You can use the Backup Once Wizard in Windows Server Backup to create single backups of your computer.

You can also create one-time backups using the Wbadmin start backup or Wbadmin start systemstatebackup commands or the Windows PowerShell cmdlets for Windows Server Backup. For syntax and examples for Wbadmin, see the Command Reference (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=140216). For examples and syntax for the Windows Server Backup cmdlets, see the Windows PowerShell reference (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=143721).

This checklist describes how to perform a manual backup using the Windows Server Backup user interface.

Task References

Before you begin, review concepts and requirements, and then determine the following:

  • Where you will store the backup.

  • Which volumes you want to back up and whether the backups will need to be used for operating system (critical volumes only), full server (all volumes), system state, or bare metal recovery.

Windows Server Backup; Backing Up Your Server; https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93012

If you have not already done so, install Windows Server Backup.

Install Windows Server Backup Tools

Run the Backup Once Wizard and follow the instructions in the wizard.

Performing a Manual Backup; Backup Once Wizard

After the backup is created, run a test recovery using the backup to confirm that you are able to recover the items that you intended.

Recovering Your Server

Additional considerations

  • To install and use Windows Server Backup, you must be a member of the Backup Operators or Administrators group, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.

  • If you are using BitLocker Drive Encryption to protect your server, if possible, make sure the storage location you choose is also protected with BitLocker Drive Encryption. This will not happen automatically—it must be enabled explicitly. For instructions, see the Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption Step-by-Step Guide (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=143722).

Additional resources