How to Back up Files in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10? 2 Ways! - MiniTool

This guide explains how to back up files in Windows Safe Mode and offers alternatives if Safe Mode is inaccessible.

Backing Up Files in Safe Mode:

While many backup programs are incompatible with Safe Mode, manual methods remain effective. The simplest approach is to use the built-in copy-and-paste functionality. Connect an external drive, select the files you need, copy them, and paste them onto your external storage.

For a more comprehensive backup, the robocopy command-line tool provides a robust solution. For example, to copy everything from drive F: to drive G:, open an elevated command prompt and execute: robocopy f:\\ g:\\ /e. Note that Windows Backup (wbadmin) may not function in Safe Mode.

Accessing Safe Mode:

To enter Safe Mode, restart your computer and repeatedly press a key (often F8 or Shift F8) during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. Alternatively, use a Windows recovery drive. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart to select Safe Mode.

Backing Up Files When Safe Mode is Unavailable:

If Safe Mode is inaccessible, consider using a bootable backup solution like MiniTool ShadowMaker. Create a bootable recovery drive on a working computer using the Media Builder tool. This allows you to boot from the drive, bypassing the operating system issues preventing Safe Mode access, and perform a backup.

Conclusion:

Several methods exist for backing up files, even in challenging situations. The copy-and-paste method offers simplicity, while robocopy provides a command-line alternative for more comprehensive backups within Safe Mode. For situations where Safe Mode is unavailable, a bootable backup solution like MiniTool ShadowMaker offers a reliable solution. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical proficiency.

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