Although Microsoft has released the stable version of Windows 11, some rare issues are still bogging down the OS. One of those rare issues is related to the Windows backup options.
If you’re among the few who are unable to find the backup options on their Windows 11 PC, don’t worry. In this article, I’ve shortlisted the precise methods to get back the missing backup options in no time.
So without further delay, let’s dive in.
How to Fix Windows 11 Backup Options Missing Issue
If the backup options are missing from your Windows 11 PC, restart your PC & run a System File Checker(SFC) scan since this issue occurs mostly due to missing/corrupted system files. You should also manually enable volume shadow copy, file history, & Windows backup service.
Additionally, make sure your computer’s Windows is up to date and scan the C drive for any errors.
Read on as I have thoroughly discussed all these methods in a step-by-step manner to help you resolve the issue on hand.
Here’s how to get back missing backup options in Windows 11:
1. Run an SFC Scan
The most common reason for missing backup options on Windows 11 is corrupted system files. So running an SFC(system file checker) scan can effectively remedy this issue as it scans all the system files and replaces missing or corrupted ones.
Follow these steps to properly run a system file checker scan on Windows 11:
- Press Start and type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type Sfc /scannow in the dialogue box and hit Enter.
Now, wait until the scan is complete, then restart your Windows 11 device.
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2. Enable Volume Shadow Copy
Another probable fix for the missing backup options is to ensure that the volume shadow copy service has been enabled. Otherwise, the backup and restore options might not appear on your Windows 11 machine.
Here are the steps to enable volume shadow copy:
- Press the Windows key and type services.
- Hit Enter.
- Scroll down to find Volume Shadow Copy.
- Select Volume Shadow Copy and click on Start from the left side pane.
Now restart your PC, and you’re good to go.
3. Enable File History Service
The File History service plays an important role when it comes to the backup and restore feature. So, it is essential that this service remains enabled on your PC. Otherwise, you might face unwanted errors like missing backup options.
To enable file history, follow these steps:
- Click on the Windows search bar and type services.
- Hit the Enter button on your keyboard.
- Scroll down and find File History Service.
- Right-click on File History Service and select Properties from the context menu.
- Click on the drop-down menu for the Startup type section and select Automatic(delayed).
- Click on Start.
- Hit Apply > OK.
Now, check if the backup options have appeared in Windows settings. If not, move on to the next method.
Check our special guide to install Active Directory Users and Computers on Windows 11.
4. Turn on the File History Option
If the missing backup options still haven’t appeared after following the above methods, then the system might have disabled the backup feature. In that case, you need to enable the file history option by following the steps given below:
- Press Windows Key+S and type file history.
- Hit the Enter button.
- Click on Turn on.
Keep in mind that the Turn on option will be unavailable if you don’t have an external hard disk or USB drive connected to your device. In that case, simply plug in an external HDD or a USB flash drive to your computer.
5. Scan C Drive for Errors
Any internal errors in the C drive can also make certain system options unavailable. Run a scan to thoroughly check the C drive to remedy such an error. Here’s how to do it:
- Open File Explorer.
- Right-click on C drive and select Properties.
- Go to the Tools tab.
- Click on Check from the Error checking section.
- Hit Scan drive from the pop-up prompt.
Now the tool will scan the C drive for any potential errors or file corruption and try to fix it. After the scan is complete, check if the backup options have been restored.
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6. Run CHKDSK Command
CHKDSK is another useful command tool to check for any internal errors. If the backup options are still missing from your Windows 11 computer, consider running the CHKDSK command tool by following these steps:
- Press the Windows key and type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Type chkdsk C: /f /r /x in the dialogue box and press Enter.
Now, wait until the scan is complete. Then restart your PC/laptop and see if the missing options have become available.
7. Manually Start Windows Backup Service
The Windows backup service needs to run in the background for the backup and restore features to work properly. There’s a good chance that a few options might not be available in case this service has stopped for any reason.
To resolve this issue, you need to manually start the backup service. Here’s how:
- Press Windows Key+S and type services.
- Hit Enter.
- Scroll down and find Windows Backup.
- Select Windows Backup and click Start from the left side pane.
Now the built-in backup feature should be up and running on your Windows 11 device.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 11 have a Backup feature?
Yes. Windows 11 has dedicated options for backup and restore.
Where are the backup options in Windows 11?
To turn on or manage the backup options in Windows 11, go to Settings > Account > Windows backup.
Where are the backup options in Windows 10?
The backup options in Windows 10 are located in Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
Ending Remarks
In case the backup options went missing right after updating the Windows, consider going back to the previous version.
That’s all for today. I hope you’ve been able to resolve the issue after going through this write-up. If you’ve any further questions, let me know in the comments below.
Have a good one!
