How to Back up Windows Server or Windows 10/11 with Veeam Backup Agent for Free.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to back up a Windows File Server using Veeam Backup Agent for Windows (Free Edition).
Backing up a Windows File Server is critical to protect your organization's data from hardware failures, ransomware attacks, or accidental deletion. One of the most trusted and powerful tools in the industry to backup a Windows File Server (or a Windows 11/10 PC) is the Veeam Agent for Windows which is known for its reliability, speed, and flexibility.
Veeam Backup allows you to back up either your entire computer/server or selected volumes (drives) or folders. Additionally, Veeam Backup can back up open files using VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service), which is useful when you want to back up files that are currently open (e.g. SQL databases).
So, if you are looking for a free and reliable tool to full back up your entire Windows File server or your Windows 10/11 PC to a USB drive, shared folder, or NAS drive, then Veeam Backup Agent for Windows is the tool you are looking for, and in this guide you will find detailed instructions on how to do it.
How to Use Veeam Agent FREE to Backup your Windows 11/10 PC or a Windows File Server.
* Note: This guide applies to Windows Server 2022/2019/2016 & Windows 11/10.
Step 1. Download & install Veeam Agent for Windows.
On the file server you want to back up files from:
1. Navigate to the link below and from the 'Free/Community' section, download the Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows Free.*
* Note: To be able to download the installer, you must sign up for a free account.
2. When the download is completed, extract the downloaded ZIP file and then open the "VeeamAgentWindows_x.x.x.exe" file to install the Veeam Agent for Windows.
3. Then, when prompted click Next and then Accept to proceed.
4. When the installation is completed, click Finish* and proceed to next step to take a first backup.
* Note: At the end of the installation, you will be asked if you want to create recovery media that will help you restore the entire system in case of a critical failure by booting from the recovery media. At this point, choose not to create the recovery media now because you can do this later (see step-3 below).
Step 2. How to Back Up your Windows File Server with Veeam Backup.
1. Open Veeam Agent for Windows and from the menu select Add New Job
2. Type a name for the new backup job and optionally a description bellow, Then, click Next.
3. On the 'Backup Mode' screen select "Entire Computer" to back up your entire computer/server, which is the best and safest backup option.
* Note: Alternatively, here you can select one of the other options depending on your preference. For example, you may want to back up a specific drive (volume) containing your important data, or you may want to back up only specific folders/files.
4. In the 'Destination' options, choose where you want to save the backup. For example, "Locally" on a connected USB disk drive or to a "Shared folder" on another computer or a NAS server on the network.* When done, click Next.
* Note: For the purposes of this tutorial, we choose to save the backup to a shared folder.
5. On the next screen, click Browse and select where to save the backup. Alternately, if you want to save the backup to a shared folder, type the path of the shared folder, and then type the credentials of a user who has write permissions to that shared folder.
Then, select how many days you want the backups to be kept for. (e.g. for the last 7 days). Optionally, click the Advanced button too enable full backups or to configure encryption. When done, click Next.
6. In the 'Schedule' options, choose when the backup will run, then check all the other options below and modify them, if necessary, according to your wishes. Click Apply when you're done!
7. Finally, review the summary of all backup job settings and click Finish.
8. That's it! If you want to create your first backup right away, simply open Veeam Agent for Windows and click Backup now.
Step 3. Create Veeam Recovery Media.
After configuring Veeam Agent for Windows to back up your important computer or files, it is recommended that you create a recovery media. This will help you restore your computer easily, especially if Windows does not start normally (e.g. after a disk failure or due to a blue screen of death (BSOD). To create a Veeam Recovery Media:
1. Attach an EMPTY USB disk (or a DVD disk) on your PC.
2. Go to Start > Apps > Veeam and then open Create Recovery Media.
3. Then choose the empty USB or DVD disk you attached and click Next.
4. Now, if you don't mind deleting all the files on the disk to create the recovery media, click the Yes button.
5. Finally, review the summary of Recovery Media creation settings and click Create.
6. When the recovery media creation process is complete, disconnect the disk and store it in a safe place so that you have it available in case you need it in the future.
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Veeam Backup Agent for Windows and why is it important?
Veeam Backup Agent for Windows is a trusted tool for backing up Windows File Servers or PCs. It is essential for protecting data from potential threats like hardware failures, ransomware attacks, or accidental deletion by providing reliable, fast, and flexible backup capabilities.
Can I use Veeam Backup Agent for Windows on any version of Windows?
Yes, the guide provided applies to Windows Server 2022/2019/2016 and Windows 11/10, allowing users to back up their systems effectively with the Veeam Agent for Windows.
How can I save my backup using Veeam Backup?
You can save your backup locally on a connected USB drive, to a shared folder on another computer, or to a NAS server on the network. The specific destination can be chosen during the backup setup process.
Do I need to pay for Veeam Backup Agent for Windows to use it?
No, you can download and use Veeam Backup Agent for Windows for free by signing up for a free account on their website. The Free/Community edition provides robust backup capabilities suitable for most users.
