Does creating a system image backup my updates and drivers I have?

[ahawkua]

I backed up my windows files (windows 7) from the backup and restore program. Does this also backup my updates for windows and driver updates I've installed? Does a system do this as well?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I backed up my windows files (windows 7) from the backup and restore program. Does this also backup my updates for windows and driver updates I've installed? Does a system do this as well?

If you made an image of a partition, the image will contain everything in that partition---drivers, update files, pictures of your cat, and whatever else there may be on the partition.

If you did NOT make an image, then it's hard to say what you backed up without more information.

 

[ahawkua]

Ok so how do I do an image of the partition?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Ok so how do I do an image of the partition?

You may have already made an image. I don't know because I don't use Windows Backup and Restore---which I assume is what you used. I believe it can make an image but I don't think it always makes an image. It's a bit tricky and fussy, which is why I don't use it.

There are other imaging programs that are easier to understand and use. I use Macrium, but others include Aomei Backupper, Acronis, EaseUS, etc.

"Back up" can mean a number of things, so it's never clear what someone means when they use the term.

 

[mjf]

Windows has 2 different backup capabilities. One is a file/folder backup that basically just backs up things like your documents,photos, music, desktop etc but not the OS or installed programs. The other is system images which are a snapshot of everything needed to effectively replace your whole OS partition even to a new HDD. I recommend you separate the 2 functions by selecting "Let me choose" in the backup configuration and untick the system image box but leave everything else at the default settings. To make an image use the "create a system image" button on the left in the backup and restore window. For more details on creating and restoring images see the tutorial section.

Having said all this I strongly recommend (free) Macrium Reflect for system images.