Backing up files and folders in Windows 10 is an important part of ensuring the safety and security of your data. Fortunately, Windows 10 includes several built-in features to help you easily and quickly back up your most important files and folders. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Check the Status of Your Backup. Before beginning a backup, it’s important to ensure that your existing backup settings are up to date and working properly. To do this, open the Start menu, select Settings, then click Update & Security. From here, click Backup and review the “Backup settings” section at the top of the window. Make sure the toggle switch for “Back up using File History” is “On.”
2. Set Up a Backup Strategy. Once you’ve ensured that File History is enabled, you can begin setting up your backup strategy. To customize where you’d like to save your backups and how often you’d like the process to occur, click “More options” in the same section of the Backup page.
In the pop-up window, you’ll be able to choose where you’d like to backup your files and how often. You can choose to save your backups on an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or other removable storage device. Additionally, you’ll be able to set how frequently File History should run.
3. Select Files and Folders to Back Up. Once you’ve configured your backup settings, you’ll need to select which files and folders you want to back up. To do this, click “Manage file history settings” in the same section of the Backup page. This will open a new window where you can select the folders and files that you’d like to back up.
Here, you’ll also have the option to back up other libraries and folders, such as your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Videos. To select a library or folder, simply check the box next to the option that you’d like to back up.
4. Run a Backup Manually. After selecting the files and folders that you’d like to back up, you can begin the backup process. To do this, click “Back up now” in the “Back up using File History” section of the Backup page.
Additionally, you can also run an automatic backup according to the schedule that you specified earlier. To verify that File History is running on time, open the Action Center by clicking the notification icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen. If you see a notification that reads “File History is backing up now,” then everything is running properly.
5. Restore a Backup. Finally, if you’ve ever lost important files or data due to a system failure or error, you’ll be glad to know that restoring a backup with File History is just as easy as creating one in the first place.
To restore a backup, open the Control Panel, select System and Maintenance, then choose Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Next, select “Restore my files” and choose the version of the file or folder that you’d like to restore.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily back up and restore your most important files and folders in Windows 10. It’s important to note that it’s always best to regularly back up your data, so make sure to establish a system and stick to it. Doing so will help ensure that your data remains safe and secure.