Modern versions of Windows still contain a lot of old code, and Microsoft generally tries to hide outdated parts, like the Control Panel, in favor of more modern components. However, there are some interesting exceptions.
In a new support document discovered by Deskmodder, Microsoft makes recommendations for the backup and restore options available to Windows 10 and 11 users. In addition to recently introduced tools, like the Windows Backup app, Microsoft also recommends "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)," a tool that was introduced more than 15 years ago as part of the new Windows 7 experience.
It's odd to see Microsoft still recommending this utility without any specific warning or explanation. The Redmond company actually discontinued "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" on Windows 10 version 1709 more than seven years ago. The official documentation clearly and simply states: "For full-disk backup solutions, look for a third-party product from another software publisher." Microsoft has kept the tool around ever since, allowing users on older versions of Windows to restore their systems to newer versions.
If you need the ultimate backup solution for your PC, you’d better stay away from the old Backup and Restore feature. Microsoft has long since discontinued it, and its reliability and effectiveness on modern versions of Windows are now really questionable. There’s definitely something wrong with it, as even Microsoft itself says to look for another solution.
Also, keep in mind that the other options listed in the support document don’t let you create a full system backup. Windows Backup can only protect some of your files, settings, and installed apps. File History stores files on an external or network drive, and System Protection can only create restore points, not full drive backups, despite its similar name and location in the Control Panel.
At this point, a third-party solution is a necessity. As for the support documentation, Microsoft should probably adjust it to at least warn users that the "Backup and Restore" feature is outdated and not the best option to consider.
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