backing up your PC/laptop

---

How do i backup my laptop files before restoring my laptop to its original condition.

Was able to answer @Samson-Moetaesi question in chat. Windows 10 has built in back and retore functionality he was looking for and we went over Cloud backup services like Microsoft One Drive

@Samson-Moetaesi Samson, do you have a Windows 10? Assuming you do here are a couple of options as it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

1- If you are just trying to protect your local personal files that you have two options:

File History - this will keep copies of your the files on an external device such as a USB drive
Path = Window Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Back up using File History

You can see the libraries (folder locations) that will be saved/backed up to the external device with the ability to include additional folders as well

2- You can protect your local personal files with a cloud-based solutions such as @Ryan-Earls suggested with Microsoft
OneDrive
Path = Path = Window Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Back up files to OneDrive

This requires you to create a Microsoft account and has that benefit of being available on any Windows 10 machine just by signing into your MS account

These two options will only allow for a backup of your personal files the system files and Windows will NOT be backed up.
If you want a complete bit-by-bit image backup of the entire drive (personal files, Windows, system files....etc) that can be applied to a replacement drive in the case of a drive failure. When you apply the image to the new drive you will have a working Windows 10 OS with your personal files restored. Two options here:

1- The Windows Backup and Restore tool
Path = Path = Window Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Looking for an older backup? > Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

This will take you to the classic Control Panel > Backup and Restore. On the left hand side at the top 
there are two hyperlinks, one that allows you to "Create a system image" and "Create a system repair disc". 

This image will be the bit-by-bit backup file that can be used in combination with a "repair disc" to restore 
the entire OS (personal files included). So be sure to create BOTH

2 - Create a recovery drive
Path = Path = Window Settings > Search for "Recovery Drive"

This will trigger the User Account Control so you will have to be an administrator on the computer

When you click "Yes" to the UAC you will be taken into the "Recovery Drive" Wizard. Follow the prompts and you will create a recovery drive that can be used to restore your Windows 10 OS to the moment in time that you created the drive. 
Be sure to include the "Back up system files to the recovery drive" check mark to restore your OS fully

Here is the final option

Reset this PC
Path = Path = Window Settings > Update & Security > Recovery> Reset this PC

Click the "Get started button" and you will have two options and they are self explanatory

If you want to keep your personal files then choose the upper option
If you want to erase everything and start over with a clean installation of Windows choose the lower option

I hope this helps and happy backing up!

Yes and within minutes I knew what to do.