How to Automatically Sync Files to an External Hard Drive on Windows

Like the user above, many people often look for ways to automatically sync files to an external hard drive, so they don't have to manually back up their files periodically. It would be great if your external HDD could update in real-time every time you make changes to a file on your computer. Automatic file syncing achieves this by synchronizing files or folders between your computer and external hard drive, ensuring that both have the most up-to-date copies at all times.

This tool guide will recommend the best file sync software to automatically sync files to an external hard drive or sync files between computers and external drives. We'll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up an automatic sync task.

The benefits of automatic file synchronization to an external hard drive

Sure, automatic syncing keeps data up to date across multiple locations on cloud storage or external drives. But let's consider the benefits of automatically syncing files to an external hard drive:

1️⃣ Syncing files to an external hard drive safeguards your data from accidental deletion, hardware failures, or malware attacks. 2️⃣ You can automate the creation and updating of backup files, eliminating the need for manual intervention. 3️⃣ External hard drives provide extra storage space, which aids in storing large files. 4️⃣ Storing data like images, documents, and project files on a flash drive enables you to carry your data conveniently.

The Best Free Tool to Automatically Sync Files to an External Hard Drive

Microsoft offers an app called File History, built into Windows, that with four clicks in the Control Panel automatically syncs your files to an external hard drive. You create a folder on the external drive and choose through advanced settings how often you want it synchronized – every day, every 10 minutes, every 15 minutes, every hour, every three hours, and so on.

However, this tool also has some drawbacks. For instance, it can only sync files on the C drive, including Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and OneDrive. Aside from this, you might frequently encounter issues like getting stuck during the sync process.

Todo Backup Free is a top, easy, and efficient solution for free automatic file synchronization to an external hard drive. This backup and sync software offers seamless automatic syncing and lets you set the frequency (real-time, hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly) to automate syncing your files or folders to the hard drive based on your needs. Set it up once, and the tool will do all the work automatically. In addition to supporting syncing files between computer and USB, it also allows you to sync files between desktop and laptop. Its features make it an ideal choice for automatically syncing files to an external hard drive.

Furthermore, you can create system or disk clones, system images, and bootable USBs to safeguard your system and prevent data loss due to unforeseen circumstances. Its intuitive interface and streamlined workflow make it beginner-friendly. So, let's download it and start syncing files!

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Sync files to an external drive automatically with just 4 simple steps

Now that you've got the best free automatic file sync software, you might be wondering how to set up automatic syncing of files to an external hard drive. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to automatically sync files to an external hard drive:

Step 1: Download and run Todo Backup for free, then click on New Sync.

<Step 2> Click <Select Sync Path> to add the locations of the source file and target file (on the external disk).

Note: If the external drive does not have a folder, create one.

Step 3: Next, tap on the Options at the bottom to choose your sync frequency, then tap OK. You can choose to sync your files automatically in real-time, daily, weekly, monthly, or at a specific time.

Click <Start Synchronization> in the bottom right corner of the window to begin synchronization.

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wrapping up

Automatically syncing files to an external hard drive can help you create backups while updating your data. This article presents two feasible methods, but Todo Backup stands out as the best option. It allows you to easily and quickly sync files to an external hard drive for free and features scheduled backup options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Automatically Syncing Files to an External Hard Drive

Google Drive does not directly support syncing to an external hard drive. However, you can achieve this indirectly through the following methods: 1. Use a third-party sync tool: Applications like Sync.com, Nutstore, or Nextcloud allow you to synchronize content from cloud storage to an external hard drive. Make sure to verify compatibility and security when choosing such services. 2. Manual backup: You can periodically download files from Google Drive to your external hard drive, or use a file manager to copy and paste files directly from Google Drive to the external drive. 3. Utilize local computer storage: Install the Google Drive client (Google Backup and Sync or Drive for Desktop) on your computer and configure it to sync files to a specific folder on your local hard drive. You can then manually synchronize that folder to your external hard drive. When using any of these methods, ensure your external hard drive connection is stable and regularly check your backups to prevent data loss.

Yes, you can indirectly sync Google Drive to an external hard drive. You'll need to connect the external hard drive to your computer and then open your Google Drive. Within the Google Drive interface, click on "Mirror folder" and set the folder location to the external drive.

How do I sync files between my computer and an external hard drive?

In Windows, you can synchronize files between your computer and an external hard drive using various methods, including Windows 7's Backup and Restore, Windows File History, and third-party tools like Todo Backup. However, only this software offers fast backup speeds with advanced compression technology.

How to automatically back up files to an external hard drive in Windows 11? In Windows 11, you can use the built-in "File History" feature to automatically back up your files to an external hard drive. Here's how to set it up: 1. First, ensure that your external hard drive is connected to your computer and visible in File Explorer. 2. Open the "Settings" app. You can do this by typing "Settings" into the search bar on the taskbar and clicking the result, or by using the Win + I shortcut keys. 3. In the "Settings" window, select the "System" option. 4. On the left menu, click on "Backup." 5. On the "Backup" page, you'll see the "Add a drive" option. Click on it. 6. The system will list all available external storage devices. Select your external hard drive and then click "Select drive." 7. Turn on "File History." You can adjust the backup frequency and other settings as needed. By default, File History will automatically back up your files every hour. 8. If you want to include specific folders or exclude folders that don't need to be backed up, click on "More options" and then configure the settings under "Include a folder" or "Exclude a folder." 9. After completing the setup, remember to click "Save changes." Now, Windows 11 will automatically back up your files to the external hard drive according to the schedule you've set. To restore files, simply return to the "Backup" settings page and click "Restore your files." Please note that the external hard drive needs to remain connected for regular backups. Frequent disconnections may disrupt the automatic backup process.

Method to automatically back up files to an external hard drive in Windows 11:

1. Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Storage" > "Advanced Storage Settings." 2. Click on "Backup Options" > Under "Use File History for backups," click "Add Drive." 3. Enable the option "Automatically backup my files."