> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/xopero-sphere-recovery-drive/backup-and-recovery/creating-a-disk-backup.md).

# Creating a disk backup

**Creating a disk backup with the Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive enables full data protection for ICS/OT systems, such as Windows Embedded, as well as various Windows and Linux versions. Image-level backups capture the entire structure of a selected drive, supporting comprehensive recovery scenarios such as bare-metal restore, disaster recovery, and system migration across different hardware environments.**

***

## Backup process

{% hint style="warning" %}
Before using the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** for the first time, connect it to a computer via USB and create a dedicated backup directory on it (for example, **XoperoBackups**).
{% endhint %}

The following steps demonstrate how to create a disk backup using the **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent**.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Start the computer using the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** (you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to select the USB device as the primary boot option). After the computer starts up, press any key when the following message appears:

![](/files/2W85cGOgD0Irs0ssQCr7)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Once the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** startup window loads, select **Xopero** and then choose **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent**.

<figure><img src="/files/wobjJXYNZo3UdI28zlz2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/fWsM6wFwbDAJqk9CsrRN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent** backup wizard, select **Protect disk** and click **Next**.

<figure><img src="/files/Q1OVhOraHlRaz3PZFsWr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Specify the location where the backup will be stored. Select the dedicated backup directory created earlier, and click **Next**.

<figure><img src="/files/jGcjVghtiA04JIyF3M8B" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the disk you want to back up, then click **Next**.

<figure><img src="/files/wAHgT0IVcTOyoDmq8awz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Configure the backup settings as needed.

{% hint style="info" %}
Backup settings allow you to define parameters such as incremental backup (if a full backup has already been created), compression, deduplication, and the number of read attempts for damaged disk sectors.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/1gnAfSfpHM77sxMlJNYV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Review your configuration and click **Run backup** to start the backup process.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Once the backup is complete, a confirmation message will appear.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Useful links and items

{% content-ref url="/pages/jcApmwvFT6Im3Xq0iCz3" %}
[Restoring a disk from backup](/xopero-one-en/xopero-sphere-recovery-drive/backup-and-recovery/restoring-a-disk-from-backup.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}