Before installing a major Windows 11 update, make a separate copy of the personal files you cannot afford to lose, then check that the copy is usable. Microsoft says the standard upgrade process moves files and data, but still recommends backing up before installing a new Windows version. Choose a cloud or local backup based on where your files are and how you want to restore them.
1. Find the files you need to protect
Start by checking Desktop, Documents and Pictures, plus any other folders where you save important work. Do not assume every app stores its data in those locations: check the app’s own save folder or export important data using the app’s built-in tools. Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade FAQ says files and data are moved during the upgrade by default, but backing them up first is still the safer preparation.
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2. Choose a backup method
The right route depends on whether you want an off-device copy, a local copy, or both. Windows Backup and OneDrive use cloud storage for supported content; File History and a manual copy can keep files on an external drive or network location.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Option | Best suited to | Key limits |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup | Backing up certain files and folders, settings, credentials and apps to the cloud, with restore assistance. | Microsoft describes it as primarily for consumer devices using a personal Microsoft account. It does not establish that every file or work/enterprise account is covered. See Microsoft’s Windows Backup overview. |
| OneDrive | Keeping synced files available off the PC through your account. | Requires internet access and sufficient cloud storage. Confirm the files have finished uploading before relying on them. Microsoft’s file-moving guidance lists plan storage details that can change over time. |
| File History | Making file backups to an external drive or network location. | The drive or location must be available, and a backup must have run. Microsoft documents a manual “Run now” option in Control Panel in its File History drive guidance. |
| Manual copy to external storage | Making a straightforward separate copy of selected files. | You choose what is copied, and need to repeat the copy when files change. It is not a bootable Windows recovery image. |
You can use more than one method—for example, cloud sync for frequently used documents and an external drive for a separate local copy. Do not treat a sync indicator as proof that a file is safely uploaded until you have confirmed it from another device or the service’s web interface.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
3. Run the backup and verify the copy
Windows Backup or OneDrive
- Set up the feature or sync for the folders and content you intend to protect, using the personal Microsoft account associated with the backup.
- Wait for syncing or backup to finish. Check for any errors or files that remain pending.
- Sign in to the cloud service in a browser or on another device and confirm that important files are present and open.
File History or a manual external-drive copy
- Connect the external drive, or confirm the network location is reachable.
- For File History, open Control Panel, go to System and Security > File History, select the available drive if needed, then choose Run now. Microsoft’s documented instructions are for reconnecting and running File History manually; labels can vary with Windows configuration.
- For a manual copy, use File Explorer to copy the folders you identified to the separate drive. Wait for copying to complete.
- Browse the destination and open a few copied files. Check that the files are readable and that the folders you meant to protect are there.
Verification is a practical safeguard: the cited Microsoft instructions describe backup routes, while checking copied files yourself confirms that your own backup is accessible.
4. Keep the BitLocker recovery key available
If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, make sure you can access the recovery key before updating or using recovery options. Microsoft includes having the BitLocker recovery key available among its advice for recovery situations in Recovery options in Windows. A file backup and a recovery key solve different problems: the key helps unlock an encrypted device or drive; it is not a copy of your files.
Rank #2
- 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
5. Decide whether you also need a Recovery Drive
A Windows Recovery Drive is bootable USB recovery media that can help reinstall Windows if the PC cannot start. It does not contain your personal files, so it complements rather than replaces a file backup. Creating one erases the selected USB drive; use a drive whose contents you are willing to lose. See Microsoft’s Recovery Drive instructions.
6. Know what recovery can remove
Recovery options do not all preserve the same data. Some options keep personal files, while resetting Windows or reinstalling from recovery media can remove files, apps and settings, depending on the option chosen. Review the specific option before proceeding in Microsoft’s recovery options guide. A normal upgrade moving files is not a substitute for a backup you have verified.
Rank #3
- 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
For a work-managed PC
Windows Backup is primarily documented for consumer use with a personal Microsoft account. If your PC is managed by an employer or school, follow its backup and update policy instead of assuming a personal cloud backup is permitted or sufficient.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
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