Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose a backup method based on what you need to recover: OneDrive can keep selected folders in the cloud, File History can save files to an external drive, and a system image is a separate option for recovering a fuller Windows setup. Windows Backup also syncs selected preferences and remembers apps, but it is not the same as a copy of your files or a system image.
Choose the right backup for what you need to recover
Before a repair, reset, or reinstall, protect the personal files you cannot replace. These Windows and Dell options serve different purposes:
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| Method | Where it saves data | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup | Microsoft account and OneDrive, depending on selected options | Selected preferences and supported folder syncing; Windows remembers installed apps for restoration from Microsoft Store on a new device. |
| OneDrive folder backup | Cloud | Syncing selected standard folders such as Desktop and Documents. |
| File History | External drive | Keeping copies of personal files for file recovery. |
| System image | Destination chosen in the wizard | A whole-computer image for system recovery. |
| Dell OS recovery media | USB drive | Reinstalling or recovering Windows; it is not a personal-file backup. |
Dell’s file backup overview describes using Backup and Restore or File History to back up and restore files. For important data, consider keeping a separate copy you can access independently of Windows recovery tools.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Back up settings and selected content with Windows Backup
- Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
- Review the available options and turn on the settings or preferences you want associated with your Microsoft account.
- Check the OneDrive folder option if you want supported folders synced to the cloud. Configure folders that are not already backed up using the OneDrive steps below.
Dell says Windows can remember installed apps so they can be restored from Microsoft Store on a new device. That does not mean Windows Backup saves every desktop program as an installer or makes a full image of the laptop.
#1 Best Overall
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Back up standard folders to OneDrive
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, then open its settings.
- Choose Sync and back up > Manage Back up.
- For folders marked Not backed up, select the ones you want and choose Save.
Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Video may not already be included. The Manage Back up screen shows which folders need configuration. If you later stop backing up a folder, read OneDrive’s prompt carefully: the choices affect whether files remain in OneDrive or are kept in the computer’s folder.
Use File History for a local external-drive backup
- Connect the external drive you intend to use. Check that it has enough free space for the files you want to protect; Dell does not specify a universal drive capacity.
- Open Start, search for File History, and open it.
- Select Add a drive, then choose the external drive.
- Open More options to review and configure the backup options.
- Turn File History on. Dell’s walkthrough also describes using Run Now to start an initial backup.
Dell says File History is off by default. Menu wording can vary between Windows builds, so searching Start for File History is a practical way to find it if the path differs. A separate USB hard drive is one option for storing this local copy; no particular model is required by Dell’s instructions.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Create a system image for broader system recovery
- Open Control Panel > Backup and Restore.
- Select Create a system image and follow the wizard.
A system image is a distinct whole-computer recovery option, not a substitute for checking that your important personal files are accessible in a separate backup. Dell gives this Control Panel route but does not specify a universal destination capacity or backup schedule.
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Know what Dell recovery tools can and cannot restore
SupportAssist OS Recovery
On supported Dell models, SupportAssist OS Recovery can diagnose or repair problems, back up personal files to external storage, or restore the system. Its file-backup option does not preserve installed programs or system settings. Check whether your exact model supports it before relying on the feature; Dell says Qualcomm-based Dell computers are unsupported. See Dell’s SupportAssist OS Recovery instructions.
Rank #3
- Plug-and-play expandability
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Dell OS recovery USB
Dell OS Recovery Tool creates Dell-customized Windows recovery media. It is for recovering or reinstalling Windows, not for routine personal-file backup. Dell requires a USB drive with at least 16 GB free for recovery-media creation, and the tool formats the selected drive, permanently erasing its existing contents. Use an empty USB drive and keep a separate backup of personal files. Dell’s OS recovery image instructions also distinguish the recovery image download from your everyday backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the backup before you need it
- Open the OneDrive location or external drive and verify that it contains the files and folders you meant to protect.
- Confirm you can reach the destination and know which account or drive holds the copy.
- Keep recovery media separate from personal-file backups; creating Dell recovery media erases the selected USB drive.
Dell’s reviewed guidance does not prescribe a universal backup frequency, retention period, or external-drive size. Choose these based on how often your important files change and how much data you need to keep.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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