Secure Your Information and Back up Windows 10 Today

Windows remains the most used computer operating system today. The latest version of Windows, Windows 10, runs over one-third of all computers according to the latest numbers. If you are using Windows 10, one of the best things you can do to protect your data is to make a backup on a regular basis. Fortunately, Microsoft makes this an easy process for you. Take just a few moments to learn how to backup Windows 10 on your computer. In addition, check our guide on how to manage your Windows privacy settings.

A Free Insurance Policy for Your Computer’s Data

Disaster happens. Sadly, this is all too real in our world. There will come a day when the hard drive on your computer fails. Or perhaps a flood will ruin your computer. Maybe you’ll click on the wrong email and find all the data on your computer encrypted with ransomware. It’s not a matter of if something happens to your computer, it’s just a matter of when, and what you’ll be able to do about it. A backup lets you restore your computer’s data just as it was when you made the backup. It costs nothing except a few minutes time and can be automated to happen when you aren’t using the computer. A backup really is like a free insurance policy for your computer’s data.

Creating a Windows 10 Backup

The Windows 10 backup image not only saves your files, it saves your settings for Windows and other important data needed to bring your computer back to life after a disaster. Hit the Start Button, then click the gear icon for settings.

The backup settings are located under ‘Update & Security’ which should be one of the last options listed. On the left side of the screen locate the setting labeled ‘Backup.’

This is the main screen for your backup settings. If you haven’t setup a backup before, at the top under ‘Back up using File History’ the option to ‘Add a drive’ with a plus sign next to it. Your backup will be saved to an external drive, either a USB drive, recorded to a blank DVD, or an external hard drive. When you click the plus sign, Windows will detect any eligible drives you have for backup. Choose the option you prefer and click on it.

Windows will now automatically create a backup of your computer every hour. Your screen will now show a slider turned on to automatically backup files. You can change the options for the backup by clicking on the ‘more options’ link.

Here you can change how frequently Windows will perform a backup. Options range from every 10 minutes to once a day. You can also choose how long to keep backups. If you have plenty of space, you may choose to keep backups longer than if your storage solution is limited.

You can also change which folders are included in the backup. Adding or deleting folders is as simple as clicking on the ‘Add folder’ button and choosing a folder. If you don’t want to include a folder, to save on storage space for example, simply click the folder and choose ‘Remove’.

Third Party Options for Backup

Of course, if your backup your Windows 10 computer to a local storage solution, you run the risk of any disaster that takes your computer out affecting your backup as well. Third party solutions also offer some other features you might want for your backup.

Key features to look for in choosing backup software include real time backups which store changes anytime they occur on your computer. Also look for the ability to backup to an online cloud storage, or automatically transfer your backup via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to an off-site storage. You also want a backup solution that does not significantly impact your computer’s performance.

It can be good to remember that you are parting with a lot of personal information. Consider your privacy when you choose your backup method. Do you trust the company with your personal information?

Whatever option you choose, whether using the built-in convenience of Windows 10 backup or opting to use a third-party backup software, you are making a good choice to protect your data. If you are like most people, you may be tempted to procrastinate acting on this. Setting up your Windows backup will only take a few minutes and can save you hours of regret later. Why not start your backup right now?

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to also make a backup of the information on your Android smartphone, your iPhone, your iPad or your Mac.

If you need more storage space, consider picking from our selection of the best cloud storage providers.