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To use a portable SSD for backups, connect it, choose a format supported by your computer’s backup tool, configure that tool, confirm a backup completed, and eject the drive before unplugging it. On a Mac, use Time Machine; on Windows, use File History for automatic, versioned copies of personal files. If you also want to move files between Mac and Windows, plan that separately: the cross-platform exFAT format is not recommended for either built-in backup tool.
Before you connect or format the SSD
- Check the connection. Make sure the SSD’s cable fits an available USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB-A port on your computer. If the plugs do not match, check the drive manufacturer’s cable and adapter guidance; included accessories vary by model.
- Decide what the drive is for. A drive dedicated to backups is simpler to configure than one also used for file exchange between Windows and macOS. A format convenient for exchanging files may not work with the operating system’s backup utility.
- Protect any files already on the SSD. Time Machine setup may ask to erase the selected storage device. Copy anything you need to keep somewhere else before accepting an erase prompt, and verify that you selected the intended disk.
Set up Time Machine on a Mac
Apple’s Time Machine setup guide recommends using a storage device with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Its example is a 2 TB backup device for a Mac with 1 TB of storage. This is Apple’s guidance for Time Machine, not a universal sizing rule for Windows or every backup method. More available space can retain more history; when a Time Machine disk fills, macOS deletes older backups.
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Choose the SSD and configure encryption
- Connect the SSD to a compatible USB-C or Thunderbolt port.
- On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine. Choose Add Backup Disk (or the add button), select the SSD, then choose Set Up Disk. See Apple’s Time Machine setup guide.
- If you want to encrypt the backup, enable Encrypt Backup during setup and store the password securely. Apple says you need that password to restore from the encrypted backup.
- Allow the first backup to finish. It can take longer than later backups, which include files that have changed.
Time Machine’s documented schedule is hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for earlier months. To start a backup manually or check progress and the latest completed backup time, use the Time Machine menu and choose Back Up Now or review its displayed status. Apple’s supported backup-destination guidance provides additional information about storage destinations.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Restore files and disconnect safely
Time Machine can restore some or all files to the same Mac or another Mac. Before disconnecting the backup disk, eject it or shut down the Mac, as Apple advises in its setup guide. Do not unplug it while a backup is in progress.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Set up File History in Windows
Microsoft’s File History instructions cover Windows 10 and Windows 11. For a new setup, favor Windows 11: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. File History saves versions of personal files to an external drive.
Turn on File History and include the folders you need
- Connect the SSD.
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > Save backup copies of your files with File History.
- Choose Turn on. If File History has not selected the SSD, choose Select drive, select the intended drive, and confirm.
- Check that the files you need are in the libraries File History backs up: Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop. To include other folders, add them to a library.
For Microsoft’s full instructions, see File History in Windows.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Restore a previous version
In File Explorer, open the folder that used to contain the file, right-click the folder, and choose Restore previous versions. Select a version and choose Restore. If you want to keep the current file as well, restore the earlier version to another location instead of overwriting it.
Choose a format for the job
The right format depends on the operating system and backup utility. Apple’s current setup flow should guide Mac users through choosing a supported Time Machine disk format. A LaCie portable SSD manual dated June 27, 2022 describes APFS as the default for Time Machine on macOS Big Sur 11 and later, and HFS+ for Catalina 10.15 and earlier; confirm current Apple instructions for your macOS version before erasing a disk.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
| Intended use | Format or workflow direction | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Time Machine on a Mac | Follow Apple’s current setup prompts and use a format supported by your macOS version. | Setup may erase the selected disk. The LaCie manual’s APFS and HFS+ guidance is product documentation from 2022, so check current OS-specific instructions. |
| File History on Windows | Use a file system supported by the Windows backup workflow and confirm compatibility in current Windows or device instructions. | The LaCie manual says exFAT is not compatible or recommended for File History. |
| File transfers between Windows and modern macOS | LaCie’s manual identifies exFAT as a common cross-platform choice. | The same manual says exFAT is not compatible or recommended for Time Machine or File History. It also notes that exFAT is not journaled and may be more susceptible to corruption after errors or improper disconnection. |
| Backups and shared files on one Mac disk | Apple documents an advanced arrangement using separate APFS volumes, with the Time Machine volume sized at twice the Mac’s capacity. | This Mac-specific setup is not a single exFAT volume that can also serve as a Windows File History target. |
These format notes draw on the LaCie Portable SSD manual and Apple’s current setup guidance. For automatic backups plus convenient cross-platform file exchange, consider separate volumes or separate drives, and verify compatibility before formatting. Do not assume one exFAT volume can serve as both a Time Machine and File History destination.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Make a manual copy when you need a one-time extra copy
Copying files in File Explorer is useful for a one-time transfer or an additional copy, but it is not the same as an automatic, versioned backup. Select the files and folders you want, copy them to the SSD, then open the destination in File Explorer and confirm the expected files are present. Consider locations such as Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos. Microsoft’s external-drive backup and recovery guidance covers Windows workflows.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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.
Check the backup and eject the SSD
- On Mac, check Time Machine’s status and the date and time of the latest completed backup.
- On Windows, confirm File History is on; for a manual copy, browse the SSD and check that the expected files are there.
- Eject the external drive using the operating system’s eject control before physically disconnecting it. Apple also permits shutting down a Mac before disconnecting a Time Machine disk. LaCie’s manual likewise advises ejecting a storage drive first.
- If the files are irreplaceable, consider keeping another copy in a separate place and test that you can restore files. A successful backup indicator alone does not prove every needed file can be recovered.
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