Computer Imaging: Image A Computer with Step-by-Step Guide

PAGE CONTENT:

1. An Overview of Computer Imaging: Things You Need to Know
2. How to Image A Computer Easily: 2 Options
3. The Bottom Line
4. FAQ on Computer Imaging

computer imaging

An Overview of Computer Imaging: Things You Need to Know

Computer imaging is technically a process of copying all the data, including the operating systems, applications, and settings, to other targeting computers.

This process is also called "cloning", but the idea behind it is still the same. You can quickly deploy software and configurations on multiple computers at once for more effective management by imaging a computer. Computer imaging can also be used as a backup method, which can be critical and helpful in case of system failure. You can restore image to a different computer that works well with almost zero downtime.

How to Image A Computer Easily: 2 Options

To create a Windows computer image, two ways are available. The first method is using the Windows built-in imaging tool, Backup and Restore(Windows 7), to create a system image. The other option is using a third-party computer imaging software called Qiling Backup Home, which is more powerful and flexible than the Windows built-in feature. Using this tool, you can realize automatic backup without the trouble of manual operation every time. At the same time, it can guarantee that no data will be lost during the backup process.

Now, we will demonstrate the two methods step by step to ensure that you can create a computer image accurately. Here we go:

Option 1: Image A Computer with Backup and Restore(Windows 7)

Backup and Restore feature allows users to create a system image on an internal or external hard drive.

 Tip: It is suggested that you store the system image on an external device to avoid computer crashes or viruses. Make sure you follow each step correctly to create a system image backup.

Follow the steps below to image a computer with Backup and Restore:

Step 1. Prepare an external hard drive with enough storage space, and connect your backup drive to the computer.

Step 2. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 3. Click the "Create a system image" in the left pane.

create a system image

Step 4. Select a specific location(internal or external drive) where you want to save the backup computer image, and click Next. Step 5. Then choose and check all drivers that you want to include in the backup, and click Next.

select a backup location

Step 6. Now, tap the "Start Backup" button, and wait for the system imaging process to finish.

Option 2: Image A Computer with Qiling Backup Home

Qiling Backup Home is an award-winning backup and recovery software that can easily create system images for your Windows computers. Compared with Backup and Restore, it is more flexible and has various types of backup, allowing you to customize backup plans as needed.

You only need to do a few simple clicks to create a computer image with Qiling Backup without losing any data. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Furthermore, you can save the image to multiple locations, like internal & external hard drives, Cloud service, NAS, or security zone, to ensure the security of your data.

It also owns these features for you to use it with confidence:

Scheduled backup daily, weekly, monthly, etc.
Incremental & differential backup
System clone & disk clone
Create backups for files, folders, disks, partitions, systems, and emails
Universal Restore
Create a WinPE bootable disk
Safe & compress backup
Transfer system to different computers
Email notification

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Now, follow the steps below to image a computer with Qiling Backup Home:

Step 1. Start with clicking the Disk/partition backup button.

Step 2. It is available to back up a whole disk or a certain partition. Choose the one you need.

Step 3. Select the destination where you want to save the backup.

Step 4. For disk/partition backup, you can choose to save the backup to local drive or to NAS.

Step 5. After the backup process is completed, your task will be displayed at the left. Click any one of the task, you can further manage your backup such as recover it, create incremental backup, etc.

The Bottom Line

Computer imaging can be a helpful tool for system administrators and end-users who need to back up their data or deploy software on multiple computers simultaneously. Both Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and Qiling Backup Home effectively image your computer.

Nevertheless, we recommend Qiling Backup Home strongly because it is safer and more reliable than Windows Backup and Restore in many aspects. It also provides more backup options to make daily backup easier.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

FAQ on Computer Imaging

1. What does imaging mean on a computer?

Imaging a computer means taking an exact copy of the current system, including the operating system, applications, and settings, and storing it on another target computer. This is usually done to quickly deploy software and configurations on multiple computers at once for more effective management.

2. What is computer imaging software?

Computer imaging software allows users to quickly create an exact copy of their system, including the operating system, applications, and settings. It is more reliable and safer than manually creating a system image.

3. How do I image a computer?

You can use both Windows Backup and Restore (for Windows 7) or Qiling Backup Home to image your computer. Follow the guide in this article to create a system image on either program.