> 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

Learn how to create a disk image backup with Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive.

**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, <kbd>XoperoBackups</kbd>).
{% 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) and follow the on-screen instructions.
{% endstep %}

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

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FXx3iBNfbAEWTD2Q4CgEo%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=7106367e-3d26-4a14-a307-687648b4debc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FAhoKYSeHGcWJIdAw4E4d%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a1cc397c-67fd-4204-97b6-d7e6294ad6aa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

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

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FmhNhZWaXuhSXYDdsqRr4%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4350bb77-795c-47bb-9fdf-b9aeb2e4a8ba" 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="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FVzf44c14b1Qh33RTMWH9%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f7b5cdf9-b831-4d7a-b4b5-bce9e73e5602" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The wizard will display the available disks on the connected computer. Select the disk you want to back up, then click **Next**.

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2Fa47vrDDGDGoHot7nLyDn%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=2ec68fdb-eabb-474c-b6de-17d1286b4728" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Configure the backup settings.

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

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2Fm3RdO732a7ohVA6vKbmP%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=dc3a1fda-2695-46b8-9cb0-eb17572b9d42" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Next, depending on your encryption settings:

#### Backup with encryption disabled

1. Review your configuration and click **Run backup** to start the backup process.

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FOYKmZsaQkAVEKQeyOoP7%2Fobraz_2026-10-06_113823830.png?alt=media&amp;token=78d3472f-8c2a-4e3d-9535-44e4b936e789" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Backup with encryption enabled

1. Review your configuration and click **Next** to proceed.

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2Fbi9i4vVP6IMqbVRGYRBk%2Fobraz_2026-10-06_111713972.png?alt=media&amp;token=65c81efd-1484-4bec-80f1-18354f8af280" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. In **Encryption settings** window, enter the encryption key and select the key length from the drop-down menu. Then, click **Run backup** to continue.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** secures backups using AES-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) symmetric encryption mode.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
The encryption key must be at least 12 characters long and contain at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive does not store encryption keys.** Save your key in a secure location, such as an external password manager.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FRiFqSaEnfwoi42gdSi79%2Fobraz_2026-10-06_112410745.png?alt=media&amp;token=dc0da0bb-111b-4865-b569-7e0d752de8dc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Ensure that you have saved the encryption key in a secure location. In the warning dialog box, select the **I understand and have saved my key** checkbox, and then click **OK**.

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FtxelNpsJqzTBWS3S7hiL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bab942ae-6f20-44dd-9335-51dc04f19a97" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. In the next warning dialog box, review the message, select the **I understand** checkbox, and click **OK** to start the backup process.

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2F3XR3CqwaoydtuU532zJe%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e09cea6b-0b1d-4d54-a80b-ad851bdbec21" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Once the backup is complete, a confirmation message will appear. You can then close the **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent**, shut down the system, and remove the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** from your device.

<figure><img src="https://319733277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0CBTl43C3OO6ySL1DJ6k%2Fuploads%2FujUoeUkq44U44zs5dB9h%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1be8413c-d67b-4849-9f6a-ff1a62d5d764" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% 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 %}