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To back up a computer, copy the files you would hate to lose to a separate destination, automate future copies, and restore a sample file to check that the backup works. Windows users can use Windows Backup or File History; Mac users can use Time Machine. For added protection, keep another copy away from the computer, including an offline or off-site copy.
1. Decide what you need to recover
Start with an inventory of irreplaceable data: documents, photos, videos, projects, and other files you could not easily recreate. Check more than the standard Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Videos folders. Files may also live in custom folders, on another internal drive, or inside an app.
Some apps store important information in their own libraries or databases, or require an export step. Check the app’s backup or export options for anything you need to preserve. This checklist is a practical starting point, not a complete inventory of every app or computer.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2. Choose where the backup will live
The backup destination should be separate from the computer’s internal storage. A copy on the same disk can disappear in the same failure that takes out the originals.
#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.
- External drive: A good fit for a large collection, local restores, or situations with limited internet access. Choose capacity based on the data you want to protect, and disconnect the drive when a backup is finished if you want it isolated from everyday computer use. Microsoft describes external drives as an option for large collections or use without internet access (Microsoft’s backup and restore guidance).
- Network drive: A possible destination when you want a local shared backup location or cannot attach a disk directly. Its availability and access controls matter; Microsoft lists network locations as an option for File History (same Windows backup guidance).
- Cloud storage or backup: Useful for an off-site copy and access across devices, but it depends on internet access and account access. Check storage limits and whether the service offers versions you can restore. Windows Backup syncs selected folders to OneDrive, while Apple describes iCloud Drive as a way to store and share files across devices (Microsoft; Apple iCloud Drive).
For stronger resilience, CISA/US-CERT’s 3-2-1 rule of thumb recommends keeping three copies of important data—one primary copy and two backups—on two types of media, with one copy off-site. This is a practical model, not a guarantee against every kind of loss (CISA/US-CERT, Data Backup Options).
3. Set up a backup on Windows
Windows Backup and File History serve different purposes. 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 or network drive, including prior versions you can restore.
Use Windows Backup for selected folders and settings
- Sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account and make sure OneDrive is available and signed in.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
- Review the options and select the folders you want synced to OneDrive. The available choices include common folders such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music.
- Review the other backup options. Microsoft says Windows Backup can also save themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information. These items are distinct from a separate copy of all personal files.
- Leave the computer connected to the internet while the initial sync runs, then check Windows Backup and OneDrive to confirm the selected folders have synced.
This workflow relies on OneDrive and a Microsoft account; it is not the same as making a local, disconnected copy of the files. See Microsoft’s Windows backup and restore instructions for current details.
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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.
Use File History for copies on 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 or change the drive, then turn on File History.
- Check which folders File History is protecting and whether the schedule suits how often your files change. Keep the computer and destination available so scheduled copies can run.
- To retrieve an earlier version, open File History and browse for the file or folder you need, then restore the version you want.
File History is designed for personal-file copies and prior versions, not as a complete Windows recovery image. Microsoft’s backup and restore guide explains the available Windows options.
Know what a Recovery Drive does not save
A Recovery Drive can help repair or reinstall Windows, but it does not include your personal files. It is not a replacement for Windows Backup, File History, or another personal-data backup. A backup copies data; a restore retrieves data from that copy; recovery refers more broadly to operating-system repair or reinstall options.
If your PC still runs Windows 10, note that Microsoft support ended on October 14, 2025. The computer continues to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 (Microsoft’s Windows end-of-support information).
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.
4. Set up a backup on Mac
Choose an external disk for Time Machine
- Connect an external hard disk to the Mac. Apple recommends using a backup destination separate from the Mac’s internal disk.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine. On older macOS versions, the controls may appear under System Preferences > Time Machine.
- Select Add Backup Disk or the option to add a backup disk, choose the connected disk, and confirm the selection.
- Allow the initial backup to finish. Keep the Mac powered and the destination connected while it runs, then check Time Machine to confirm that a recent backup is recorded.
Time Machine automatically backs up files outside the macOS installation, including documents, photos, music, and apps. When enabled, Apple documents automatic hourly, daily, and weekly backups. It also supports restoring selected items through the Time Machine interface (Apple’s Time Machine backup and restore guide).
Apple says a backup made on macOS 12 or later can be restored only to a Mac running macOS 11 or later. Local snapshots may also be stored on the same disk as the original files; they do not replace a separate backup destination (Apple’s Time Machine guide).
Understand where iCloud Drive fits
iCloud Drive stores and shares files across devices, making it useful for access and syncing. Syncing is not automatically the same as maintaining an independent, versioned backup: changes or deletions may carry across devices. Keep a separate backup destination if you need a distinct restore point. Apple describes iCloud Drive’s storage and sharing role in its iCloud Drive guide.
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.
5. Keep backups current
A one-time copy protects only the files as they existed when it was made. Keep the backup process running or repeat it on a schedule that matches how often important files change. Apple’s Time Machine makes hourly, daily, and weekly backups automatically when enabled; Windows Backup syncs selected folders through OneDrive, while File History periodically saves copies to its chosen destination.
For the first backup, keep the computer powered and connected to the destination or internet as required. The initial copy may take time, especially for a large collection. Confirm that the tool reports completion before relying on it.
6. Test that you can restore a file
- Choose a noncritical file that is included in the backup, such as a small document or photo.
- Use File History or Time Machine to find an earlier copy, and restore it to a separate location if the interface allows.
- Open the restored file and check that it is readable and contains the expected information.
- Make sure you know how to locate the backup and access any account or encryption credentials needed to restore other files.
A backup that has never been checked may contain missing or unreadable data, or may not cover the folders you expected. Microsoft supports browsing and restoring prior versions through File History; Apple supports restoring selected items through Time Machine (Microsoft; Apple).
Best Value
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- 【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.
7. Keep one copy out of reach of the same incident
For ransomware resilience, CISA guidance recommends offline, encrypted backups and regular testing (CISA/US-CERT, Data Backup Options). A continuously connected, writable drive may be exposed to the same incident as the computer. Disconnect an external backup drive when it is not being used, or keep another copy off-site.
If you encrypt a backup, store its recovery credentials somewhere safe and separate from the computer. Without the password or recovery key, an intact encrypted backup may still be inaccessible.
Backup, restore, and recovery are not interchangeable
- Backup: a separate copy of data, intended to preserve files if the originals are lost or damaged.
- Restore: retrieving files or settings from a backup.
- Recovery: broader options for repairing or reinstalling the operating system.
A Windows restore point or Recovery Drive may help with system problems, but neither substitutes for a backup of personal files. Keep your data-copy method and your operating-system recovery plan separate.
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