Windows Backup Not Working, Failed Or Did Not Complete Successfully FIX [Tutorial]

Introduction

Creating a backup of your system is vital for protecting your data against corruption, disk failure, or malware infections. If you're experiencing issues with Windows Backup not working or completing successfully on Windows 10 or 11, this tutorial will guide you through several troubleshooting steps to resolve these problems effectively.

Step 1: Check Backup Settings

• Open the Control Panel.
• Navigate to "System and Security" and then click on "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)."
• Ensure your backup settings are correctly configured:
  • Verify the backup destination is valid and accessible.
  • Confirm that the backup schedule is set correctly.

Step 2: Ensure Windows Backup Service is Running

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and hit Enter.
• Locate the "Windows Backup" service in the list.
• Right-click on the service and select "Start" if it is not running. If it’s already running, you can try restarting it.

Step 3: Run the Backup Troubleshooter

• Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
• Navigate to "Update & Security," then click on "Troubleshoot."
• Click on "Additional troubleshooters."
• Select "Backup and Restore" and run the troubleshooter to identify and fix any issues automatically.

Step 4: Check Disk Space

• Ensure that there’s enough space on the backup drive:
  • Open File Explorer and check the properties of the drive designated for backups.
  • If the available space is low, consider freeing up space or using a different drive.

Step 5: Disable Conflicting Software

• Some third-party antivirus or backup software can interfere with Windows Backup.
• Temporarily disable or uninstall any such software:
  • Open the Control Panel and go to "Programs and Features."
  • Find the software, right-click it, and select "Uninstall."

Step 6: Update Windows

• Keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for smooth functionality.
• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click on "Check for updates" and install any available updates.

Step 7: Use Command Prompt for Backup Repair

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator:
  • Search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click it, and select "Run as administrator."
• Run the following commands one by one:

  sfc /scannow
  chkdsk /f
  

• These commands will check for and repair any corrupted system files that might affect the backup functionality.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix issues related to Windows Backup not working on your system. Regularly check your backup settings and ensure that your operating system is updated to prevent future problems. If issues persist, consider seeking professional support or using alternative backup solutions.