Backing-up Data on Windows

Backing up a user folder in Windows 11 to an external USB drive is a great way to keep your important files safe. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Connect Your External USB Drive:

    • Plug your external USB drive into your computer. Make sure the drive has enough free space to accommodate the backup.

  2. Open File Explorer:

    • Click on the folder icon on the taskbar or press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.

  3. Locate Your User Folder:

    • In File Explorer, find the "This PC" section on the left side.
    • Your user folder is usually under C:\Users\[YourUserName]. Double-click to open it.

  4. Select the Contents to Backup:

    • Inside your user folder, you'll see various subfolders like Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.
    • You can either select specific folders or the entire user folder for backup. To select everything, press Ctrl + A.

  5. Copy the Selected Contents:

    • Right-click on the selected items and choose 'Copy' from the context menu.

  6. Navigate to Your External USB Drive:

    • In File Explorer, find your external USB drive listed under "This PC" or "Devices and drives". It usually has a drive letter like D:, E:, etc.
    • Double-click to open the drive.

  7. Paste the Copied Files:

    • Right-click on an empty space in the drive window and choose 'Paste'. This will start copying the files from your user folder to the external drive.
    • The time it takes to copy the files depends on the total size of the files and the speed of your USB drive.

  8. Safely Eject the External Drive:

    • After the copying is complete, close File Explorer.
    • Click on the 'Show hidden icons' arrow in the taskbar (near the clock), then right-click on the USB icon, and select 'Eject [Drive Name]'.
    • Once you get a notification that it's safe to remove the hardware, unplug the USB drive.

Remember:

  • Regularly update your backup, especially after adding important new files.
  • Store your external drive in a safe place to protect your data.
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