Have you ever lost an important file? Maybe a family photo or a work document vanished when your computer crashed. It is a terrible feeling. This tech tutorial guide will show you how to stop that from ever happening again.
You do not need to buy expensive software. We will use the tools already built into your Windows computer. All you need is a cheap external hard drive and about ten minutes of your time.
We share many basic computer maintenance tips to keep your system running well. Today we are focusing on saving your files from disaster.
Why Automatic Backups Are Best
We often forget to copy our files. We promise ourselves we will do it on the weekend. Then we forget. That is why automatic backups are so useful.
Your computer does all the work for you. It copies your files in the background while you work or watch videos. If your computer dies tomorrow, your files are safe on your external drive.
This setup works best when your network is running fast. If you run into issues, you can learn How to Fix Slow Wi-Fi by Changing 3 Router Settings to speed up your local transfers.
Step 1: Get the Right External Hard Drive
You do not need to spend a lot of money. A simple external USB hard drive works great. Look for one that has at least double the storage space of your computer. You can find good ones online for under fifty dollars.
If your computer has 500 gigabytes of space, buy a 1 terabyte drive. This gives you plenty of room for old versions of your files. Plug the drive into a USB port on your computer and leave it there. USB 3.0 drives are best because they transfer files much faster.
Step 2: Turn on Windows File History
Windows has a built-in tool called File History. It is free and very easy to use. Follow these quick steps to turn it on. You do not need any tech skills to get this working.
First, click on the Start menu. Type "backup settings" into the search bar. Click on the option that appears in the list.
Next, you will see an option to "Add a drive." Click that button. Windows will search for your plugged-in external hard drive.
Select your drive from the list. Once you select it, a toggle switch will appear that says "Automatically back up my files." Make sure this switch is turned on.
Now, click on "More options" just below the switch. Here you can choose how often you want to save your files. I recommend choosing "Every hour" to keep things fresh.
You can also choose how long to keep your backups. The default setting is "Forever." If your drive is big enough, leave it on this setting. If you run out of space later, you can change it to keep files for just one year.
Step 3: Choose Your Folders
By default, Windows backs up all your main user folders. This includes your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders. For most people, this is perfect.
What if you have files stored in a different place? Scroll down to the "Back up these folders" section. You can click "Add a folder" to choose any other folder on your hard drive.
You can also exclude folders you do not need. For example, you might want to skip your video folder if the files are too big. This helps save space on your backup drive.
Step 4: Test Your New System
A backup is only good if it actually works. You should test it right away. Click the "Back up now" button under the backup options screen.
Let the computer run for a few minutes. You will see a message showing the date and time of your last backup. If it says today's date, you are good to go.
To double check, open your external drive in File Explorer. You should see a folder named "FileHistory." Do not move or edit any files inside this folder. Just seeing it there means your system is working. If you ever lose a file, you can use this same screen to restore it.
Quick Tips for Safe Files
Now your files are safe. Here are three simple tips to make sure your backup system stays healthy over time.
- Keep your drive plugged in. If you use a laptop, plug the drive in at least once a week.
- Listen for strange noises. If your external drive starts clicking, it might be failing. Replace it quickly.
- Keep the drive safe. Put the drive in a safe place where it will not get knocked off your desk.
Do you have your external drive ready? Plug it in today and set up your backup. You will sleep much better knowing your files are safe.
