Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo back up selected files and Windows preferences in Windows 11, open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup, choose the folders and settings to include, then select Back up. Folder backup syncs selected folders to OneDrive; it is not a full copy of the entire PC. To restore on a new or reinstalled PC, sign in during setup with the same personal Microsoft account and choose the backup you want.
What Windows Backup saves—and what it does not
Windows Backup is designed to carry selected user folders and supported Windows settings to another Windows PC. Folder backup syncs to OneDrive, and the available folder choices listed by Microsoft are Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. It can also remember installed apps and selected settings and preferences, such as accessibility, accounts and Wi-Fi information, personalization, language preferences and dictionary, and other Windows settings.
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This is not a full-system image of every drive, program, and file on the PC. A restored app pin does not guarantee that a desktop program has been reinstalled. Microsoft says Microsoft Store apps can be started from restored pins; apps from outside the Store may instead direct you to a download page. See Microsoft’s Windows Backup overview and its backup and restore guidance.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTurn on Windows Backup in Settings
- Sign in with a personal Microsoft account. Windows Backup is focused on consumer devices; Microsoft says work or school accounts do not work with this app. If you use a local account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
- Open Windows Backup. Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. You can also search Start for Windows Backup and open the app.
- Choose folders to sync. Expand the folder-backup controls and select the available folders you want synced to OneDrive: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and/or Music.
- Choose what Windows should remember. Review the available app and preference options and enable the ones you want. The choices shown can include installed apps and Windows settings such as accessibility, personalization, language preferences, accounts, and Wi-Fi information.
- Select Back up. Check the status shown in Windows Backup or Settings to confirm the backup is active.
A free Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage, according to Microsoft’s current support guidance. If your selected items exceed available space, some content may not sync. If Windows Backup reports an error, check that you are signed in to OneDrive and have space available; a OneDrive sync problem can also prevent backup from completing.
#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.
Restore files and settings on a new or reinstalled PC
- During Windows setup on the new PC—or after reinstalling Windows—sign in with the same Microsoft account used for the backup.
- When Windows offers available backups, choose the one for the PC you want to restore. If there is more than one, select More options and choose the intended device backup.
- Complete setup. Windows restores supported settings and app pins. Follow any prompts for apps that need additional action.
- For backed-up files, sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account. Microsoft Support says files can be restored by signing in to OneDrive with the account used for the original backup. See Microsoft’s restore instructions.
Choose a different route for local file versions or system recovery
| Your need | Best-fit option | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Sync selected folders and preferences for a new PC | Windows Backup | Selected folders in OneDrive, plus supported settings and app pins |
| Browse or restore earlier versions of personal files locally | File History | Modified personal files saved periodically to an external drive or network location |
| Repair or recover Windows | Windows Recovery tools or a recovery drive | System recovery options; a USB recovery drive does not include personal files |
Use File History for a local copy and version history
File History is a separate Windows feature from OneDrive folder sync. Microsoft documents it as a way to save modified personal files periodically to an external drive or network location, then browse and restore earlier versions. An external or network drive may suit you if you need offline access or are backing up large or numerous files. See Microsoft’s backup and restore guidance and its backup options comparison.
Do not confuse a recovery drive with a file backup
A USB recovery drive is for system recovery, not for preserving documents and photos: Microsoft says it does not contain personal files. If Windows needs repair, the Settings > System > Recovery area includes options such as Reset this PC, going back to a prior Windows version, and advanced startup. Their effects on personal files differ: System Restore rolls back system files and settings; Reset this PC can keep or remove personal files; some reinstall and recovery-drive choices remove them. Check the option you select and back up important files before starting an action that could remove them. See Microsoft’s recovery options guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【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.
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.
Rank #3
- 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.
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.
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