People working across devices
If work, self-employment or study files need to follow you between devices, check both how current files stay accessible and how to restore an overwritten or deleted version.
Who needs which backup arrangement?
Households with large photo libraries
For substantial photo and video collections, capacity and the time needed to copy or recover files matter alongside keeping a separate copy away from the device holding the originals.
Keepers of hard-to-replace records
Household, customer or coursework records call for copies in separate locations. The National Cyber Security Centre notes that ransomware has affected connected backup drives, making a disconnected local copy worth considering alongside off-site storage.
What matters when choosing backup storage?
Decide which files must be available across devices, which must survive a device failure, and how you would restore them. Cloud synchronisation, dedicated computer backup and local drives serve different parts of that plan; important files may need more than one route.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Access across devices | Check device support and storage allowance, then confirm version history and deletion recovery for the chosen cloud plan. | If I switch between a laptop, phone and home computer, I need my current files wherever I work. Around 22% of consumers put that access first. |
| Recovery after computer failure | Confirm which computer files and attached drives are covered, whether copying is automatic, and how a full restore works. | After a computer fails, I need more than the files I happened to place in a sync folder. Complete recovery is the primary need for around 28% of consumers. |
| Capacity for large libraries | Compare drive capacity with the files you have and expect to add; check ports, cables and formatting for your devices. | My photos and documents need to fit on a local copy without repeatedly moving older files elsewhere. Around 22% of consumers prioritise that capacity. |
| Independent recoverable copies | Plan an off-site copy and a local drive you can disconnect; check account protection, recovery periods and the steps for restoring a file. | If one device or connected backup is affected, I still need another usable copy of important records. That resilience comes first for around 28% of consumers. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a synced folder covers every file
Files outside selected folders may never be copied. Microsoft says OneDrive's full-account restore is available to Microsoft 365 subscribers for actions within the previous 30 days; items permanently deleted from the recycle bin cannot be recovered through it.
List the folders, photos and attached drives that matter, then check exactly what the service copies and keep an independent backup.
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Leaving the only backup drive connected
The National Cyber Security Centre reports incidents in which ransomware encrypted both original files and backups on connected USB or network drives.
Once a scheduled copy finishes, safely disconnect the drive and store it separately. Keep another copy for files you cannot recreate.
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Choosing by capacity or quoted speed alone
A drive must fit the files you intend to copy, while transfer speeds depend on the connection and equipment used. A large local drive also cannot provide off-site recovery by itself.
Check your current file set, allow room for growth, confirm device compatibility and consider how you would recover files if the drive were unavailable.
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Treating ruggedness as a backup plan
Samsung says the T7 Shield's resistance claims depend on test conditions and that its stated warranty does not cover damage from liquid, dust or drops.
Protect a portable drive in transit, but keep another copy in a separate location rather than relying on its casing.
Relevant brands and services
Microsoft
OneDrive and Microsoft 365 suit people who want selected documents and photos available across their devices, with recovery features that depend on the plan.
- Microsoft lists 100 GB with Microsoft 365 Basic and 1 TB with Microsoft 365 Personal for UK customers.
- Microsoft says full OneDrive restoration is for Microsoft 365 subscribers and covers actions within the previous 30 days; permanently deleted recycle-bin items cannot be recovered through it.
Apple
iCloud brings iPhone or iPad backups, iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive into an Apple-centred setup.
- Apple lists 5 GB of included iCloud storage and iCloud+ tiers from 50 GB to 12 TB.
- Check device backup settings and which computer files are included; iCloud Drive synchronisation does not automatically cover every file.
Backblaze
Backblaze Personal Backup is a dedicated computer-backup option for people more concerned with restoring files than sharing a synchronised workspace.
- Backblaze says its service automatically backs up user-created data from supported computers and physically connected external drives.
- Confirm that your computer and drives qualify, how you would restore them, and the billing and delivery terms that apply to you.
Samsung
Samsung's T7 Shield portable SSD is a local-storage option for carrying or regularly copying files, not an off-site backup.
- For the 1 TB MU-PE1T0S/EU model, Samsung quotes sequential speeds up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write under compatible connection, cable and UASP conditions.
- Samsung says resistance varies with conditions and that its stated warranty excludes liquid, dust and drop damage. Keep another copy of important files.
Local storage options on Joybuy
These portable hard drives and SSDs can hold local copies of work files and photos. For files that would be difficult to replace, use the drive as one part of a plan that also includes a separate copy, rather than as a substitute for off-site storage.
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Western Digital My Passport 2TB portable hard drive, Black
Consider this 2TB portable hard drive for a local copy of work files and photos. Check setup with your intended computer, and keep a separate copy of important files.
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Samsung MU-PE1T0S 1TB portable SSD, Black
This 1TB portable SSD is a local-copy option when you need to carry files between compatible devices. Its name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2; check your host connection, and retain another copy elsewhere.
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Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TB, Silver
Consider this 5TB portable hard drive for a larger local archive in a Mac-centred setup. Check compatibility before using it with another system, and keep important files in a separate location too.
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Western Digital Elements Portable 4TB USB 3.0, Black
This 4TB portable hard drive offers space for a local copy of a larger photo or document collection. Check formatting and device compatibility before relying on it, and store another copy separately.
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SanDisk Portable SSD 2TB
This 2TB portable SSD can serve as a local copy for files you need to carry. Confirm compatibility with the device you intend to use and maintain a separate backup of important material.
Common questions
Is cloud synchronisation a complete backup?
No: synchronisation keeps selected files current across devices, but it does not automatically preserve every file or every deleted version. Check the service's recovery period and keep an independent copy of important material.
How can I keep files available at home and away?
Keep the files you actively use in a cloud service that supports your devices, and copy important files to a local drive on a schedule. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online and storage-device backups; disconnect and store the local drive separately after copying.
Should I choose an external hard drive or a portable SSD?
Choose by the size of the files you need to copy, how often you move them and the connections your devices support. An external hard drive can provide a local archive, while a portable SSD may suit frequent copying; quoted transfer speeds require compatible equipment, and neither drive provides off-site protection alone.
When should I test a restore?
Try restoring a representative file after setting up your backup and repeat the check periodically, particularly after changing devices or backup settings. Make sure you can access both the backup account and any local drive before you need them in an emergency.