Windows 10 system image quadruple the size of system

Hi everyone,

There seems to be a lot of these kinds of questions on the net but none have very satisfying answers, and I was hoping someone out there can help.

I'm trying to create a backup system image using the Backup and Restore function in Windows 10. While going through the backup wizard, it says it will use about 14 GB of space but ends up using around 60 GB. I have tried this twice with the same results.

Here are some things you may want to know:
- system size 13.3 GB out of 250 SSD (only system drive, data on second drive)
- did not checkbox data drive to be included in backup (final sizes wouldn't match anyway, data drive too big)
- tried deleting and creating new volume on drive, then creating image but still the same
- have the very latest Windows 10 Home updates

If I delete the newly-created Windows Backup folder, there is still 45 GB left on the new, backup drive, yet the drive is empty. Even showing hidden files and folders doesn't reveal anything.

I have done this image backup numerous times on the same system - what is essentially the same basic installation of Windows 10. Except this time, this system drive has the latest updates.

Anyone else experiencing this or know what's happening?

Regulars on this forum generally recommend use of Macrium Reflect Free as their image backup tool of choice. It is far superior (faster, small images, very reliable, easy to use etc.). Many guides on web and youtube.

Seconded. Periodically people report obscure problems related to the very basic Windows Backup and Restore. You just don't want your backup process to be unreliable. Go 3rd party.

Thanks for the reply.

Are there any limitations in Macrium Reflect Free? While I was researching backup programs a while back, I feel like there was something I didn't like about it from other people's descriptions. I can't remember. Are there ads in it since it's free?

Thanks for the reply.

Are there any limitations in Macrium Reflect Free? While I was researching backup programs a while back, I feel like there was something I didn't like about it from other people's descriptions. I can't remember. Are there ads in it since it's free?

No it is ad free. (imo) To quote Tina T. "Simply the best, better than all the rest".

See results of recent poll.


Solved Tell your backup software, win Macrium Reflect Home license! - Page 7 - Windows 10 blog

OK, thanks. I'll try it out.

OK, thanks. I'll try it out.

I second that MR is the best and the free version is more than adequate for most users.