How to Back Up Your Computer Properly
The only people who truly understand the importance of backups are those who have lost data without one. Here is how to set up proper backups so you never have to learn that lesson.
The 3-2-1 backup rule
The gold standard in data protection is the 3-2-1 rule: keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy offsite. In practice: your original files on your computer, a copy on an external hard drive, and a copy in cloud storage. This protects against hardware failure, theft, fire and accidental deletion simultaneously.
Windows Backup options
Windows has built-in backup via File History in Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Connect an external drive and enable it — Windows will automatically back up your files every hour. For a complete system image, use Backup and Restore which is still available in Windows 10 and 11.
Mac Backup with Time Machine
Time Machine is Apple's built-in backup system. Connect an external drive, go to System Settings > General > Time Machine and select your drive. Time Machine backs up automatically every hour, keeping hourly backups for 24 hours, daily backups for a month, and weekly backups for as long as space allows.
Cloud backup options
Cloud backup runs automatically in the background and stores your files offsite. Microsoft OneDrive (included with Windows), Google Drive, and iCloud Drive all sync specified folders automatically. For complete computer backup to the cloud, Backblaze at around £7 per month backs up your entire computer continuously.
Test your backup
Back up your documents, photos, videos and any creative work. Test your backup regularly by trying to restore a file — many people discover their backup was not working properly only when they need it. A backup you have never tested is not a reliable backup.
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