only bolsters data security but also streamlines backup administration and expedites effortless data retrieval in the event of a calamity.

FAQs of Backup Windows Server to NAS

1. What does Windows backup actually backup?
By default, Backup and Restore will back up all data files in your libraries, on the desktop, and in the default Windows folders. Additionally, Backup and Restore creates a system image that you can use to restore Windows if your system is not functioning properly.

2. Is NAS safer than cloud?
When it comes to security, NAS and cloud storage are two sides of the same coin. With NAS, all the security is in your hands, and it's up to you to take the necessary measures to protect your data. If you keep files in the cloud, you depend on the security level supplied by the cloud service provider.

3. How do I map a NAS drive in Windows Server?
Map a network drive in Windows
1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E.
2. Select This PC from the left pane. ...
3. In the Drive list, select a drive letter. ...
4. In the Folder box, type the path of the folder or computer, or select Browse to find the folder or computer. ...
5. Select Finish.

4. Is a NAS cheaper than cloud storage?
Nowadays you can find NAS and cloud storage for any budget. NAS still remains a cheaper solution for long-term storage.