Windows backup not working, failed or did not complete successfully

If your Windows 11/10 backup did not complete successfully and fails to complete, then one of these suggestions is sure to help you: Let’s describe these methods one by one.

1] Delete or move the WindowsImageBackup folder files

Sometimes, Windows cannot create a system backup due to the previously stored system backup files. This problem can be fixed by either deleting the previous system backup files or moving them to another folder. In my opinion, moving the previous system backup files to another folder is a better choice than deleting them.

2] Delete Recovery Partition and EFI System Partition

Sometimes, when you install Windows 11/10 on a new hard drive or upgrade to Windows 11/10, some partitions from the previous Windows version might be left on your system. These partitions can cause system backup to fail. Such an issue can be solved by deleting the Recovery partition and EFI system partition.

Follow the below-listed instructions to delete these partitions: Did it help? If not, try the next solution.

3] Check the disk for errors and bad sectors

Sometimes disk errors may also cause Windows 10 backup to fail. Hence, checking the disks for errors and bad sectors can help. For this, you have to use the ChkDsk /r parameter. The /r parameter repairs not only the errors but also the bad sectors on the selected disk. chkdsk /r X: Replace the letter X in the above command with your drive letter. By using this command, you can check all the disks one by one. You will get the following message if the disk is currently in use, which most probably happens when a user scans the C drive. On getting this message, simply type Y and press Enter. Your computer will automatically scan the disk with the ChkDsk utility on the next restart.

4] Assign a new drive letter for System Reserved Partition and set it active

Try to assign a new drive letter to the System Reserved Partition on an MBR disk. After that, you have to set it as active. To do so, open the Command Prompt as an Administrator and follow the below instructions: Hope this helps.

5] Disable System Protection and delete the previously created system restore points

Sometimes, disabling the System Protection and deleting the previously created system restore points can help fix Windows 10 backup failure issue.

Following instructions will guide you on how to do this: Repeat these steps to delete the system restore points on different hard drives.

6] Recreate a new partition

If Windows is not able to create a backup on a particular partition, try to create a new partition for Windows 10 backup and see if the issue gets fixed. You can use the Disk Management tool to create new partitions.

7] Update Windows File History

File History is a Windows built-in backup tool. After creating a backup, Windows automatically updates the File History status. One of the reasons for the Windows 11/10 backup failure is the out-of-date File History. Open the Settings app and check whether the File History status is updating after a backup or not.

Why does my Windows backup not working?

There can be many reasons why your Windows backup is not working. If your system files are corrupted, Windows backup will not work. Another cause is disk errors. Disk errors can be fixed easily by using the Chkdsk utility. Sometimes, previously stored system backup files cause Windows backup to fail.

How do I fix error code 0x81000033?

The backup error code 0x81000033 in Windows 11/10 occurs due to several causes like outdated drivers, installation of too many language packs, disabled System Protection, etc. To fix this error, first, free up space on your system using the Disk Cleanup utility. If this does not help, update your drivers, and repair your system files and disk. We hope, this post helped you solve the issue.

These posts offer specific help:

System Image backup failed with error code – 0x80780172 | 0x807800A1, 0x800423F3 | 0x807800C5, 0x8078004F | 0x80780038 | 0x807800C5, 0xC03A0005 | 0x807800C5,  0x80070020 |  0x807800C5, 0x80780081. Windows backup failed with error code – 0x80780119 | 0x8078011E | 0x8078012D | 0x8100002F | 0x800700E1 | 0x81000019 | 0x80070716 | 0x80070001, 0x81000037, 0x80070003 | 0x80080005 | 0x80004005 | 0x81000038 | 0x81000015 | 0x80780166 (0x80070002).