Who needs which kind of copy?

People moving a large file library

If the old laptop holds photos, videos, projects or records, you need enough space to move them and a retained copy you can open on the new machine.

People using files across devices

If you need selected documents and photos on more than one device, check account access, storage allowance and what happens when a file is changed or deleted.

People protecting important or sensitive records

If losing the laptop or its nearby drive would put important files at risk, consider a separately stored copy and how you would securely access and restore it.

What matters when choosing storage?

Decide whether the immediate job is a one-off move, continuing access to selected files or recovery after something goes wrong. One route can serve more than one purpose, but copying and synchronising files do not by themselves establish that you can restore them.

Portable storage for a direct transfer

Choose it when: You want to move files directly between laptops or keep a local copy without depending on an upload.

Bear in mind: A manual copy will not acquire older versions unless you arrange and maintain a backup process; keep the retained drive separate from the laptop where possible.

Automated backup to a local drive

Choose it when: You want to retrieve earlier or deleted files: Microsoft File History makes regular copies on Windows, while Apple Time Machine backs up a Mac to external storage.

Bear in mind: The backup destination must be available often enough for backups to run, and a drive kept beside the laptop is not an off-site copy.

Cloud storage and synchronisation

Choose it when: You need selected working files available on the new laptop and other devices.

Bear in mind: Changes and deletions may synchronise too; recovery depends on the service, plan and retention window.

Dedicated online backup

Choose it when: You want automatic computer backup and a remote way to recover files after losing access to the laptop.

Bear in mind: Check the files included, supported operating system, upload demands and available restore methods; large restores may have method-specific limits.

Concern What to check when buying Who this matters to
A recoverable copy Check how to retrieve an individual file or older version. Restore a test file before removing the old copy. If important records are lost or overwritten, I need a copy I can actually retrieve. Around 33% of consumers put recoverability first.
Capacity and compatibility Measure the files to retain and allow space for future copies. Confirm both laptops can connect to and read the storage. With a large photo or project library, I need everything to fit and open on the new laptop. For around 27% of consumers, that migration need comes first.
Access across devices Check which folders synchronise, the storage allowance and account-recovery options. Read the plan’s retention terms. If I work on documents from several devices, I need continuing access after the move. Around 20% of consumers prioritise that cross-device access.
Separate and secure storage Check where a retained copy will be kept and how drive encryption, sharing permissions and recovery keys work. If a laptop and nearby drive could be lost together, or the files are sensitive, I need a protected copy elsewhere. That is the primary concern for around 20% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid during the move

  • Assuming a completed transfer is a tested backup

    The transferred set may be incomplete or lack older versions. Once the old laptop is wiped, it may be too late to check what was missed.

    Keep the old files intact until you have opened representative files on the new laptop and restored a file or folder from the copy you intend to retain.

  • Choosing a drive by its advertised speed alone

    A drive still needs enough capacity and a connection both laptops can use. Samsung says its T7 advertised maximum speed requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable, with UASP enabled.

    Measure the files, identify both laptops’ ports and operating systems, and check cables and formatting before choosing a drive. For Time Machine, Apple advises a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.

  • Assuming cloud sync keeps every deleted file indefinitely

    Edits and deletions can synchronise, while recovery features have conditions. Microsoft limits full OneDrive restoration to Microsoft 365 subscribers and actions in the preceding 30 days.

    Check the selected service’s version history, deletion window and restore method, then try recovering a non-critical file.

  • Keeping the only backup beside the laptop

    The same incident could affect both devices, while a lost portable drive could expose files that have not been appropriately protected.

    Keep a retained copy in a separate location or use a suitable cloud route for selected files. If encrypting a drive, keep its password or recovery key somewhere you can access without it.

Relevant brands and services

Samsung

The T7 range is a portable SSD option for local transfer and retained storage.

  • Samsung UK lists T7 capacities from 1 TB to 4 TB and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
  • Samsung says advertised maximum sequential speeds depend on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable with UASP; some operating systems may require reformatting.

Microsoft

Windows File History provides local versioned copies; OneDrive serves a separate cloud synchronisation role.

  • Microsoft Support says File History can regularly copy files to an external drive or network location and restore earlier versions.
  • Microsoft Support says full OneDrive restoration requires Microsoft 365 and covers actions in the preceding 30 days; check the applicable plan and recovery feature.

Apple

Time Machine is a local Mac backup option; iCloud is a separate option for storing and synchronising selected files.

  • Apple Support says Time Machine can automatically back up Mac files to external storage and recover older or deleted files.
  • Apple advises a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Setup may erase the disk, and restoring an encrypted backup requires its password.

Google

Google Drive is a cloud storage and synchronisation option for selected files used through a Google account.

  • Google Drive Help describes recovery of files from Bin.
  • Google Drive Help says files remain in Bin for 30 days before permanent deletion; check account access and retention before relying on it as the only retained copy.

Backblaze

Backblaze offers automatic online computer backup for Mac and PC, with documented download and drive-based restore methods.

  • Backblaze describes automatic backup and several ways to restore computer files.
  • Backblaze says downloadable ZIP restores cannot exceed 500 GB and its USB restore drives can hold up to 8 TB. Check current eligibility and delivery terms for your location.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Questions about laptop backups

Is copying files to a new laptop the same as backing them up?

No. A transfer puts files on the new laptop; a backup is a separately retained copy you can restore if those files become inaccessible. Keep the old copy until you have checked the transfer and tested recovery from the copy you plan to retain.

How much capacity should an external backup drive have?

Measure the files you intend to retain and leave room for future files or earlier versions. For Mac Time Machine backups, Apple Support advises a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.

Will an external SSD work with both my old and new laptops?

Check both laptops’ ports and operating systems, the supplied cable and any formatting requirements before buying. For Samsung’s T7, Samsung says its advertised maximum speed also requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable, with UASP enabled.

Can cloud sync recover a file I accidentally delete?

It may, within the service’s recovery rules and time window; synchronisation alone is not a promise of permanent recovery. Microsoft says full OneDrive restoration for Microsoft 365 subscribers covers the preceding 30 days, while Google Drive Help says files in Bin are permanently deleted after 30 days.

What should I check before relying on a cloud account for backup?

Confirm which files are included and how you would regain access to the account and restore them. Keep recovery information current and use available account-security controls; Microsoft Support says security information can help verify your identity and restore account access.