For family photos and documents that would be difficult to replace, keep a recoverable copy separate from the computer and, where practical, another copy away from it. An external drive offers local storage, cloud storage offers off-device access when the internet is reliable, and a network-attached storage device can serve several computers at home—but each route needs a workable restore process, and a home-only copy cannot cover every loss scenario.
If photos, scanned records and documents would be difficult to recreate, the priority is a separate copy you have tested restoring—not simply more space on the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping important data in a separate, safe location.
If you do not want to connect a drive for every backup, cloud storage may help you reach files after a computer is lost or damaged. Check that your internet connection, storage allowance and account recovery arrangements make that route workable.
A network-attached storage device, or NAS, can provide a shared home destination if you are prepared to manage its accounts, backup tasks and a further copy elsewhere. Mac users should also check Time Machine compatibility for the intended NAS.
Consider it when: You need a local copy, particularly if uploading your files is impractical.
Trade-off: A connected drive can be affected by the same incident as the computer, so disconnect it after backup and keep it somewhere secure.
Consider it when: You have reliable internet and want selected files accessible away from the computer.
Trade-off: Storage allowances and subscription terms need checking, while synchronised changes or deletions may also appear in the cloud.
Consider it when: Several household computers need a shared backup destination and you can manage the device.
Trade-off: A NAS kept at home is still a local copy; plan a separate destination for files that cannot be replaced.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering lost files | Check where the separate copy is stored and restore a sample file before relying on it. | If photos or records disappeared with a damaged computer, I would need a copy I could actually restore. Around 31% of consumers put recoverability first. |
| Local storage | Allow room for the files you intend to copy, and check the computer connection and required disk format. | With a large collection or an unreliable upload connection, I would rather keep a copy on a drive I can connect locally. Local access is the primary need for around 31% of consumers. |
| Off-device access | Check total cloud usage across the relevant services, plus how previous versions and deleted files can be recovered. | If the computer were stolen, I would want to reach my files from another device without first finding a drive. Around 23% of consumers prioritise that off-device access. |
| Shared home backups | Check each computer's backup-tool compatibility and how the NAS data will also be copied elsewhere. | When several computers need backing up, I would value one managed home destination, even though it needs maintenance. Shared storage is the leading concern for around 15% of consumers. |
Microsoft says OneDrive changes and deletions can synchronise between the computer and cloud. Recovery of earlier or deleted files depends on the service and plan.
Check version and deletion recovery for your account, and keep a separately stored copy of files you cannot replace.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected USB and network backup storage can be affected during a ransomware incident.
Confirm the backup completed, disconnect the drive and store it securely. Keep another copy away from the home where the files warrant it.
Google says its account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, so other account content also uses the allowance.
Check current account usage and the size of the files you plan to add, then review the plan's storage and cancellation terms.
Apple says Time Machine cannot back up directly to a Windows-formatted disk. A network destination also needs compatible Time Machine support.
Check the disk format or NAS support before setting up the backup, and copy any existing files elsewhere before erasing a disk.
Erasing or reformatting a disk can permanently remove files already stored on it.
Relevant to Windows households considering OneDrive folder synchronisation and recovery features.
Relevant to households already storing files, email or photos in a Google account.
Relevant to Mac households planning to use Time Machine with an external drive or compatible NAS.
Relevant to households considering managed, versioned backups within the Synology NAS ecosystem.
These portable hard drives and SSDs are local destinations for copies of family files. Before relying on one, check how your computer will make and restore backups, then decide where the drive will be kept between uses.
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A local-drive option for a substantial collection of family files, provided the backup and restore method works with your computer.
Portable external hard drive; 5TB. For Windows use, check the required file access and whether an HFS+ driver is needed. Confirm the applicable warranty term before buying.
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Consider this portable local copy if you need to move files between locations; check that its connection suits the computer used for backup and restoration.
1 TB; USB 3.2 Gen.2. Keep the backup separately stored when it is not being updated.
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A portable local destination for photos and documents if 2TB fits the files you intend to protect.
External hard drive; 2TB. Check the required disk format for your operating system, and test how earlier or deleted files can be restored.
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A portable local-copy option for a photo or document collection that fits within its stated capacity.
Portable SSD; 2TB. Confirm the computer connection and choose a backup method that lets you restore the files you need.
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A local-drive option for a larger set of household files, subject to confirming that your computer can use the drive for the intended backup.
Portable external hard drive; 4TB; USB3.0. If reformatting is required, protect files already on the drive before doing it.
No: synchronisation can carry changes and deletions to the cloud, while a backup needs to leave you with a recoverable copy. Microsoft says OneDrive synchronises file changes between the computer and its website; check the recovery options for your account and keep an independent copy of irreplaceable files.
Disconnecting it between backups reduces its exposure to an incident affecting the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware has also affected connected USB and network backup drives; check each backup completed before storing the drive securely.
It is practical only if your connection can handle the files you need to upload and the new files you add later. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering an external storage device when reliable internet access is unavailable; compare your selected folders with your actual upload connection before choosing cloud storage as a main route.
Not directly, according to Apple: Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk. Check the required format before using a drive for both computers, and safeguard files already on it before any erasure or reformatting.
Make sure you can retain the recovery credentials and restore a test file. Synology says client-side encryption cannot be disabled and its password cannot be changed after a Hyper Backup task is set up, so credential storage matters for that workflow.