How Can I Backup Windows Before Installing Linux?
Asked by
CuriousCat99
Hey everyone! I'm new here and could really use some advice. I just picked up a used Thinkpad T14s that has Windows 11 installed. I'm looking to wipe it and install Linux, but I want to back up Windows onto a USB just in case I need to reinstall it later. I think it's a licensed version, but I'm not quite sure. The tricky part is that I'm a bit lost when it comes to the terminology around backing things up—things like backups, system images, and all that jargon just makes me more confused each time I read about it. Can someone help me figure out the best way to go about this? Thanks a lot!
Answers
If you're looking to back up your Windows installation, a full system image is probably what you need. Just so you know, making a full image copy can require quite a bit of space—around 32GB should suffice. However, this process isn't strictly related to Linux, so doing it with a Windows-centric tool might be your best bet. Check out Hiren's BootCD for some useful functionalities! Ultimately, another option could be to keep Windows intact on your device and just boot Linux from a USB. Try using Ventoy to test various Linux distributions without removing Windows right away; it’s a great way to explore before fully committing! Good luck!
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LinuxExplorer88: Totally agree! Taking it step by step will save you a lot of hassle. Just playing with Linux in live mode can give you a better feel before you make any permanent changes.