It’s back folks! The popular backup feature returns to Windows 8.1. If you remember in Windows 8, Microsoft renamed it to “Windows 7 File Recovery”, and in Windows 8.1 Preview the option was nowhere to be found. But to my surprise, looking into one of the latest leak of Windows 8.1 (build 9471), the ability to create a full backup of the entire PC has returned.
The only change is the name, now it’s called “System Image Backup”, which it only makes sense. Then everything else works exactly the same as it did before. If you still new to the backup process, I recommend to visit this Windows guide: How to create a Windows 8.1 system image backup (step-by-step), that I previously wrote. There you’ll find all the instructions to perform a full backup of your system.
One thing I noticed, and I don’t know the reason why, is that the image backup tool isn’t searchable via the Control Panel or from the Start screen, but you can easily go to File History, and from the bottom-left hand corner of the screen, you’ll notice the System Image Backup link (see featured image).
Previously, when Microsoft removed this feature from the operating system, I wrote another guide that involved having a little knowledge on PowerShell, and even though it accomplished the same thing, using a command line tool isn’t for everyone. So this will make the process a lot easier for many users.
Update: Although, Microsoft brought back the System Image Backup tool in Windows 8.1, what the company removed for good is the option to schedule a backup. But don’t worry, there is a workaround, just follow these step-by- step instructions.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].