backup drive

Question

how do I connect an external drive for backup of my data

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

You may use File History to back up your files:

Plug in your External Drive

On your PC, press the Windows key + R, then type in:

control /name Microsoft.FileHistory

Then turn on the File History.

For reference: https://pureinfotech.com/backup-windows-11-external-usb-drive/

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Additional note: You can also manually back up the files by just copying and pasting them to the external drive.

Answer 2

To back up data on Windows 11 using an external drive, follow these steps:

1. Physically connect the external drive (USB drive, external hard drive, or SD card) to the PC.
2. Wait a few seconds for Windows to recognize it. The drive will appear in File Explorer under "This PC" with its own drive letter.

Then choose how to back up:

Option 1: Manually copy files to the drive

1. On the taskbar, select File Explorer.
2. Browse to the folders to back up (for example Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, etc.).
3. Select the files and folders (hold CTRL to select multiple).
4. Right-click the selection, choose Show more options > Send to, then select the external drive.
5. Wait for the copy to finish.
6. When done, in File Explorer right‑click the external drive and select Eject before unplugging it.

Option 2: Use File History for ongoing backups

1. Connect the external drive or set up a network location for backups.
2. Open Control Panel → System and Security → Save backup copies of your files with File History.
3. Select Turn on to enable File History.
4. If no drive is selected, choose Select drive, pick the external drive, and select OK.
5. File History will automatically back up key folders like Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop.
6. To include other folders, go to that folder in File Explorer, right‑click it, select Show more options > Include in library, and add it to a library so File History backs it up.

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References:

• Backup and restore with File History
• Move your files to a new Windows PC using an external storage device

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