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How to Set Up Automatic Backups on a Windows VPS

PostedApril 9, 2025
UpdatedApril 9, 2025
ByServers9

Backing up your Windows VPS isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Whether you’re hosting critical websites, running trading bots, or storing important files, automated backups protect you from data loss due to system crashes, mistakes, or cyberattacks.

This guide walks you through how to set up automatic backups on your Windows VPS using built-in tools and alternative options.

🔹 Why You Need Automatic Backups

  • ✅ Prevent data loss from system errors or crashes
  • ✅ Quickly restore to a working state after failed updates
  • ✅ Protect yourself from ransomware or accidental file deletion
  • ✅ Peace of mind—set it and forget it!

🔸 Option 1: Use Windows Server Backup (Built-In Tool)

✅ Best for full server or system state backups
📝 Available in Windows Server editions (2012, 2016, 2019, 2022)

Step 1: Install Windows Server Backup

  1. Open Server Manager
  2. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features
  3. Under Features, check Windows Server Backup
  4. Click Next > Install

Step 2: Set Up a Backup Schedule

  1. Open Windows Server Backup from the Start menu.
  2. Click Backup Schedule in the right-hand pane.
  3. Choose:
    • Full server (recommended)
    • Custom (if you want to back up only specific files or folders)
  4. Choose the backup time(s) (e.g., daily at 2 AM).
  5. Select the destination:
    • External disk (mounted volume or second drive)
    • Network share (e.g., a file server or NAS)
  6. Confirm and finish setup.

💡 Make sure the destination has enough free space and isn’t on the same disk as the VPS.

🔸 Option 2: Use File History or Robocopy for Custom Backups

✅ Best for backing up user folders or specific files/folders on a VPS
🧠 Use Task Scheduler to automate the process

Method A: Use File History (Windows 10/11 VPS)

  1. Go to: Settings > Update & Security > Backup
  2. Click Add a drive, and choose your backup drive
  3. Click More options to set frequency and retention
  4. Choose folders to include

Method B: Use Robocopy with Task Scheduler

Step 1: Create a backup script

Create a .bat file like:

robocopy C:\ImportantFiles D:\Backups\DailyBackup /MIR /LOG:C:\Logs\backup.log

Step 2: Automate with Task Scheduler

  1. Open Task Scheduler
  2. Create a Basic Task
  3. Set a daily schedule
  4. Under Action, choose “Start a program” and browse to your .bat file
  5. Finish the wizard

🔸 Option 3: Use Third-Party Backup Tools

There are reliable tools that make VPS backups easy and cloud-enabled:

ToolFeatures
Veeam Agent for Windows (Free)File-level and image backups, cloud destinations
Acronis Cyber ProtectAdvanced backup + anti-malware
Macrium ReflectDisk imaging and scheduled backup support
R1Soft (Idera)Continuous backups, ideal for hosting providers

☁️ Some providers also offer snapshots or full VPS-level backups directly through their dashboard. Be sure to check!

🔐 Security Tips for Backups

  • ✅ Always encrypt sensitive backup files
  • ✅ Store backups off-site or in the cloud (e.g., AWS S3, Google Drive, Backblaze)
  • ✅ Test your restore process regularly
  • ✅ Don’t forget to back up databases, configs, and cron jobs if applicable

🛠️ Troubleshooting

  • Scheduled backups not running?
    • Check that Task Scheduler is working and the script path is correct
  • Backup failed due to space?
    • Clear old versions or increase backup destination size
  • Slow backup speed?
    • Compress files before backup or back up only critical data

Automatic backups are your safety net. A few minutes of setup can save hours—or even days—of recovery time. Whether you use Windows’ built-in tools or third-party software, just make sure you’re backing up consistently and securely.

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