In Windows 11, open Windows Backup or go to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup, expand Folders, then switch on the standard folders you want copied to OneDrive: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. You can choose just one or several. These switches do not select every file, custom folder, or drive on your PC.
Choose the folders Windows Backup sends to OneDrive
- Open Start, search for Windows Backup, and open the app. Alternatively, open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
- Expand Folders.
- Turn on the switch beside each folder you want included: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. For example, if you save work in Documents and photos in Pictures, enable those two without enabling the others.
- Check the backup status in Windows Backup or in Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
Microsoft’s Windows Backup instructions describe these standard folders; they do not describe a general-purpose picker for arbitrary folder paths or files across all drives. The consumer Windows Backup app requires a personal Microsoft account. Microsoft says work or school accounts do not work with that app’s consumer flow.
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Check OneDrive space before you turn on large folders
Microsoft says a free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage. The amount of space needed depends on the files in the folders you select. Check your available OneDrive storage before enabling folders with large video or photo collections; Microsoft notes that insufficient storage can prevent backup of preferences such as personalization and can cause OneDrive errors.
Know what this backup choice does—and does not do
Windows Backup’s folder switches sync the selected known folders to OneDrive, making their contents available online and on other devices using the same account. OneDrive sync also mirrors additions, edits, and deletions between the synced location and OneDrive. That means a deletion can sync too: folder sync should not be treated as an independent offline archive or as protection that always preserves an earlier version.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
If you want a separate copy of personal files and a way to restore earlier versions, File History is a different Windows feature. Microsoft describes it as periodically saving copies to an external drive or network location. It must be configured separately.
| Option | What it covers | Where the copy is kept | What it is useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup folder selection | The selected standard folders: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music | OneDrive | Keeping selected folders synced and available through the account |
| File History | Personal files configured for File History | An external drive or network location | Keeping periodic copies and restoring earlier file versions |
Microsoft’s support overview presents Windows Backup instructions for Windows 11 and Windows 10, but Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. For a current setup, use the Windows 11 path above; treat Windows 10 instructions as legacy guidance.
Rank #2
- 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.
Keep OneDrive files online-only or available offline
Files On-Demand controls local storage, not which folders are selected for backup. Online-only files can appear in File Explorer without using their full size on the PC. To have a file or folder available without an internet connection, choose Always keep on this device; OneDrive downloads it and it uses local disk space.
There is also a separate OneDrive sync-app choice for limiting which existing OneDrive folders are downloaded to a particular PC. Unchecking a folder there can remove it from that PC while leaving it available online. Microsoft notes that standard important folders such as Documents, Desktop, and Pictures may not be uncheckable through that control.
Rank #3
- 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.
Stop backing up a folder without losing track of its files
To turn off backup for a folder, use OneDrive’s folder-backup controls and read the confirmation dialog carefully. Microsoft says you can choose whether files remain only in OneDrive or only on the PC. If the folder contains cloud-only files, you may need to download them before they can be moved. Confirm where you want the files to remain before completing the change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Set up File History for a separate copy
If your priority is an external-drive or network copy with earlier versions, configure File History separately rather than relying on OneDrive folder sync. Connect an external drive or configure a network location, then enable File History in Windows. Microsoft’s Windows recovery overview documents File History as the feature for periodically saving copies and restoring earlier file versions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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)
Rank #4
- 【Upgraded version】 - The mirror logo strip is combined with the striped non-slip design. The rounded corners of the shell are more suitable for holding. The strips play a heat dissipation function to ensure a stable and fast transmission process.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Sources
- Microsoft Support, Back up and restore with Windows Backup (Windows 11 and Windows 10; support status and storage details).
- Microsoft Support, Back up your folders with OneDrive (folder backup controls and stopping backup).
- Microsoft Support, Sync your computer’s files and folders with OneDrive and Save disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand for Windows.
- Microsoft Support, Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows (File History).
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