Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsNo—not automatically. To make a Windows installation restorable, use Macrium Reflect’s option to image the partitions required to back up and restore Windows, then check what it selected. Add separate data partitions if you want their contents recoverable from this image. Select every disk only when your goal is to protect every disk, not just Windows.
Which partitions should a Windows image include?
In Reflect X, choose “Create an image of the partition(s) required to backup and restore Windows”. Macrium says this task opens with the system partitions it identifies preselected; its Windows logo marks partitions required by the operating system. Inspect the list before starting the backup, because partition layouts and boot configurations differ between computers.
A Windows image is not necessarily just a copy of C:. On UEFI/GPT systems, Macrium describes the EFI System Partition as containing the boot loader, while Windows RE Tools provides startup-repair options and stores the Windows recovery environment image. The Windows partition contains the operating system, and the Microsoft Reserved Partition is reserved for Microsoft data structures. See Macrium’s Windows partition reference for these roles.
Choose based on what you need to recover
| Recovery goal | Reflect selection |
|---|---|
| Restore Windows to a working state | Use the task for partitions required to back up and restore Windows; check the preselected system partitions. |
| Restore a separate data volume from this image | Add that data partition if you want its contents recoverable through this image. |
| Protect every disk on the computer | Choose the all-disk imaging path and verify which disks and partitions are selected. |
Macrium distinguishes imaging the operating system, a selected data partition, or every disk. The Windows system-image task is not the same as selecting every partition on every connected disk. Its guidance is to decide what the image should include before creating it.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Do you need the EFI and recovery partitions?
EFI System Partition
On UEFI/GPT systems, the EFI System Partition holds the boot loader. It is part of the system-partition selection to review when creating an image for Windows recovery.
Windows RE Tools
This partition provides Windows startup-repair options and stores the recovery environment image. Reflect may identify it among the partitions needed for Windows backup and restore.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Microsoft Reserved Partition
Macrium describes the MSR as reserved for Microsoft data structures. Do not confuse it with the EFI partition: the partition reference does not describe the MSR as holding the Windows boot loader.
Manufacturer recovery partition
Some computers have an additional manufacturer recovery image partition. Whether to include it depends on whether you want that manufacturer recovery option preserved; Macrium’s documentation does not establish it as necessary for a standard Windows image restore.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Check the selection before running the image
- In Reflect X, open the disk-imaging task for “Create an image of the partition(s) required to backup and restore Windows.”
- Review the listed partitions and the Windows-logo indicators rather than assuming your PC has a standard layout.
- Add any separate data partitions whose contents you want recoverable from this image, or choose the all-disk path if you intend to image every disk.
- Choose a supported destination for the image files. Macrium’s older disk-imaging overview lists removable USB storage as a possible medium; its v5 overview is general context, not current Reflect X interface guidance.
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