How to back up your PC with Windows 10

Making constant backups is the best way to stay out of trouble in case of a ransomware attack or unexpected PC mishaps. Here's how to do it on Windows

Making constant backups is the most effective way to secure our data from a hacker attack or any kind of unexpected event. In this way we can recover all the most important files at any time and with just a few clicks.

Unfortunately to perform a backup on Windows 10, but also in previous versions of the operating system from Microsoft, there are some tools already installed by default on our device. In case you are not satisfied with the tools offered by the Redmond company's operating system, you can turn to programs developed by third parties. Both paid and free software are available, which differ in the functionality they offer. If we are a simple user, a free program may also be fine, in the case of companies the only choice is a paid software.

Backing up on Windows 10

To find the section for backup on Windows 10 just go into Settings and then press on Update and Security. A new window will open and from the menu present on the left you will have to press on Windows Update. Within Backup we'll find the heading Backup with File History and to run it we'll have to select an external drive (hard disk or flash drive) where we'll save the documents.

By default clicking on Backup with File History we'll only save the important documents. That is, those contained on the Desktop, in the User folder, Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos. However this operation is customizable and you can add or exclude a folder to the backup phase.

Backup Windows 7

On Windows 7 there is a function called Backup and Restore to save our most important documents. To find it, just click on Start menu, then Backup and finally Backup and Restore. With this system we can also save documents in the PC before upgrading to Windows 10. Unlike the Windows 10 file history backup, Backup and Restore lets you save practically any file on your computer's hard disk. Obviously, even in this case we'll have to connect a USB key or an external hard disk where we'll save all the documents.

Use OneDrive

OneDrive isn't a true backup solution. But this program offers a whole range of possibilities to manage our most important files. With OneDrive, for example, we can save documents in the cloud, or synchronize them on all the other devices we have associated with our Windows account. Basically, thanks to OneDrive we'll no longer have the fear of losing our documents, since we'll be able to recover them at any moment and on any device.