How to Automatically Backup Files to an External Hard Drive | 3 Methods

What is the best strategy to retain your computer data from a severe system crash, hardware failure, or virus attack? Creating a full backup of your computer data is the best way out. What is the most effective method to safeguard your computer data in the event of a severe system crash, hardware malfunction, or viral infection? The ideal solution is to make a complete backup of your computer data.

Additionally, keep in mind that the most recommended method is to create a regular backup plan and automatically back up files to an external hard drive on Windows 10/8/7 computers. Here, we have compiled 3 backup tools to effectively protect your files from various disasters:

Backup and Restore vs. File History vs. Windows Backup Software 1. Backup and Restore: "Backup and Restore" is a built-in feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to create system backups and restore points. It enables users to save a copy of their important files and system settings, which can be used to revert to a previous state in case of data loss or system failure. 2. File History: "File History" is another native Windows feature, primarily focused on protecting user files rather than the entire system. It automatically backs up files in designated folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos, and provides an easy way to recover accidentally deleted or modified files. File History works continuously in the background, creating versions of your files that can be restored at any time. 3. Windows Backup Software: "Windows Backup Software" refers to third-party applications designed to provide backup solutions for Windows users. These programs often offer more advanced features, customization options, and flexibility compared to the built-in tools. They can back up entire systems, specific files or folders, and may include additional functions like encryption, scheduling, and cloud integration. Some popular examples include Acronis True Image, tools Todo Backup, and Norton Ghost.

Which method to choose? Backup and Restore, File History or Windows Backup Software? Some of you may have the same question here, which backup tool should I choose?

Here, we've provided a brief comparison table to assist you in choosing the tool that best suits your needs:

Editor's Pick: For the easiest method, opt for Windows backup software as your top choice for its simplicity and efficiency in file backup.

Method 1: Automatically Back Up Files to External Hard Drive using Windows Backup and Restore

Tutorial: How to Set Up a Backup Plan to Automatically Back Up Files to an External Hard Drive

Prerequisite: Keep the external hard drive connected to your computer at all times.

Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. Click "Change settings", select the external hard drive ("Removable Disk") to save a backup, and click "Next".

Select the external hard drive as the backup destination

Step 3. Click "Let me choose" and then "Next" to select the files you need to back up. Click "Next".

Step 4. Click "Change schedule", set to run the backup task on a schedule by daily, weekly, or monthly, and click "OK".

Step 5. Click "Set settings and run backup".

Just wait patiently for the Windows Backup and Recovery process to complete.

Also Read: Windows 11 Backup to External Hard Drive [3-Minute Guide] | Backup Computer to External Hard Drive in Windows 7

Method 2: How to Automatically Backup Files to External Disk with Windows File History

Tutorial: How to Automatically Backup Files to an External Hard Drive Using File History

Prerequisite: Always keep your external hard drive connected to the PC.

Step 1. Open Control Panel and choose "File History".

Step 2. Click "Select drive" on the File History window.

Step 3. Select your external hard drive, which should be listed as "Removable disk," and click "OK" to proceed.

Select the external hard drive to automatically back up files

Step 4. Click "Advanced Settings", here you can set how often to save copies of your files by minutes, hours, or daily.

Backup plan setup

Step 6. Click "Run now".

File History will automatically back up all folders under C:\Users\account name to your external hard drive.

Method 3: Automatically Back Up Files to External Hard Drive with Windows Backup Software

Here, backup software tools offer the scheduled backup option to help you automatically back up files to an external hard drive:

#1. Automatically Backup Files to External HDD Daily, Weekly, or Monthly

Prerequisite: Ensure that the external hard drive is connected to the computer at all times before backing up the computer to the external hard drive.

Step 1. Click "Select backup contents" to start a backup.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. Local and network files will be displayed on the left side. You can expand the directory to choose which files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the location where you want to save the backup.

Click “Options” to encrypt the backup with a password in “Backup Options,” and to set up a backup schedule and choose to initiate a backup at a certain event in “Backup Scheme.” There are a variety of other customization options available for the backup process.

Step 5. You can save the backup to a local drive, the tool's online service, or a NAS.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to a third-party cloud drive or its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add your account, and then log in.

You can also save backups to the tool's cloud storage service. Sign up for a Tool Account and log in after clicking Tool Cloud.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to start the process. When the backup is complete, it will appear as a card on the left pane. Right-click a backup job to manage it further.

You can also use this feature to  automatically backup to USB drive when plugged in.

It's Your Turn: Take Steps to Automatically Back Up Your Files Now

On this page, we shared the optimal strategy for safeguarding your personal data in Windows 10/8/7. We also compiled a list of 3 tools to assist you: 1. Backup and Restore 2. File History 3. Windows Backup Software Which one should you choose?

Regardless of which tool you choose, take action now to automatically back up your valuable files.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Automatically Backing Up Files to an External Hard Drive

Can I back up files automatically to an external hard drive or network server?

Certainly, you can. You can use three utilities, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), File History, and third-party software like Todo Backup, to automatically back up files to an external hard drive on a schedule. However, only Todo Backup enables you to back up to a network server. Furthermore, it offers fast backup speed and advanced compression technology, saving you both time and storage space.

How do I automatically sync files to an external hard drive on Windows 10?

If you wish to automatically sync files to an external hard drive in Windows 10, you can utilize tools like Todo Backup. This will not only save you time and disk space but also benefit from its fast backup speed and advanced compression technology.