How to Back Up Your Computer to a Synology NAS

Synology NAS, developed by Synology Inc., is a centralized data storage and backup solution that simplifies file collaboration, optimizes video management, and ensures secure network deployment for efficient data management. It can also be used for daily home use. Below, we will explore how to back up your computer to Synology NAS.

Backup with Todo Backup to Synology NAS

is a reliable and user-friendly backup tool that lets you back up your computer, system, disks, and files to Synology NAS with just a few clicks. In addition to NAS, it supports various other storage devices like HDD, SSD, USB external drives, hardware RAID, home file servers, and cloud storage.

Additionally, Todo Backup offers cloning features that allow you to easily clone your disk without losing any data. Simply download the software and follow these guidelines to safeguard your computer.

2. Choose the content type you want to back up, such as Disk/Partition, System, Files, or others.

3. Click Browse... to select the destination and add your NAS device.

4. Input the IP/Name of your NAS device and corresponding credentials to establish the connection.

5. After adding the NAS device, select a proper location on NAS to save backup images and click OK.

6. You can also set up a schedule for backup, such as running it only once, daily, weekly or monthly.

7. When you're done, click Start Backup to initiate the backup process.

8. The backup is now in progress. With a backup, you can have peace of mind knowing your data and information is secure and easily recoverable in case of any unfortunate events.

Centralized Backup Solution to NAS

If you need to back up numerous computers, creating tasks individually on each can be time-consuming. We recommend using a centralized management tool like Backup Center to save time and effort. By installing Backup Center on one machine, you can easily create a backup task and deploy it to all client computers. This streamlines the backup process, ensuring that all your computers are adequately protected. 1. First, create a new backup task in Backup Center. The process is similar to creating one in Todo Backup.

2. After creation, select Deploy Task to choose the client computers.

Backup your computer with Synology Drive Client

Synology Drive Client is a desktop application that simplifies file synchronization, computer backup services, and data management to a central server – the Synology Drive server – across multiple client computers. With Synology Drive Client, you can schedule backup tasks to transfer computer files to the Synology Drive server. Additionally, you can create file versions for restoration or download as needed. 1. To get started with Synology Drive Client, download and install the desktop client for your computer's operating system from the Synology Download Center. 2. Run Synology Drive Client on your computer and click **Get Started**. 3. Connect to your Synology NAS running the Synology Drive server using the domain name, QuickConnect ID, or IP address (IPv6 supported). Enter your username and password, then click **Next**.

4. Select Backup Task. Click Next.

5. Select the backup source and target location. Click Change to modify the target location.

6. Click Backup Options to configure more settings.
7. Check Keep files deleted locally in the remote backup destination to keep the files on Synology NAS even if you delete them from your computer. Click Apply to save the changes.

8. Click Next. Then, choose one of the three backup modes. We highly recommend selecting Continuous Data Protection as it helps prevent data loss. However, in this example, we will demonstrate how to configure a scheduled backup as it involves more steps. Click Next.

9. Select the backup days, frequency, start time and end time from each menu.

10. Check the box for "Resume unfinished backup tasks when the system resumes" so that any interrupted backups can continue after an unexpected shutdown.
11. Click Next.
12. On the final step of the wizard, you'll see a summary of your backup task. Click Finish to confirm.
13. Double-click the Synology Drive Client icon in the notification area to view your backup status and progress.

Conclusions

In a nutshell, this article outlines the process of backing up a computer to a Synology NAS. For this purpose, the recommendation goes to the feature-rich and user-friendly Todo Backup tool, while the Backup Center tool is more suitable for managing multiple computers in groups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Synology NAS Backup

1. **What is the difference between synchronization and backup in Synology Drive?**
Backup refers to manually or automatically copying files from one location to another, typically from one physical drive to another, but it can also involve copying to an online location. Synchronization means manually or automatically copying or deleting files as needed to ensure that two locations have the same set of files. 2. **Is a NAS better than an external hard drive?**
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device offers more functionality than an external hard drive, such as allowing multiple users to remotely access stored data, stronger data protection and security measures, and flexible backup options. 3. **How do I connect my Windows computer to a Synology NAS?**
You can follow these steps to connect: 1. First, download and install the DSM (DiskStation Manager) desktop package or Synology Drive client provided by Synology on your Windows computer. 2. After installation, open the client and enter your Synology NAS's IP address, username, and password as prompted to connect. 3. Once logged in, you can browse shared folders on the NAS through the client and perform file upload, download, synchronization, or backup operations. 4. To ensure continuous access, make sure your NAS and Windows computer are on the same network, and enable relevant network settings. Make sure your NAS is properly configured and turned on before following these steps.

1. Open File Explorer and click on "Computer" or "This PC." 2. Next, click on "Map Network Drive." 3. In the following window, select a drive letter from the drop-down menu. 4. Enter the server name of your Synology NAS followed by the shared folder name, for example, and then click "Finish." 5. Input your DSM username and password, then click "OK." 6. Now, your shared network folder is mapped, and you can access it under "Computer" or "This PC."