Backing up disks and partitions

As opposed to file backups, disk and partition backups contain all the data stored on the disk or partition. This backup type is usually used to create an exact copy of a system partition or the whole system disk. Such a backup allows you to recover your computer when Windows works incorrectly or cannot start.

To back up partitions or disks

1. Start Acronis True Image.
2. On the sidebar, click Backup.
3. Click Add backup.
4. [Optional] To rename the backup, click the arrow next to the backup name, click Rename, and then enter a new name.
5. Click the Backup source area, and then select Disks and partitions.

6. In the opened window, select the check boxes next to the partitions and disks that you want to back up, and then click OK.

   Virtual disks stored on the same volume as the backup source may cause snapshot creation issues and result in backup errors. Avoid this setup for a seamless backup process.

   By default, the window opens in Short partition list mode, which shows the main disks and partitions for quick selection.

   To view all partitions (including hidden/system partitions), click Full partition list.

   

   To return to the compact view, click Short partition list.

   

   To back up dynamic disks you can use only the partition mode.

7. Click the Backup destination area, and then select a destination for backup:

   • Acronis Cloud – Sign in to your account, and then click OK.

   • Your external drive – When an external drive is plugged into your computer, you can select it from the list.
   • NAS – Select an NAS from the list of found NAS devices. If you have only one NAS, Acronis True Image will suggest using it as a backup destination by default.
   • Browse – Select a destination from the folder tree.

   If possible, avoid storing your system partition backups on dynamic disks, because the system partition is recovered in the Linux environment. Linux and Windows work with dynamic disks differently. This may result in problems during recovery.

   When backing up virtual disks, verify the backup destination to ensure compatibility and performance. Cloud backups and dynamic disk configurations may exhibit limitations in detection and performance.

8. [Optional] Click Options to set the options for the backup. For more information, see Backup options.
9. [Optional] Click the Add a comment icon, and then type a comment to the backup version. Backup comments will help you to find the necessary version later when recovering your data.

10. Perform one of the following:

    • To run the backup immediately, click Back up now.
    • To run the backup later or on a schedule, click the arrow to the right of the Back up now button, and then click Later.

Backing up disks and partitions using bootable media

You can also perform disk- and partition-level backups by booting your computer from Acronis bootable media. This is useful if Windows cannot start or when you want to create a backup prior to loading the operating system.

To learn how to create such bootable media, see Creating Acronis bootable media.

To back up disks or partitions from bootable media:

1. Boot from the created media and click Backup or Back up now.
2. Select Disks and partitions as the backup source.
3. Choose a destination drive or network share. Cloud storage is available only when using WinPE- or WinRE-based media.
4. Start the backup.

For more details, see the Knowledge Base article: How to back up with Acronis bootable media.