Choose a backup you can maintain: a scheduled external drive provides a local copy, cloud storage can provide an off-site copy when internet access is reliable, and a NAS can centralise backups from several devices if you are willing to manage it. For irreplaceable photos and documents, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online storage and a storage device; check that you can restore your files, and keep at least one copy disconnected when practical.
If manual copying is easy to forget, look for a scheduled external-drive plan or a cloud service that protects the intended folders. Confirm when the copy runs and whether the destination will be available at that time.
Family photos, videos and scanned records that cannot be recreated call for more than a copy beside the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online and device-based backups and warns that connected drives can be affected by ransomware.
When files are spread across computers and other devices, a shared NAS may make them easier to manage. Synology describes multi-version backup and separate destinations for supported NAS systems; a copy outside the NAS is still needed to protect against a local incident.
Choose where the routine copy will live, then decide how you will keep another copy separate. An external drive, a NAS and a cloud service solve different parts of that task; none makes restoration checks unnecessary.
Choose it when: You want a local copy of photos and documents, particularly if internet access is unreliable.
Bear in mind: A drive left attached can be affected by a problem on the computer, so arrange a separate copy and disconnect the drive when practical.
Choose it when: You have reliable internet and want an off-site copy without moving a drive between locations.
Bear in mind: Check which folders are protected and what the account and plan allow you to restore; synchronisation alone does not promise permanent recovery.
Choose it when: Several household devices need a central destination and you are prepared to administer the system.
Bear in mind: A NAS remains at home unless you configure another destination. Synology supports external-device and cloud destinations for its Hyper Backup software.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic routine | Check operating-system support, folder selection and whether copying follows a schedule or runs continuously. | If I might forget to copy new photos, I need a routine that runs without a reminder. Around 33% of consumers put a repeatable backup routine first. |
| Separate copy and recovery | Check where the second copy lives and whether earlier file versions or another restore point are available. | If the computer and an attached drive could be affected together, I want a copy I can recover elsewhere. For around 27% of consumers, that separation is the primary concern. |
| Portable-copy privacy | Check the exact drive's encryption and unlocking options, and plan how authorised household members will retain access. | When I carry or store a copy away from the computer, I want to limit access if the drive is lost without locking myself out. Roughly 20% of consumers prioritise that portable-copy need. |
| Several household devices | Check device and backup-software compatibility, version retention and the destination for a copy outside the NAS. | With files on more than one device, I need a central routine I can manage. Centralising those backups comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
A connected drive is convenient for scheduled copying, but the National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware has also affected connected USB and network backup drives.
Set a routine you can keep, disconnect at least one copy when it is not needed, and keep another copy separately for important files.
A NAS can provide local recovery points, but it does not put a copy outside the home. Synology notes that drive or RAID problems can still cause data loss.
If you choose a NAS, configure and periodically check a second destination, such as separate external storage or a supported cloud service.
Encryption helps protect personal files on a lost drive, but forgetting the password can also prevent you from reading your backup. Western Digital says a forgotten password for drives using its supported WD Security software cannot be recovered without erasing the drive.
Check the exact model's password rules and keep the access details available to the people who may need the files, separately from the drive.
Restore options vary by service and plan. Microsoft says whole-OneDrive restore requires Microsoft 365 and covers actions within the previous 30 days; permanently deleted recycle-bin items cannot be recovered through that feature.
Before relying on synchronisation as your only copy, check version history, deleted-file retention, whole-account restore eligibility and account protection for your plan.
A reference point for external drives when a scheduled local file-copy routine is the priority.
Relevant when considering a portable external drive with password protection on a supported model.
Its portable SSD range is relevant if the local backup copy will be moved frequently.
Relevant to households prepared to manage a NAS as a central backup destination.
OneDrive is relevant to households considering cloud file copies and version recovery.
These Joybuy drives suit a local copy of family photos and documents: two portable hard drives and a portable SSD. Measure the folders you need to protect before choosing a capacity, and arrange a separate destination if you also need protection from loss affecting the drive or home.
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Consider this portable hard drive if a 2TB local copy fits the folders you intend to protect.
Before relying on automatic backups, check the software's folder selection, schedule and compatibility with your computer. Keep another copy separately if losing this drive would leave you without your files.
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Consider this for a local household archive if your measured files and planned growth call for its stated 5TB capacity.
The variant is designated for Mac. If you intend to use it with another computer, confirm the required setup and backup-software support before making it part of your routine. It remains one local destination, not a copy stored elsewhere.
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Consider this portable SSD if you will move a local copy between locations and your selected files fit its stated 1 TB capacity.
Check the computer connection and whether your chosen backup software supports the schedule and folders you need. Moving the drive does not by itself ensure that a separate copy will be available when the original computer fails.
Choose an automatic routine if forgetting a manual copy would leave recent photos or documents unprotected. A manual copy can still serve as an additional disconnected or off-site copy; check that the automatic software includes your chosen folders and runs when its destination is available.
Start by measuring the folders you will protect, then leave room for future photos and videos and any older versions you plan to retain. If you use a NAS or versioned backup, check how its retention settings affect the space required rather than choosing capacity from the current file total alone.
It may, but recovery depends on the service, plan and time elapsed. Microsoft says OneDrive can restore older file versions, while whole-OneDrive restore requires Microsoft 365 and covers actions within the previous 30 days; check deleted-file retention and restore options before relying on synchronisation as your only copy.
Encryption is worth considering when a removable drive containing personal files could be lost or stolen. The Information Commissioner's Office says encryption helps protect information on USB and backup media from unauthorised access. For purely personal or household activity without a professional or commercial connection, the ICO says UK GDPR does not apply to that activity; if the drive also holds work files, assess those obligations separately. Plan how you will retain access to the password.
Restore a small selection of photos and documents to a different folder or device, then open them. Repeat with a test file after changing or deleting it if you expect version history to help; this checks the recovery steps you would actually need if the original computer failed.