Automatically back up a folder to a network drive

Do you know how to back up files or folders automatically? You can use a third-party Windows backup software, like Todo Backup, or utilize the built-in Windows tools "File History" and "Backup and Restore" to create a backup schedule. Then, you can automatically back up your files or folders to a network drive. This way, when something unexpected happens to your computer, you can restore your files in time. This article will introduce three methods to automatically back up a folder to a network drive in Windows 10.

What is a Network Drive? - Overview

So, a network drive is also a storage device, but it's one that can be connected to other computers on a local area network, and it's often used by businesses and individuals to share files with others.

The following sections describe many other advantages of backing up your folders to a network drive.

Why back up folders to a network drive?

Network drives are preferred for the following reasons:

• Large capacity: Network storage usually offers free memory space.
• Sharing: It allows users to access resources on other computers.
• Convenience: Files can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
• Safety: Storing files on a network drive can prevent issues due to system crashes.

In short, it makes sense to have a folder that automatically backs up to a network drive. It's easy to set up and won't take much of your time. Below, I'll show you three quick ways to automatically back up a folder to a network drive in Windows 10.

Also read: How to Backup Network Shared Folders with Network Backup Software

There are at least three ways to create file backups in Windows 10:

• 1️⃣Third-party software: Todo Backup Home Tool?
• 2️⃣Built-in Windows tool: Backup and Restore
• 3️⃣Built-in Windows tool: File History (Windows 10)

All three methods let you set up a schedule to back up your files and save them to a network drive, but they have some differences:

Here are the detailed steps for the three automatic file backup methods. Obviously, both File History and Backup and Restore can meet your basic needs for automatic file backup. However, Todo Backup is a better choice, as it can back up more content and is the best incremental backup software for Windows 10, helping us save space and improve efficiency.

Method 1: Automatically Back Up a Folder to a Network Drive with Todo Backup

Todo Backup is a professional Windows backup software with advanced backup settings to meet all your backup needs. You can easily and automatically back up files and folders or back up hard drive. It allows you to store backups locally, on NAS, or clone your computer to a new one. There's more:

• Supports system backup and disk and partition backup.
• Enables you to securely back up and restore files, with encryption options.
• Features backup filters to exclude unnecessary content and save more space.
• Smoothly and automatically backs up folders to other drives.
• Facilitates rapid system image recovery in case of system crashes.

Moreover, it supports various Windows systems, such as Windows 10/8/7 and Windows 11. Todo Backup is user-friendly, and anyone who downloads it can easily automate folder backup. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Tap Select Backup to start the backup.

There are four types of data to back up: files, disks, operating systems, and mail.

Step 3: On the left, you'll see a list of local and network files. Expand the folders and select the ones you want to back up.

Step 4. Choose where you want to save your backup, following the on-screen instructions.

In the Backup Options, click Options to encrypt your backup with a password, set up a backup schedule, and choose whether to start a backup at specific events in the Backup Policy. There are many customizable features to explore, allowing you to tailor the backup process according to your needs.

Step Five: The backup can be stored on a local disk, the tool's cloud service, or a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Step 6: Todo Backup lets users back up their data to a third-party cloud storage drive or to the company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add a cloud device, entering your account information.

You can also use the software's built-in cloud storage service. Click “Software Cloud,” and create an account with your “Software Account.” Log in to your account.

Step 7. To start the backup, click Backup Now. When the backup is successfully completed, it will appear as a card in the left pane. Right-click on it for more detailed backup job management.

More to read: How to Backup Folders in Windows 7 | Step-by-Step Guide

Method 2: Back Up Folders Automatically to a Network Drive with File History

File History is a built-in backup tool in Windows 8.1 that's also available in Windows 10 and 11. By default, it automatically backs up files in user folders, like the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and Pictures folders. It also stores all changes made to any files, whether they're on internal or external drives, to a network drive or another drive. Here's how to back up your folders with File History:

Step 1: Open Settings from the Start menu.

Step 2: Choose “Update & Security,” and then choose “Backup.”

Step 3: Click “Add Network Location” to add a network drive.

Step 4: Click the “Automatically back up my files” button, and then click “More options.”

Step 5: Set up the backup schedule, then click “Start Backup” to begin the automatic backup.

Method 3: Back up folders automatically to a network drive with Backup and Restore

The Backup and Restore tool built into Windows 7 follows the design of that operating system, but it can also be used to automatically back up folders in Windows 10. It can create automatic file backups and save files or folders to a NAS server or other network drive. Unlike File History, it also offers file restoration. Here's how to automatically back up your files:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and click on System and Security.

Click "System and Security".

Step 2: Look for "Backup and Restore"

Step 3: Click on “Set up backup” on the right.

Step 4: In the top-right corner, select “Save to Web.”

Step 5: Click “Browse” to add a network drive, or type in the network location. Enter your username and password, then click “OK.”

Step Six: Click “Next,” and then choose either “Let Windows choose” or “Let me choose” for what to back up.

Step 7: Click on Change schedule to set the time for automatic backups. Then click “Save settings and run backup.”

Conclusion

This article covers three methods to automatically back up folders to a network drive on Windows 10 or 11. In short, you can use Todo Backup, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), and File History to help you back up your files. You can choose one based on your preference. However, Todo Backup is a more comprehensive backup option that can make the process easier and less troublesome for you. It allows you to create automatic file backups. As the best Windows backup software, it's worth giving a try!

Frequently Asked Questions About Automatically Backing Up Folders to a Network Drive

That's it for the three most comprehensive ways to back up your folders. Below, you'll find some frequently asked questions.

Does Windows 10 automatically back up files?

Windows 10 can automatically back up your files using File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7). You can also set up a backup plan in Windows 10 to create automatic file backups.

**2. How can I automatically back up my files to my NAS?**

You can use professional file backup software, like Todo Backup, to automatically back up files to NAS. Alternatively, you can use the built-in Windows Backup and Restore tool.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and choose System and Security.

Step 2: Choose “Backup and Restore.”

Step 3: Set up a backup or create a system image.

3. Does Windows 10 Have a Backup Program?

Yes, in Windows 10, you can find both the "File History" and "Backup and Restore" tools within the Control Panel. Both can be used for backing up your files.

**4. Is there any way to automatically back up a folder to another drive on my laptop?**

Yes, there are several ways to automatically back up a folder to another drive on your laptop. One method is to use backup software or tools that allow you to schedule regular backups of specific folders to another drive. Another option is to utilize the built-in "File History" feature in Windows, which enables you to set up automatic folder backups to another drive.