Microsoft’s operating system has an easy-to-use backup feature. You just have to know where to find it.
If you want to regularly back up your PC’s working files (photos, videos, documents, etc.), there is no need to look for free or paid software. Windows 10 already has a function to do this. All you need is an external storage unit, for example a hard drive or a USB stick. We will show you how to use it.
Enable file backup
- The backup is activated in the settings of Windows 10. To find it quickly, type backup in the search box next to the start button and select Backup settings in the results list.
- Click on the + next to the mention Add reader, then on your external storage drive.
It is then possible to modify the parameters of the backup by clicking on More options. You can set the lifespan of the recorded files and the frequency of the backup, or even click the Back up data now button to perform the operation immediately.
- Click on the + next to the mention Add a folder if you want to save data located in other folders than those selected by default (Music, Videos, Photos, Documents, Downloads, etc.).
Restore backed up files
- Type restore in the search box next to the start button and select Restore your files using File History in the results list.
- A window then opens with a file explorer that corresponds to your backups. To move in time, click on the two arrows at the bottom of the screen.
- You can browse through the different folders or even get a preview of certain files, for example photos. To restore a file, click on it and then on the green circle at the bottom of the screen.
Windows will ask you to replace the existing file with the one from the backup, if the file is still present on your hard drive.