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Before installing a major Windows update, back up the personal files you cannot afford to lose and verify that the copy is complete. You can use Windows Backup with OneDrive, File History, or a manual copy to an external drive. A Windows Recovery Drive serves a different purpose: it helps you recover Windows but does not contain your personal files.
What to back up before a major Windows update
Start with files you would struggle to replace: documents, photos, videos, music, and anything stored on your Desktop. Also check locations outside the standard Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders, such as custom project folders or files saved directly to another drive.
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- Check whether work files are already covered by an organization-managed backup. If you are unsure, ask your IT administrator rather than assuming they are protected.
- For a local or cloud backup, confirm that representative files appear at the destination and can be opened.
- If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, make sure you can access the recovery key before starting recovery or troubleshooting steps.
Choose a backup method
| Method | Best for | Where the copy goes | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup with OneDrive | Selected folders and settings, with a simpler sign-in and restoration experience | Microsoft account cloud storage | Requires an eligible account, internet access, completed sync, and enough OneDrive space; it is not a whole-PC image. |
| File History | Personal files and earlier file versions | External drive or network location | You must configure a destination; it does not provide bootable Windows recovery. |
| Manual external-drive copy | A straightforward separate copy of chosen files | External USB storage drive | You must select the files and confirm the copy; it does not capture Windows and apps as a restorable system image. |
| Recovery Drive | Starting Windows recovery or reinstallation if the PC cannot boot | USB drive | Creation erases the selected drive, and it does not contain personal files. |
| System Restore or another point-in-time restore | Reversing some system changes after a problem | Restore points on system storage | Scope and retention vary; restoring can remove later changes, and a restore point is not a separate copy of personal files. |
Option 1: Back up selected folders with Windows Backup
Windows Backup can sync selected folders through OneDrive. Microsoft says a free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage; check your available space and sync status before relying on it. If the files you need exceed that capacity, choose another destination or make sure enough storage is available.
- Open Windows Backup and review which folders and settings are selected for backup.
- Check OneDrive capacity and confirm the account is the one you intend to use.
- Wait for syncing to finish. Check Windows Backup or OneDrive status, then inspect OneDrive for representative files before installing the update.
OneDrive folder backup is cloud synchronization, not a full disk image. Make sure it covers the folders that matter, including any important locations outside the selected standard folders.
#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.
Option 2: Use File History for personal files
File History saves copies of personal files to an external drive or network location and can restore earlier versions. Follow Microsoft’s File History setup and restore guidance to configure the destination. After it runs, inspect the destination for files you expect to be protected.
File History is for personal-file recovery; it is not a bootable Windows recovery device or a complete restorable image of Windows and installed apps.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of 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 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.
Option 3: Copy files to an external drive
A manual copy is useful when you want a separate local copy of specific files. Copy the folders you identified to an external USB storage drive, wait for the copy to finish, and open a few files from the destination to confirm they are readable. When the copy is verified, safely disconnect the drive so later changes or problems on the PC do not automatically affect the backup.
This method protects only the files you choose. It does not back up Windows or installed applications as a system image.
Rank #3
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Create a Recovery Drive separately, if you want recovery media
A Windows Recovery Drive can help start recovery or reinstall Windows if the PC will not boot. It is not a personal-file backup. Microsoft says to use a different backup method for personal data; see its Recovery Drive instructions.
- Use an empty USB drive. Creating the Recovery Drive erases the drive’s existing contents, so copy anything important off it first.
- Follow the Recovery Drive creation steps in Windows and wait for the process to finish.
- Keep the finished drive available for recovery, and keep your personal-file backup on a separate destination.
Check the BitLocker recovery key before recovery actions
If BitLocker or device encryption is enabled, locate and retain access to the recovery key before attempting recovery. Microsoft advises knowing the key when using recovery options; its Windows recovery-options guide also recommends backing up files because some recovery options can cause data loss.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- 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.
Do not treat System Restore or Windows.old as your backup
System Restore can reverse some system changes, but it does not replace a separate copy of valuable personal files. Depending on the restore point and option used, changes made after that point may be lost. Microsoft describes the scope of System Restore and System Protection separately from file backup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →After an upgrade, Microsoft says files may be retrieved from the Windows.old folder for 10 days. That folder is temporary and may be removed or replaced by later upgrade, reset, or reinstall activity, so it is not a dependable backup plan. See Microsoft’s Windows.old file-retrieval guidance.
Best Value
- World’s First 6TB 2.5” Portable Hard Drive
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Install the update only after verifying the copy
- Confirm that the backup method covers the files that matter, including any files outside standard folders.
- Check that the backup or sync has finished, then inspect the destination for representative files.
- If you made a local copy, safely disconnect its drive after verification. Keep any Recovery Drive separate from your file backup.
- Confirm access to the BitLocker recovery key if encryption is enabled, then proceed with the Windows update.
If you are preparing a PC for Windows 11, the same file-backup steps apply before upgrading. Separately, Microsoft’s current Windows Backup guidance notes that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; that date is a support-status caveat, not a different backup procedure.
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