Resolving the Issue of Windows 11 Backup Options Missing

Problem: Windows 11/ 10 Backup Options Missing

Windows 11 and Windows 10 come with built-in backup and restore options that allow users to create system images, back up files, and perform other backup-related tasks. However, sometimes users may encounter a situation where these backup options are missing from the control panel or settings. For example, when you update to Windows 11, you may notice that the backup options for File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7) are missing.

What Happens When Windows 11/ 10 Backup Options Missing

Data Loss Risk: Without a functional backup solution, users are at a higher risk of data loss in case of system failures, hardware issues, or accidental deletion of important files.
System Recovery Difficulties: In the event of a system crash or corruption, users may find it challenging to restore their system to a previous state without access to backup options.
Limited Recovery Options: Without proper backup options, users might have fewer choices when it comes to recovering their system or files after a critical error.

In the following sections, I will guide you through simple solutions to address the problem of Windows 11 backup options missing. If you're encountering a similar issue with Windows 10 backup options, the methods outlined below may help resolve your problem.

How to Fix Windows 11 Backup Options Missing Easily

Addressing diverse backup issues can be both cumbersome and frustrating. Hence, we recommend utilizing free and centralized backup software – AOMEI Cyber Backup. This tool enables effortless backup of your system, partitions, disks, and other crucial data.

AOMEI Cyber Backup creates a Windows system image in a few minutes without any errors without data loss. You can download the AOMEI Cyber Backup and follow the below-mentioned guide to know how to use it.

1. After installation, launch AOMEI Cyber Backup on your computer.

Navigate to the "Backup Task" > "Create Backup Task" Tab.

2. Choose "System Backup" from the available options, and give the backup task a special name.

3. Choose the destination for your system backup. You can back up Windows 11 to an external hard drive, network location, or another secure storage device.

4. Configure additional backup options:

★ Schedule the backup if you want it to be a recurring task. Select full / incremental / differential backup and run the backup tasks at daily / weekly / monthly.

To enjoy more advanced features, you could upgrade to Premium edition.
★ Specify Backup Cleanup to automate delete old backup tasks.
★ Ste up the Email Notification to receive email notifications when the task is abnormal or successful.

5. After configuring the settings, click on "Start Backup" to initiate the system backup process.

Fix Windows 11 Backup Options Missing Error [Methods]

Before tackling your problem, identify the specific missing backup options, and then follow the troubleshooting guide to restore their functionality. This guide will cover two scenarios: Windows 11 File History being unavailable and Windows 11 Backup and Restore options not appearing.

Case 1. Windows 11 Backup and Restore Missing

If the Backup & Restore feature isn’t working correctly or missing from your Windows 11, you can apply the below-mentioned solutions.

🚩 Method 1. Enable Volume Shadow Copy

To resolve the missing Backup and Restore problem, consider enabling the Volume Shadow Copy service. Follow the steps below to activate the Volume Shadow Copy service:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run program.

2. Input services.msc in the search bar, and click OK to open the Services window.

3. Right-click on Volume Shadow Copy and choose Properties.

4. Click the Start button to turn on the Volume Shadow Copy service, then click on Apply and close the window.

🚩 Method 2. Use chkdsk Command

Your hard drive may be experiencing disk errors contributing to the issue. Resolve this by executing a command in the Command Prompt to fix any existing disk errors.

1. Open the Command Prompt with admin rights.

 

2. Copy-paste the mentioned command in the console:

* Note: Replace X in the command with your hard drive letter.

3. Hit the Enter key and let the scanning process begin.

4. Once the scanning process is completed, restart the system and check whether the Backup and Restore option is back again or not.

🚩 Method 3. Disable System Protection

You need to ensure that the System Protection option is disabled and not the one causing the issue. Follow the below-mentioned steps to disable this feature.

1. Open the Control Panel and move to the System and Security tab.

2. Then, move to the System tab and select System Protection.

3. Click on the Configure option.

4. Lastly, select Restore Settings to Disable system protection.

5. Click on Apply and then OK.

Case 2. Windows 11 File History Missing

🔔 Method 1. Check File History Settings

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings.

2. Go to "Update & Security" and select "Backup" from the left pane. Ensure that File History is turned on. If not, toggle the switch to enable it.

🔔 Method 2. Enable File History Service

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.

3. Locate "File History Service" in the list.

4. Right-click on it, select "Start" to start the "File History" service.

5. In the end, set the "Start Type" option to "Automatic (Delayed Start)."

🔔 Method 3. Check File History Drive Connection

If you have an external drive set up for File History, ensure that it's connected and recognized by your computer.

Try connecting the drive to a different USB port or using another external drive to check for any connection issues.

🔔 Method 4. Run SFC (System File Checker)

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)."

2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

3. Allow the scan to complete, and restart your computer.

Conclusion

If you find [Windows 11/10 backup options missing], it can be a frustrating experience, but there are effective solutions to address the issue in this article. Enabling File History services or running system checks like SFC can often resolve the problem. Additionally, maintaining a reliable backup software like AOMEI Cyber Backup can contribute to a more seamless backup experience, mitigating potential data loss risks and enhancing the overall system backup functionality.