Confused about backups in Windows 11 - (windows 7 backup & file history)

[metropole]

I run into an issue with "file history" which caused me to look into backup settings. The whole system was on autopilot backing up though file history to a network drive.

It looks like I have two options to do backup in Windows 11?
1.) Windows 7 backup
2.) File history.

Is this correct? (I don't want to backup the cloud)

2.) is doing daily backups - forever. So, I imagine I have each file backed up and if it changes all versions forever
1.) can also be scheduled.

Questions:
a.) what should I use for file/data backup?
b.) what for a system backup. I don't think I need this on a regular basis.

 

[kydsid]

One answer, Veeam

 

[Kardonxt]

Windows 7 backup has not worked properly for many years. I didn't even know it was still included in Windows 11.

I believe File History's default retention policy is to backup any changed files every hour and to retain them forever. You can verify or adjust this in advanced settings https://pureinfotech.com/create-file-backup-file-history-windows-11/

If that doesn't meet your needs I second the free "community" version of Veeam. Backblaze is also a cheap cloud based option if cost is your concern and it's not a tinfoil hat thing.