Backing up external hard drive: using Windows 10

For backing up data to an external hard drive, Windows 10 provides a number of tools that you should also use. This will keep your files protected and available to you in case your computer breaks or you accidentally delete files.

Windows 10: File version history on an external hard drive

To back up Windows 10 to an external hard drive, follow these steps:

1. One way to back up individual Windows 10 data to an external hard drive is to use File version history.
2. Similar to shadow copies in Windows 7, File version history regularly saves the changes you make to a file. Unlike Windows 7, however, the Windows 10 tool requires a physical drive in the process, such as a hard drive or even a USB stick.
3. Open the Control Panel and select "File Version History". Then click on "Add Drive".
4. Decide, for example, for the storage medium external hard drive and confirm the process.
5. Now copies of your files are created and stored in the desired drive under "FileHistory".
6. Only data that you have stored in the library will be saved.

Add more folders

This makes the file version history especially suitable for very important files. If you want to add more folders, right-click on the "Properties" of the folder. Select "Add" and then pick up the folder. Confirm with "Ok".If, on the other hand, you want to back up your entire hard drive, it is best to choose a complete Windows backup for this.