Backing-up Data on Windows

Summary

To help save you lots of time and aggravation, we recommend that you take the precaution of regularly backing up your data and settings. This article describes how to manually back up your personal files and settings in Windows 10 and Windows 7. It also describes how to use the data tools in Windows to back up your files and settings.

Body

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.

Details

Details

Article ID: 133736
Created
Fri 8/6/21 10:20 AM
Modified
Wed 2/21/24 12:32 PM