Three Backup Steps for Windows 11 Service

If you are working on a Windows 10/11 machine and there are just three steps you can take to ensure the most critical is backed up before service or during service once a working boot status is achieved.

• Quick Backup for Service Techs
• Minimum Recommended
• Three Step Summary

See also BitLocker as you may need to make a backup of security keys prior to these 3 steps below.

Back Up Registry

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin: Win + R, type cmd, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter, click Yes.
2. Run: reg export HKLM D:\RegistryBackup\HKLM.reg replace D: with USB drive letter, create RegistryBackup folder first).
3. Repeat for other hives: reg export HKCU D:\RegistryBackup\HKCU.reg, reg export HKCR D:\RegistryBackup\HKCR.reg.

export HKLM D:\RegistryBackup\HKLM.reg

Create System Image Backup

1. Connect USB drive (NTFS formatted, sufficient space).
2. Open Control Panel: Press Win + R, type "control" and press Enter.
3. Navigate: System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) > Create a system image (left sidebar).
4. Select USB drive, click Next, confirm drives (C: default), click Start backup.

Create Recovery Drive

1. Connect USB drive (16GB+ recommended, will be wiped).
2. Open Command Prompt as Admin.
3. Run: "recoverydrive" to launch Recovery Drive tool.
4. Uncheck Back up system files to the recovery drive, select USB drive, click Next, then Create.