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Systems & Data Center · Foundational

Differential Backup

A backup that copies all data changed since the last full backup, growing each day until the next full.

Definition

Restoring requires only the last full and the most recent differential. Differentials do not reset the archive bit, so each one includes all changes since the full.

Example

Restoring Thursday's data needs Sunday's full plus Thursday's differential only.

Exam tip

Differential restores need exactly two sets: the last full and the latest differential.

Don't confuse it with

Related terms