Back up your files
Make a copy of your important files now, or let us back them up automatically.
Step 1 of 8
In this guide
- 01Back up now, or let us do it automatically?
- 02Find what needs copying
- 03Check space and prepare the destination
- 04Copy the files without moving the originals
- 05Check the copy, then safely remove the drive
- 06If you have Microsoft 365, make sure OneDrive is in sync
- 07Set up a routine backup
- 08Let us back up your files automatically
Back up now, or let us do it automatically?
Back up now, or let us do it automatically?
You can copy your important files to an external drive now, or let us back up your files automatically to the cloud. Choose an option below.
Choose how you want to back up your files.
Find what needs copying
Find what needs copying
Open File Explorer from Start or the taskbar. Review Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos and Music, then your own work and personal folders. Write down the locations you need.
Include photos, financial and tax records, work or school projects, and any other files you need to keep. Files on the Desktop are easy to overlook.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
Check space and prepare the destination
Check space and prepare the destination
Review the Windows drive under Start → Settings → System → Storage. Connect the external USB drive, wait for detection and open File Explorer → This PC. Find it under Devices and drives, check free space and double-click to confirm it opens. It needs room for the complete selection you plan to copy.
Inside the external drive, right-click an empty area and choose New → Folder. Name it Computer Backup followed by today's date, for example Computer Backup 29-10-2026, and press Enter.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
Copy the files without moving the originals
Copy the files without moving the originals
In File Explorer, open a source folder and select the files or folders to protect. Right-click the selection and choose Copy. Open the dated Computer Backup folder on the external drive, right-click empty space and choose Paste.
Allow copying to finish, then repeat for the other important folders and custom locations you identified. Use Copy rather than Move. Keep the external drive connected throughout the transfer.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
Check the copy, then safely remove the drive
Check the copy, then safely remove the drive
On the external drive, open the dated Computer Backup folder and try several copied files. Check that the important folders are present and the files open properly. Where useful, compare file counts and folder sizes with the originals, and check that the transfer reported no error. Leave originals in place until these checks are complete.
At the taskbar's right end, select Safely Remove Hardware; use Show hidden icons first if needed. Choose the external drive and wait for the safe-to-remove confirmation before unplugging it.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
If you have Microsoft 365, make sure OneDrive is in sync
If you have Microsoft 365, make sure OneDrive is in sync
If you have Microsoft 365, also make sure OneDrive is enabled and in sync. In the event the external hard drive and the computer ever both fail, you can at least get your current files from your cloud storage.
Select the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar and check that it says your files are up to date. If it shows sign-in needed, storage full, paused or an error, fix that so syncing carries on.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
Set up a routine backup
Set up a routine backup
For a routine backup, use backup software and schedule it to back up to your external drive on a regular basis.
Every so often, check that the backup has run and that you can open files from it.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
Let us back up your files automatically
Let us back up your files automatically
Prefer not to manage backups yourself? Our automated cloud backup copies your files to the cloud on a schedule, with no drive to plug in. The computer needs to be turned on and connected to the internet for the backup to run.
Plans start from $25 + GST per month. See the cloud backup plans, or book IT support below and we will set it up for you.
If your files are safe and the backup checks out, you can stop here.
Book IT supportFrequently asked questions
Does OneDrive sync count as my backup?
No. Treat its synchronised files separately from your backup: deletions and damage can spread through sync. Keep a separate checked copy of files that matter.
Should I move files onto the backup drive?
Use Copy so the originals stay where they are while the extra copy is made and checked. Open several files on the destination and confirm the important folders are present.
Can I disconnect the external drive during a copy?
Wait until copying has finished, check the files, and use the safe-removal control before unplugging the drive.
