Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →In Windows 11, open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. Use Remember my apps to control backup of your installed-app list, and Remember my preferences to choose which Windows preference categories are backed up. These are separate controls.
Change the app and preference backup settings
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Open Start, search for Windows Backup, and open it, or open Settings.
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In Settings, go to Accounts > Windows backup.
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To change app-list backup, turn Remember my apps on or off. To choose which preferences Windows backs up, open Remember my preferences and select or clear the categories you want.
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Use the labels displayed on your device. Microsoft documentation covering both Windows 10 and Windows 11 may also use the older label “Sync your settings,” but current Windows 11 instructions refer to Windows Backup.
#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.
What each control backs up
Remember my apps
This control covers the list of installed apps. It does not mean Windows backs up each app’s data, license, or configuration. See Microsoft’s Windows Backup Settings Catalog for the documented scope.
Remember my preferences
This control lets you select preference categories, including Accessibility; Accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords; Personalization; Language preferences and dictionary; and Other Windows settings. Examples include background, colors, themes, Start and taskbar choices, selected accessibility options, and Wi-Fi profile settings. Microsoft’s catalog provides the current supported settings inventory; the list may change over time.
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.
Microsoft says Windows Backup backs up the settings you choose across Windows devices signed in with the same Microsoft account. For more details, see its settings catalog.
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If a control is missing or unavailable
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Check the account type. Microsoft says Remember my apps is unavailable for work or school accounts. Windows Backup is primarily described for consumer devices signed in with a personal Microsoft account.
Rank #3
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black- 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.
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On a managed work or school device, organization policies may affect available settings. Microsoft’s support guidance does not describe every policy variation.
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Check your Windows version and build, and follow the labels actually shown in Settings. Documentation that also covers Windows 10 may show older terminology.
Rank #4
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0, 1-Year Rescue- 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.
What these switches do not control
Turning off an app or preference backup setting changes future backup for that control or category. Microsoft’s guidance does not say that doing so automatically deletes data already saved to your account.
These switches also do not turn off every Microsoft sync feature. OneDrive folder backup and Microsoft Edge sync are configured separately; Microsoft directs users to OneDrive settings for folder backup and Edge’s own sync controls for Edge data. In certain countries or regions, Windows asks for permission to sync Microsoft account data. Microsoft says people in those regions can manage the Sync your Microsoft account with Windows toggle through Microsoft account privacy settings; its support page does not name the regions. See Your Microsoft account, your data, your choices and Back up and restore with Windows Backup.
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.
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