Backing up means creating copies of the files on your device. If you ever encounter a serious problem, your data will remain safe and retrievable, even if the device itself is no longer usable.
Luckily, backing up isn’t anything like the hassle it used to be. Below, we explain how to ensure your data is always safe.
Your PC isn't the only device you need to keep secure - also seeBack up files on Windows
Windows offers built-in ways to back up to cloud storage or an external hard drive. There are also third-party backup tools (some free, others paid-for) and alternative cloud backup services.
Back up to the cloud
Windows 10 and 11 include an app called Windows Backup, which provides a simple, automatic way to sync files and settings to Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage.
To back up your files, follow these steps:
StartWindows backupWindows Backup icon down arrowFoldersBackup Our guide on compares free and paid-for services so you can choose wisely.Back up to an external drive
You can still back up to an external hard drive in Windows, using older built-in tools, but the process varies in Windows 10 and 11.
On Windows 10
Start Settings Update & SecurityFiles backup Back up using File History,Add a driveMore optionsNote that official support for Windows 10 ends on 14 October 2025, meaning Microsoft will no longer offer security updates after that date. Discover how you can prepare fOn Windows 11
Startfile historyFile History Select driveOK Turn onExclude foldersAdvanced settingsFind out which drives impressed us in our test of the .Next steps: make a system backup
A system image backup is a snapshot of your entire computer, including Windows itself, all your files and all installed software. It's a great insurance policy to have, in the event that your computer won't start.
To make a system backup, follow these steps:
Settings System StorageStartcontrol panel Control Panel Backup and Restore Create a system imageOn a hard diskNextIf your PC is having trouble starting up, you should eventually find yourself faced with a blue scree nlisting advanced startup options.
Troubleshoot Advanced Options System Image Recovery See more recovery options System Image RecoveryBack up files on Mac
Mac users can either sync files and data online with iCloud or use Apple's Time Machine app in conjunction with an external USB drive to make offline backups. There are also various third-party backup options available, but we'll focus on Apple's built-in backup here.
Back up to the cloud
To back up your files, follow these steps:
Apple menu System Settings Your name iCloud See All iCloud DriveDesktop and Documents FoldersOptimise Mac StorageBack up to an external drive
Apple's Time Machine feature works in the background to automatically back up your Mac to an external USB drive. To set it up, follow these steps:
Apple menu System Settings General Time MachineAdd (+)Set Up DiskYou’ll need to leave your drive plugged into your Mac whenever possible.
undefinedEven more ways to keep your files secure
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)Password-protect your external driveTry a Which? Best Buy antivirusUpdate your computer regularlyLearn how to track a lost laptop For details on all of the above, see our guide: .Join Which? Tech Support
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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-back-up-important-files-on-your-computer-azL1W7J0aaUB