How to Backup My Files on a Windows Computer

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Making sure you have a recent backup of your computer is extremely important. Windows makes this easy with a simple built-in backup system.

This guide will walk you through setting up Windows Backup.

2. Media Check

1. Open Windows Explorer.
   

1. Select This PC on the left.
   

1. Using your right mouse button, right-click on the C: drive. A special menu will open.
   

1. Select Properties.
   

1. On the General tab, look for Used space. Your external drive will need to be at least this size.
   

1. It is recommended your external drive have double Used space, or even be as large as the entire capacity of your drive, so you have plenty of room in the future to not only back up any and all files you create in the future, but to keep multiple versions backed up. That way, you can reverse changes easily should something go wrong.

3. Connect External Hard Drive

1. Physically connect the USB cable that came with your external hard drive to the drive itself.
   

1. Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer.
   

1. Open Windows Explorer.
   

1. Select This PC on the left.
   

1. Your external hard drive should appear in under Devices and drives.
   

4. Backup

Windows 10 comes with its own backup software.

To begin you'll need an external drive.

1. Select the Start button, then select Settings.
   

1. Select Update & Security.
   

1. Select Backup.
   

1. Make sure your external drive is connected and select Add a Drive.
   

1. Select your drive from the drop down list.
   

1. Backups will start automatically, you do not have to make any other changes.
2. Windows 10 will now make a backup every hour of C:\Users\<your username>.
3. If you want to change these settings click More Options beneath Add a drive.

5. Get External Hard Drive

We will need an external disk to store the backup on.

Return to this guide when you have purchased an external hard drive.