Backup Windows 10 to a folder of external drive

Backing up your Windows 10 computer is essential to protect your important files and data. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to back up your files is by creating a backup to a folder on an external drive. In this article, we will guide you through the process of backing up your Windows 10 to a folder on an external drive.

Step 1: Connect the External Drive

The first step is to connect your external drive to your Windows 10 computer. Make sure the drive is properly connected and recognized by your computer.

Step 2: Create a New Folder on the External Drive

Next, we need to create a new folder on the external drive where we will store the backup files. Follow these steps to create a new folder:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the external drive. It is usually labeled with a letter such as D: or E:.
3. Right-click on an empty space and select New > Folder.
4. Give the folder a name that is easy to remember, such as "Windows 10 Backup".

Step 3: Open the Backup Settings

Now, we need to open the backup settings on your Windows 10 computer. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Click on the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) to open the Settings app.
3. In the Settings app, click on Update & Security.
4. From the left-hand menu, click on Backup.

Step 4: Set Up the Backup

Now that we have opened the backup settings, we can set up the backup to the external drive folder. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Add a drive button under the "Back up using File History" section.
2. Select your external drive from the list of available drives.
3. Click on the More options link to customize the backup settings.
4. Under the "Back up my files" section, click on the Add a folder button.
5. Navigate to the folder you created on the external drive in Step 2.
6. Select the folder and click on the Choose this folder button.
7. Review the other backup settings and customize them according to your preferences.
8. Click on the Back up now button to start the backup process.

That's it! Your Windows 10 computer will now start backing up your files to the folder on the external drive. It may take some time depending on the size of your files and the speed of your computer.

Remember to keep your external drive connected to your computer whenever you want to perform a backup. You can also schedule automatic backups by enabling the "Automatically back up my files" option in the backup settings.

Conclusion

Backing up your Windows 10 computer to a folder on an external drive is a simple and effective way to protect your important files and data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your files are safe and easily recoverable in case of any data loss or system failure.

References

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