- Decide what matters: usually Documents, Pictures, Desktop and work files.
- Cloud backup: OneDrive is built into Windows. Open Settings → Accounts → Windows backup and turn on folder backup. Google Drive works too.
- External drive backup: connect an external drive, search the Start menu for File History, pick the drive and turn it on.
- Safest: both. One copy in the cloud and one on an external drive.
- Every few months, try opening a file from the backup to make sure it really works.
MacOn a Mac: connect an external drive and open System Settings → General → Time Machine → Add Backup Disk. The Mac backs up by itself whenever the drive is connected. You can also turn on iCloud.
Important: A backup drive that's always connected can get locked along with the computer if ransomware gets in. Connect it to back up, and disconnect it when the backup finishes.
Quick questions
How much space does the backup drive need?
At least as much as the files you back up, ideally twice that. For most homes a 1 to 2 TB external drive is enough.
Is free cloud storage enough?
Usually not. Free accounts are small, and photos and videos fill them fast. A small monthly cloud plan is usually enough for a family.
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