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HP PCs - Back up your files (Windows 11, 10)

Backing up important software and data to an external drive, an online resource, or an external location is recommended. This provides an added layer of data protection, allowing for an easier recovery time if needed.

For business computers, check with your company IT department or your local IT service for other backup solutions.

Back up folders online

Backing up your folders in the cloud synchronizes your data across multiple devices and allows you to recover your data faster in case of loss.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 include OneDrive, which provides free storage space up to 5 GB of files without a subscription. You need a Microsoft account to set up OneDrive on your computer.

Note:

In Windows 11, you can also save your apps and your preferences to your Microsoft account.

Other cloud storage solutions, such as Dropbox, are available to back up your data online.

Back up files in File History

File History automatically backs up files that are on your desktop and in your libraries, contacts list, and favorites. If the originals are lost, corrupted, or deleted, you can restore any or all of your files. You can also find previous versions of your files from specific dates.

You can back up your files to an external drive such as a USB flash drive or portable hard drive. Use the procedure for your operating system to back up your files to an external drive.

Back up your files (Windows 11)

Use these steps to back up your files for your computer in Windows 11.

Connect your external drive to the computer. If an AutoPlay window opens, close it.
Search for and open File History.
Click Turn on.
If your files do not begin backing up immediately, click Run now.
Optionally, to exclude certain folders from backups, click Exclude folders > Add, and then select the folders. Click Save changes.
To adjust backup settings, click Advanced settings.
- To adjust how often you want Windows to back up your files automatically, select an option in the Save copies of files drop-down menu.
- To set how long you want Windows to keep your files, select an option in the Keep saved versions drop-down menu.

Back up your files (Windows 10)

Watch the video and use these steps to back up your files for your computer with Windows 10.

Backing up your files in Windows 10

Connect your external drive to the computer. If an AutoPlay window opens, close it.
Search for and open Backup settings.
Turn on Automatically back up my files.

Note:
If the Automatically back up my files is not available, click Add a drive, and then click your external drive when Windows finds the drive.
To back up your files immediately or adjust backup settings, click More options.
- To back up your files immediately, click Back up now.
- To exclude certain folders from backups, add them under Exclude these folders.
- To adjust how often you want Windows to back up your files automatically, select an option in the Back up my files drop-down menu.
- To set how long you want Windows to keep your files, select an option in the Keep my backups drop-down menu.

Restore saved files with File History

With File History, you can restore either one file or all the files that you have backed up. You can also find different versions of your files from specific dates.

Connect your external drive to the computer. If an AutoPlay window opens, close it.
Search for and open Restore your files with File History.
Click the Previous and Next icons to select the backup point that you want to restore.
Select the files or folders to restore.
- To select one folder, click the folder.
- To select some of the folders, hold the ctrl key while selecting them.
- To select all the folders, right-click an empty area of the app window, and then click Select All.
- To select one or more files within a folder, double-click the folder, and then select the files.
Click the restore icon .

Windows restores the files.

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