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Restoring data from Windows Server 16 Essentials Backup on a Windows 11 Client does not work

Marc Bruno Wehrli 20 Reputation points
2024-09-10T20:17:27.92+00:00

I have recently integrated a Windows 11 Client in my Domain which is managed by a server running Windows Server 16 Essentials. The Backup works, but the Dashboard would not recognize whether the Client is online or offline.

Restoring data from the Backup does not work. After some time the following message appears:

The restore process did not succeed

Cannot initiate the restore process

Make sure that all services are running on the computer to which you want to restore files or folders, and then try again.

While restoring on Windows 11 Client does not work, it works perfectly with my Windows 10 Client.

What kind of Services do I have to check on the Windows 11 Client?

Are you sure Windows Server 16 Essentials co-operates perfectly with Windows 11 Clients?

Windows Server Backup
Windows Server Backup
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Backup: A duplicate copy of a program, a disk, or data, made either for archiving purposes or for safeguarding valuable files from loss should the active copy be damaged or destroyed.
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Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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Accepted answer
  1. James Bisiar 165 Reputation points
    2024-09-10T20:57:51.9133333+00:00

    While Windows Server 2016 Essentials was designed to work with Windows 10 clients, compatibility with Windows 11 may require some additional adjustments.

    1. Services to Check on Windows 11 Client

    Ensure the following services are running on your Windows 11 client, as they are essential for proper integration with Windows Server Essentials:

    a. Windows Server Essentials Client Computer Backup Service

    • This is the core service that manages the backup process between the server and the client. Ensure this service is running.
      • To check, open Services (services.msc) and locate this service, then make sure it's running and set to Automatic.

    b. Windows Server Essentials Management Service

    • This service helps manage the communication between the client and the Essentials server, including reporting online/offline status. Ensure this service is also running and set to Automatic.

    c. Volume Shadow Copy (VSS)

    • The Volume Shadow Copy service must be running for the restore process to succeed. It is responsible for creating backups and snapshots of your files.
      • Ensure that this service is set to Automatic and running.

    d. Windows Backup Service

    • This service is essential for handling backup and restore processes. Verify that it’s running.

    2. Windows Server 2016 Essentials Compatibility with Windows 11

    While Windows Server 2016 Essentials wasn't explicitly designed with Windows 11 in mind, there is some degree of compatibility. However, since Windows 11 was released well after Windows Server 2016, there might be compatibility gaps that are causing the issues you're encountering, especially with the Dashboard not recognizing the client as online and the backup restore failures.

    3. Workarounds for Compatibility Issues

    Here are a few workarounds you can try to address compatibility issues between Windows Server 2016 Essentials and Windows 11:

    a. Ensure Latest Updates and Drivers

    • Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Make sure the server is fully updated with the latest Windows Server updates and hotfixes. Some updates may have improved compatibility with newer clients like Windows 11.
      • Windows 11 Client: Ensure that the Windows 11 client has the latest updates and drivers installed. Compatibility issues could stem from outdated software.

    b. Reinstall the Windows Server Essentials Connector

    • Uninstall the Windows Server Essentials Connector from the Windows 11 client and reinstall it to refresh the connection between the client and the server.
      • After reinstalling, see if the Dashboard recognizes the client as online and if the backup/restore processes work as expected.

    c. Manually Start Backup Services

    • You can attempt to manually start the backup services by initiating the backup process from the Windows Server Essentials Dashboard. Sometimes, the backup service might fail to start automatically on Windows 11 clients.

    d. Check Firewall/Network Configurations

    • Ensure that the Windows Firewall or any third-party firewall on the Windows 11 client isn’t blocking communication between the server and client.
      • You might need to allow specific ports used by the Essentials server, like port 65520–65530 for backup and restore functionality.

    4. Consider Upgrading the Server OS

    Since Windows Server 2016 Essentials was designed before the release of Windows 11, you may run into ongoing compatibility issues that cannot be fully resolved. If possible, consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows Server that has official support for Windows 11 clients, such as Windows Server 2022 Essentials.

    Summary of Steps:

    1. Ensure essential services (Client Backup, Management, VSS) are running on the Windows 11 client.
    2. Check for updates on both the server and the Windows 11 client.
    3. Reinstall the Windows Server Essentials Connector on the Windows 11 machine.
    4. Verify network configurations to ensure that nothing is blocking communication.
    5. If issues persist, consider upgrading your server OS for full Windows 11 compatibility.

    Please let me know if you'd like more specific details on any of these solutions.

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