---
title: "System State Backup"
canonical: "https://support.soteria-cloud.co.za/space/SCKB/50659330/System%20State%20Backup"
format: markdown
---
## Overview

System state backup is available for machines running Windows 7 or later with Agent for Windows installed. System state backup is **not available** for virtual machines backed up at the hypervisor level (agentless backup).

## What is Included in System State Backup

A system state backup comprises the following components:

- Task scheduler configuration
- VSS Metadata Store
- Performance counter configuration information
- MSSearch Service
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- The registry
- Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
- Component Services Class registration database

## How to Back Up System State

To back up system state:

1. In the backup plan configuration, under **What to back up**, select **System state**
2. Configure the backup schedule and retention settings
3. Save and run the backup plan

## How to Recover System State

> ❌ **Important:** System state backup recovery is **ONLY** available via the Cyber Protect web console.

### Recovery Steps

1. Select the machine for which you want to recover the system state
2. Click **Recovery**
3. Select a system state recovery point (note that recovery points are filtered by location)
4. Click **Recover system state**
5. Confirm that you want to overwrite the system state with its backed-up version

You can check the recovery progress in the Cyber Protect console on the **Activities** tab.

> ℹ️ System state recovery will overwrite the current system state. Ensure you have selected the correct recovery point before proceeding.