Windows is fundamentally changing and the latest version Windows 8 marks a new era in Microsoft`s history. In recent years Microsoft has made a seismic shift towards delivering a fully integrated, cross platform digital solution and is of course putting big bucks on the cloud. This makes for interesting times and Windows 8 cements this change further. While the new version is a big improvement on its predecessor, changes to fundamental activities such as backing up files may cause some confusion. So today we wanted to tell you about what has changed and how to back up your files in Windows 8.
So let’s get to it. If you were a regular user of Windows 7 then you may have been using Windows Backup to backup your files. In Windows 8 this has been replaced by File History. This is very similar to that of Apple`s Time Machine and has largely been changed due to the poor usage levels of Windows Backup. It was estimated that less than 5% of users used Windows Backup in Windows 7. Microsoft therefore needed to take a new approach and provide an easier and more fun way for people to backup their files.
Key Differences between Windows Backup and File History
Microsoft like many of the other tech giants has realised that because of the internet and the cloud, the way in which we use our computers has changed. Much of our computer activity is web based and in turn we rely less on system files and desktop applications. As a result Microsoft has decided to only allow users to backup its libraries, documents, bookmarks, contacts and desktop. Previously you could save system files and capture hard disk images. Microsoft like many others believes we no longer need to store these types of files. A bold but welcome move.
The other big change is the frequency in which files are backed up. In the past files were backed up intervals (often weekly or monthly) while the latest version does it on the fly. Backup is continuous in Windows 8 and reduces the chance of losing important files. This approach also makes it easy to revert back to older versions of a file. It is also much easier to restore files in the latest version.
How to Backup Your Files
Setting up File History couldn’t be easier and it is Microsoft`s hope that this will help improve usage numbers. To set it up all you need to do is head over to your `Control Panel` and select `File History`. If you have a hard drive plugged in you just need to click the `Turn On` button. You can use several devices and Windows will automatically detect it and provide you with the necessary options. If however you want to backup to a network location then you will need to choose this option under “change drive”. You can then enter your detail here. You might have to adjust the settings a bit to get the right setup for you but it’s as easy as that.
While the change didn’t get much coverage during the launch of Windows 8 it has largely been well received. I would highly recommend trying it and connecting it with a cloud backup solution.
About Derek Odum
nice post but can you tell me how to take backup of windows xp sp3?
I have also another doubt that how to connect dialup with apn we want in xp
Great info there Derek, thanks for sharing.
Gilbert recently posted..Top Google Adsense Alternative-Best Paying ad networks
Twitter: jonnalarajkumar
says:
hi bro,
wonderful post for back up on windows 8. your tips is really helpful for everyone.I like window 8 because of its speed.
thanks bro.
Rajkumar Jonnala recently posted..4 Most Useful GPS Apps For Android
Very interesting topic on this blog I am very impressed with your this piece of share. I would like you to create many posts with new topics on this blog.
Amazing & true facts!!!
Twitter: Abdul_IG
says:
Thanks for explaining. This would be of great help because i’m installing Win8 on my pc by tomorrow
Twitter: arotips
says:
Tutorial was helpful. I successfully backuped up my windows 8 yesterday. Now all that remains is to try if it truly restores to the backup state.
paularo recently posted..How To Run Android Apps and Games on Your PC
Sure this is a nice reference way better than microsoft is doing.
Thanks.