Back up your files on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Steps written for Windows 11 (screenshots: 26H2).

Windows Backup backs up folders to OneDrive. File History (backup to an external drive) was not present in the Windows 11 26H2 build we tested; for a local copy, see Back up to an external drive below.

1. 1

   Sign in with a Microsoft account

   Folder backup needs one. If you use a local account, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Your info and select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

2. 2

   Open Windows Backup

   Select Start, type backup and select Windows Backup.

   

3. 3

   Choose the folders

   Expand Folders and turn on the folders you want to back up: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music.

4. 4

   Choose apps and settings

   Expand Apps, Settings and Credentials and turn on what you want Windows to remember. Items that are already backed up show as backed up.

5. 5

   Start the backup

   Select Back up (on the first-run screen, Continue).

6. 6

   Check the backup status

   Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. The top of the page shows the state of OneDrive, the app list and preferences; OneDrive folder syncing changes which folders are backed up.

   

Steps written for Windows 10 22H2.

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. File History below copies your files to an external drive. Windows Backup (to OneDrive) is also available on Windows 10.

1. 1

   Connect an external drive

   Use a USB drive or external disk with enough free space, or a network location.

2. 2

   Open File History

   Open Control Panel and, under System and Security, select Save backup copies of your files with File History.

3. 3

   Choose the backup drive

   Select Select drive, choose the external drive or network location and select OK.

4. 4

   Turn on File History

   Select Turn on. File History backs up your Documents, Pictures, Videos and Desktop folders and keeps earlier versions of the files.