Backup Files in Safe Mode Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (Worry-Free)  

Backup Files in Safe Mode Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (Worry-Free)


Can I Backup My Files in Safe Mode?

Safe mode is a troubleshooting feature that starts your computer with only the basic files and drivers necessary for system startup, and most of the nonessential features are disabled. It is really useful for dealing with programs and drivers that might not start correctly or prevent Windows from starting correctly. 

Thus, in this mode, you don't need to worry about any interruption or data security risks due to viruses or malware. And you can easily backup files in safe mode.

Backup Files in Safe Mode

However, most backup program does not work in this mode. How do I backup files in safe mode without using backup software? Through extensive information search, I found the "copy and paste" or wbadmin works well in file backup. And there is a possibility that you cannot access safe mode due to different reasons, in this case, try to backup hard drive without booting Windows in the Windows PE environment.

How to Backup Files in Safe Mode Step by Step 

Before backing up files in safe mode, you need to access it and then try "copy and paste" or wbadmin. And the way to get into safe mode is a little different in different systems, please check the following steps:

For Windows 7:

Start your computer, and press the F8 key repeatedly before showing the Windows logo. Then, you will see the Advanced Boot Options. From there, select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Safe Mode Command Prompt

For Windows 8/10/11: 

Enable Safe Mode

After getting into safe mode, you can try the following two ways to backup files:

Way 1: Backup File in Safe Mode with Copy and Paste

The copy and paste method are very easy to operate, you just need to connect an external storage device to the computer having trouble, then copy files you want and paste them to the connected device.

Copy

Way 2: Backup File in Safe Mode with Wbadmin

Except for copy and paste, you can use Wbadmin to backup data in safe mode. Take the example of backing up all the data saved on C: drive to F: drive, type as below: 

wbadmin Proceed -backuptarget:F: -include:C:

Note: If you do not want to be prompted to confirm, you can add “-quiet” switch to the command.

Backup Files Safe Mode Wbadmin

 Then it will show you the detail of the operation and ask for your confirmation. Just type “Y” to start backing up under Safe Mode.

Besides, you are still able to backup system drive and all the critical volumes with wbadmin start backup. Type as below and hit "Y" when you are asked to confirm the backup process.

Wbadmin Proceed -backuptarget:F: -include:C: -allcritical

What If You cannot Access Safe Mode?

Safe mode is very helpful to protect data when your computer does not work. But what if you cannot access safe mode? 

It does not matter, you can choose to create a boot repair USB and boot into Windows PE. Similarly, you can backup files in Windows 7/8/10/11. To complete this task, you need an all-in-one backup software like Qiling Disk Master Standard

Please download and install this free backup software on a working computer. For server users, try Qiling Disk Master Server

Step 1. Create a bootable USB with Qiling Disk Master.

Select Bootable Media

Step 2. Boot computer into Windows PE.

Change Boot Order

Step 3. In the Windows PE, click Backup and select File Backup.

File Backup

Step 4. Click Add Folder or Add Files to select files you want to backup. Then, select a destination path. You can backup files to external hard drive, network drive, etc. 

Add Folders Files

Step 5. Confirm you select all the files you want to backup and click Proceed to backup files without booting Windows.

★ Bonus tip: backup files to Qiling Cloud

According to the 3-2-1 backup strategy, you should have at least one copy off-site. Qiling Cloud is a good place to store your important data. After you sign up for an Qiling account, you can enjoy 1TB free storage within 15 days. To backup files to Qiling Cloud, just click Backup > Cloud Backup.

Summary

You can backup files in safe mode when your computer does not work. Also, you can backup files with bootable USB if safe mode is not accessible. By comparison, the second is widely used in all scenarios, whether you are experiencing a system crash or just want to backup files before upgrading Windows, etc.

Then, you can restore system to a working state, or perform system upgrade. And you can use it to backup files automatically for data protection. Besides, it still allows you to delete old backup image regularly to prevent backup disk full issue from the beginning. 

If you do not like an image backup, you can also clone hard drive, system partition or data partition without imaging using Qiling Disk Master Standard.

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