Which backup method is typically the fastest for performing backups?

The fastest method for performing backups is the incremental backup. This technique involves saving only the data that has changed since the last backup, whether that last backup was a full backup or an incremental one. Because it focuses solely on the new or modified files, it requires significantly less time and resources than taking a full backup of all data.

In contrast, a full backup captures all specified files and data in their entirety every time, which can be time-consuming, especially for large data sets. Differential backups, while more efficient than full backups, still require backing up all changes made since the last full backup. Mirror backups create an exact copy of the source data at the time of backup, which can also be time-intensive due to the need to replicate everything.

Therefore, among the different methods, incremental backups stand out as the quickest option for executing backups while conserving storage space and minimizing backup window time.