Back up my Windows PC through Docker server: is it possible?

[DeadnightWarrior]

OK, I know the title could be a little confusing so let me explain a little bit.

This is what I've got on hand:

- my Windows 10 main PC.

- a Synology NAS which is too weak to handle anything but storage.

- a miniPC with which I'm starting to tinker with Linux and Docker. It currently runs Ubuntu Server 22.04LTS without a GUI and has an FTP server and the Docker engine enabled. I usually manage it via SSH only.

All of them are of course connected to my home network and to the internet.

Please note I don't have a cloud storage subscription big enough to handle a full system backup.

 

What I would like to do:

- Set up a Docker container to run a 24/7 backup server.

- Use my Windows PC as source

- Store incremental backup images of my Windows PC on the NAS.

- Manage all of this via a web interface.

 

Basically, I'd like to have a "flow" like this:
WIN10 -> Docker -> NAS

 

DISCLAIMER:

- I'm no Linux expert and I'm just starting to learn a bit about Docker.

- I tried searching for this kind of solution but I always seem to end up finding ways to backup Docker itself and not a "remote" system.

 

Is it even possible to do what I'm trying to achieve?

Thanks to everyone who'll want to leave a suggestion!

[Remarkable_Day]

I have used urbackup for a long old while and it has never let me down.

 

You get an agent to install on the remote PC(s) (supports windows / linux, maybe even macos) - and a server to install, on windows, linux, or their official docker container: here

 

I have not used the docker version, but have a few deployments on linux hosts, very easy setup and configuration. There is a live ISO available for restoring complete systems, so an image does not need to be restored manually using other tools in case of failure.

 

WebUI shows all clients, and you can manually force a backup from within there.

 

Additionally to backing up system images, it supports backing up of file structures, which you can traverse and restore directly from the WebUI (or even download as a ZIP).

 

One note; if you are backing up just one client, wouldn't it be easier to install backup software on the windows PC itself? With the destination target being a share on the NAS (no extra work for the NAS aside from data processing). Something like macrium reflect.

[wseaton]

All backup methods require an agent inside the OS. Doesnt matter if its a VM or not.

 

Easier just to run Macrium Reflect in windows and point it at your store location. 

[DeadnightWarrior]

I know that running a backup agent on my PC would be much easier, but backing up my system would be one of at least 3 tasks I'd like to use Docker for.

As I mentioned, I'm just starting to learn a bit about Docker and my aim is to turn that mini pc in a home server, to initially handle backups, DNS (PiHole and such) and media streaming (i.e. Plex) and then maybe expand with other services.

It's basically meant to be my "Docker & LInux school", so to speak.

[Nick7]

For backing up Windows you are better of using Macrium Reflect, or Veeam (free edition supports incremental backups).

This way, you can easily also restore whole drive in case of drive failure on your PC.

 

Way you want to do it is generally for file level backup, which is not same as image backup.

 

Don't over-complicate things where where is no necessity for. You know the saying - don't fix it if it ain't broken.