A cloud copy of selected folders and a separately stored external drive provide different ways to recover household files if a computer or one backup becomes unavailable. Choose the drive capacity around the files and older versions you intend to keep, check that it works with your computer, and restore a test file before relying on either route.
The useful distinction is not just what you store, but how you would retrieve it if the computer were no longer available.
Keep a copy separate from the computer so its loss, damage or theft does not also remove your only copy. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends storing important backup data in a separate safe location, such as online or on removable media.
Microsoft says File History makes regular backups to an external drive or network location once enabled. OneDrive folder backup is another option for selected folders that you want available across devices; check which folders each setup covers.
Time Machine can make automatic backups to external storage. For its backup disk, Apple recommends at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; allow for further growth when choosing a drive.
Start with the files you need to recover and where the copy must be available. Then choose a routine you can maintain and storage that works with your computer.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Where the copy lives | Cloud storage can keep selected files available away from the computer; an external SSD or hard drive gives you a removable local copy. A USB flash drive is a route for a deliberately limited set of files. Check how you would retrieve each copy. | If my computer is lost or damaged, I want important files somewhere else. For a small set of essential documents, I may also want a separate removable copy. |
| Capacity | Measure the folders you will back up and consider growth and retained older versions. Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac’s capacity; check the allowance for any cloud account. | My photo and video collection may grow, so I need space for more than the files I have today. |
| Backup routine | Check what an automatic tool actually copies and when it runs. Microsoft says File History makes regular copies to an external drive or network location; a manually copied USB stick needs its own repeatable schedule. | I’m unlikely to remember frequent manual copies. I need a routine that fits how often my files change. |
| Computer and file compatibility | Match the drive connector and supplied cable to the computer. Check the file system before copying large files: Western Digital Support notes FAT32’s 4 GB file-size limit and identifies exFAT for drives used with both Windows and Mac. | One drive may need to work with both my Windows PC and Mac, including when I copy a large video file. |
| Recovery access | For cloud folders, check the selected files, account allowance and recovery options. Microsoft says exceeding its storage allowance can stop new uploads and syncing. For any route, try restoring a file. | I want to know I can get a recent copy back—not merely see that a drive or account contains files. |
| Keeping copies separate | Decide where a removable drive will be stored between backups. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against leaving a device containing a backup permanently connected to the computer. | If malware affects my computer, I want at least one backup copy that was not left connected to it. |
Accessible backup files may also be exposed when malware affects the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises that a device containing a backup should not remain permanently connected.
Connect the drive for backups, disconnect it afterwards when it serves as your separate copy, and periodically restore a file to check the result.
Growing photo and video collections and retained older backups can require more room than the current folders occupy.
Measure what you plan to copy and allow for growth. For Time Machine, use Apple’s recommendation of a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity as a starting point.
Western Digital Support notes that FAT32 has a 4 GB file-size limit, even when the drive has free space.
Check the format before copying large videos. Western Digital identifies exFAT for drives shared between Windows and Mac; copy any existing files elsewhere before reformatting a drive.
Cloud allowances and recovery features affect what you can retrieve. Microsoft says uploads and syncing can stop when storage allowances are exceeded, while the National Cyber Security Centre warns that cloud backups need protection against destructive changes.
Review the folders selected, available storage and version or deletion-recovery options. Keep a separate copy of files whose loss would be serious.
These references describe particular product lines or backup tools, not every product carrying the same name.
Samsung’s T7 Shield line is relevant when a portable external SSD and a removable local copy suit your routine.
The One Touch range provides external hard-drive and SSD options for local file copies.
OneDrive folder backup is relevant to Windows users who want selected folders available from another device.
Mac households can consider a Time Machine backup on separate storage alongside iCloud access to selected files.
These portable SSDs and one external hard drive are options for keeping local copies of household files. Choose a capacity for your backup set, check the connection and setup for your computer, and keep a separate copy if losing the drive would otherwise mean losing the files.
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A portable local-copy option if 1 TB covers the files and older versions you intend to keep. Check the computer’s USB connection and set up a backup routine; keep another copy separately if the drive could be lost with the computer.
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The 4 TB capacity is worth considering for a larger selected archive, provided it also leaves room for the older versions you want to retain. Check the connection and drive setup for your computer, and test a file restore after configuring backups.
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This portable SSD provides a 1 TB local-copy option; compare that capacity with your selected files and expected growth. Check the computer connection and format, then establish a routine for backing up and restoring files.
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For computer backup, focus on whether its 1 TB capacity and connection suit your files and computer; the magnetic set is a separate variant detail. The product name states transfer rates of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, not a guaranteed backup speed. Set up and test your copying routine.
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This 2 TB hard drive is a local-copy option for a selected archive, subject to the space needed for growth and older versions. If you use a Mac, confirm the exact drive’s format and any required setup before buying; check the connection and restore a file after setting up backups.
Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Treat that as a starting point, then consider how much your files may grow and how many older backups you want to retain.
Yes, if the drive’s connection and file system suit both computers. Western Digital Support identifies exFAT for shared Windows and Mac use and notes that FAT32 cannot create a file larger than 4 GB; check the drive’s format before copying large files.
No: Microsoft’s OneDrive folder backup covers selected folders when configured. Review the folders selected and use another backup method if you also need a separate local copy or files outside that selection.
Connect it when your local backup needs to run, but do not leave it permanently connected if it serves as your separate removable copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting backup devices between uses; make sure your schedule still produces regular copies and test that you can restore one.