6 ways to fix the error can't backup files on Windows PC

Backing up important files is essential for checking and storing important system files or personal data to protect you from data problems.

There can be many causes of backup problems and the article will try to look at all of them. Let's look at the best ways to troubleshoot your backups on Windows.

Reasons for not backing up files on Windows

Like anything in technology, you can experience backup failures for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of them:

1. Not enough disk space : This cause is very common. If you have little or no free space, you will definitely get one error or another.
2. Hardware problem : If the hardware you're trying to back up your files with is damaged - whether it's your USB or your drive driver itself - then you definitely need to do a quick backup.
3. Corrupt system files : Your system files are important to many things on Windows. When it comes to backups, they're responsible for everything from managing drive operations to performing essential functions like creating, copying, and moving files.
4. Malware : Do you suspect malware on your PC? If that's the case, then it's no wonder you might not be able to perform a bunch of important Windows functions, performing a regular Windows backup being one of them.

How to fix backup errors on Windows PC

While the points outlined above can be the main reason why you're having problems with your backup, it's not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause. The article has gathered a series of fixes to help you get rid of the complicated Windows backup problem that can cause many serious problems for you.

1. Hardware test

Sometimes it's not uncommon to experience hardware problems on your Windows. If that's the case with your hard drive, USB, or wherever you're trying to create your backup, you're bound to get a backup failure.

2. Check file system

System files are specific files or applications that your Windows relies on to perform basic functions and other essential tasks. As discussed in the file system tutorial, a corrupted file system can lead to many problems, such as faulty applications and other software or hardware failures.

So, if you suspect your system files need cleaning, you should check out the instructions for cleaning system file errors above. The guide has covered all possible methods that can help you restore your system files back to normal.

However, don't panic if this doesn't fix your Windows backup problems; Switch to the method below and see if changing the backup settings helps.

3. Check backup settings

The simplest solutions are often overlooked. Before you perform any complicated fixes, the article recommends that you try this simple workaround: Check backup settings.

If you haven't looked at your settings in a while, and especially your backup settings, now might be a good time to do so.

To check backup settings on Windows 11, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the search bar in the Start menu, type settings and select the best match.
2. Go to Accounts > Windows backup .
3. Once inside, you can change the following settings from there:
   
   1. OneDrive folder sync
   2. Application List
   3. Application options

The method on Windows 10 is a bit different. Here's how to do it:

1. Go to the search bar in the Start menu, type settings and select the best match. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.
2. Select Accounts > Sync your settings .

From here, choose your settings, such as language preferences, color themes, etc.

Reset all settings here and see if this affects your PC backup.

4. Scan for Malware

A malware attack can do anything to your PC. Makes you inaccessible to files, steals sensitive information, and in this case prevents you from making your backups. Go through TipsMake's malware removal guide and get rid of malware that can cause backup problems on your Windows PC.

5. Check backup storage

If your storage space is full, it is understandable to encounter backup errors. Whether it is full due to previous backups, system restore, or some other related reason (such as drive failure), unless you eliminate the underlying cause first, you may will not be able to continue with the backup.

Go through this short guide on how to free up storage space on Windows and get your storage back. Once your storage is back to normal, or if there's no problem with it, have a quick read of the Windows backup guide to learn about the best backup methods at your fingertips.

6. Restore factory settings

If none of the above methods worked, then a complete reset of Windows is your last hope. When you're done, the PC should be back to working as it should.

Samuel Daniel

Update 27 June 2023