To back up a computer, copy the files you cannot replace to a separate destination, automate future copies, and restore a sample file to confirm the backup works. On Windows, use Windows Backup for OneDrive-synced folders and settings, or File History for copies on an external or network drive. On a Mac, use Time Machine with a separate backup disk. For stronger protection, keep another copy offline or off-site.
What should you back up?
Start by listing what you would need if the computer were lost, damaged, or unusable. Common examples include documents, photos, videos, creative projects, and other files that would be difficult to replace.
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- Check Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music, as well as folders you created elsewhere on the computer.
- Look for files kept inside applications. Some apps store projects or records in their own libraries and may require an export or a separate backup procedure.
- Consider whether you need application settings or other computer settings, not just personal files.
This inventory is a practical way to avoid overlooking important data; it is not an exhaustive list required by Microsoft or Apple.
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Choose where the backup will live
Your destination should be separate from the computer’s internal storage. A failed or lost computer cannot protect the only copy of its files.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to 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. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- 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.
| Destination | Good fit | Trade-offs to consider |
|---|---|---|
| External drive | Large file collections, local restores, or use without internet access. | Choose capacity for the data you need to protect. Disconnect or store the drive separately when it is not backing up. |
| Network drive | A shared local destination or a computer without a directly attached backup disk. | The network must be available, and access should be appropriately controlled. |
| Cloud storage or backup | An off-site copy and access to files across devices. | Requires internet access and account access. Check storage limits and whether the service provides recoverable versions. Cloud sync alone is not necessarily an independent, versioned backup. |
Microsoft describes external or network drives as useful when internet access is limited or when backing up large file collections, and cloud backup as convenient for access across devices: Microsoft’s Windows backup and restore overview. Apple describes iCloud Drive as a way to store and share files across devices, which serves a different purpose from a full system backup: Apple’s iCloud Drive guide.
A useful resilience rule from CISA/US-CERT’s Data Backup Options is the 3-2-1 model: keep three copies of important data (the original and two backups), use two different media types, and keep one copy off-site. It is a rule of thumb, not a guarantee. A second copy on a disconnected external drive, for example, can help keep it separate from an incident affecting the computer.
Back up a Windows PC
Windows Backup and File History are different tools. Windows Backup uses a Microsoft account and OneDrive to sync selected folders and save certain settings; File History saves copies of personal files to an external drive or network location. Microsoft explains the distinction in its Windows backup and restore guidance.
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- 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.
Option 1: Use Windows Backup with OneDrive
- Sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
- Choose the folders you want to back up to OneDrive, such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music, and enable the settings or other backup options you want.
- Check the OneDrive status and your account’s available storage so you know whether the selected folders are syncing.
Microsoft says Windows Backup can also save themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information. This is not the same as making a complete disk image or a copy of every file on the computer. The exact choices shown can depend on your Windows setup and account.
Option 2: Use File History with an external or network drive
- Connect an external drive, or make sure the network location you plan to use is available.
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
- Select Turn on. If prompted, choose the drive or network location to use.
- Allow File History to run, then use its version-browsing and restore options when you need an earlier copy of a file.
File History periodically saves personal files and prior versions, which can be useful if a file changes or is deleted. Confirm that the folders you care about are included in the backup.
Do not mistake a Recovery Drive for a file backup
A Windows Recovery Drive can help with Windows repair or recovery, but it does not include personal files. It does not replace Windows Backup, File History, or another method for copying your data. Microsoft distinguishes data backup from restoring files and from broader operating-system recovery in its backup and restore guidance.
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- 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)
If you still use Windows 10, note that Microsoft ended support on October 14, 2025. The PC continues to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for it. This is an operating-system security issue, separate from whether your files are backed up. See Microsoft’s Windows end-of-support information.
Back up a Mac with Time Machine
- Connect an external hard disk to the Mac. Use a destination separate from the Mac’s internal storage.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine.
- Select Add Backup Disk, choose the disk, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Leave the Mac connected to power and the disk while the first backup runs. Check Time Machine’s status to confirm it has completed.
Apple says Time Machine backs up files outside the macOS installation, including documents, photos, music, and apps, and makes automatic hourly, daily, and weekly backups when enabled. You can use it to restore selected items. See Apple’s Time Machine backup and restore guide.
Apple notes that a backup made from macOS 12 or later can be restored only to a Mac running macOS 11 or later. Local snapshots are kept on the same disk as the original files, so they do not replace a separate backup disk.
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- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
iCloud Drive can store and share files across devices, but file synchronization and a restorable Time Machine backup are not interchangeable. If you use iCloud Drive, treat it as a cloud storage option rather than assuming it covers every file and recovery need. Apple explains iCloud Drive in its Mac user guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Let the first backup finish, then keep it current
The initial copy can take time, especially if it contains many large files. Keep the computer powered and connected to the chosen destination, and check the platform’s status indicator or interface for confirmation that it finished. For later copies, leave the backup process enabled and make sure the destination is available often enough for updates to run. An old backup may not contain recent work.
Test that you can restore a file
A backup is useful only if its files can be retrieved. Use a noncritical sample file to learn the restore process and confirm that the copied data is readable. This is a recommended check, not a claim that a particular setup has been tested.
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- Plug-and-play expandability
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
- Windows File History: Browse previous versions of a file and restore the sample using File History.
- Time Machine: Open Time Machine, locate a noncritical file, and restore it to the Mac.
- Cloud storage: Sign in from the service’s interface and confirm you can retrieve a file. If you rely on recoverable versions, check that the feature is available for the file you need.
Microsoft describes browsing and restoring prior file versions with File History, and Apple documents restoring selected items through Time Machine in their respective Windows and Mac guides.
Keep one backup out of reach of the same incident
A continuously connected, writable backup drive may be affected by the same malware, theft, or damage as the computer. For additional separation, disconnect an external drive when the backup is complete, or keep another copy off-site. CISA guidance also recommends offline, encrypted backups and regular testing as ransomware-resilience measures. If you encrypt a backup, store its recovery credentials somewhere safe; without them, the files may be inaccessible.
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