To back up your files in Windows 10, plug in an external drive, then select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Under Back up using File History, select Add a drive, choose your drive, and make sure Automatically back up my files is on. Windows now copies your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and other user folders every hour.
To copy the whole PC, including Windows and your apps, make a system image instead. Both methods are below.
Applies to: Windows 10 laptops and desktops, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, and Toshiba. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Which backup do you need?
| Method | What it saves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| File History | Your user folders, with older versions | Everyday backups to an external drive |
| System image | Everything on drive C, including Windows and apps | A full copy before an upgrade or repair |
| OneDrive and Windows Backup | Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and settings | An online copy you can get on a new PC |
For the best protection, use File History or OneDrive for your files and make a system image now and then.
Back up files with File History
- Connect an external hard drive or a large USB flash drive.
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Select Add a drive and choose your drive.
- Make sure Automatically back up my files is on.
To choose folders or how often it runs, select More options. Select Back up now to start right away. Leave the drive plugged in, or plug it in regularly, so the backups stay current.
Back up the whole PC with a system image
- Connect an external drive with at least as much free space as the used space on drive C.
- Select Start, type
control panel, and open Control Panel. - Select System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- On the left, select Create a system image.
- Choose your external drive, select Next, then Start backup.
Windows may offer to make a system repair disc at the end. You can skip it if you have a recovery USB drive. To restore the image later, start from Advanced startup and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
A system image replaces everything on the drive when you restore it. Keep File History too, so you can get single files back.
Back up to OneDrive with Windows Backup
- Sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account.
- Select Start, type
backup, and open Windows Backup. - Expand Folders and turn on the folders you want in OneDrive, such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.
- Choose the settings to back up, then select Back up.
A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage. When you set up a new PC with the same account, Windows offers to restore your backup.
Back up to a USB flash drive
Copy the folders you want to keep, such as Documents and Pictures, onto the flash drive in File Explorer. For automatic backups, pick the flash drive in File History. A flash drive is usually too small for a system image.
Before you upgrade, reinstall, or reset
Make a backup first. Use File History or OneDrive for your files, and a system image if you want to be able to go back to how the PC was. See how to reset Windows 10.
Check that your backup worked
- File History: select More options and look for the last backup time. To get a file back, type
restore your filesin Start and open Restore your files with File History. - System image: open the external drive and look for a WindowsImageBackup folder.
- OneDrive: open onedrive.com and check that your files are there.
If File History stops backing up
Updates released in September 2026 caused a known problem with File History on Windows 10, version 21H2 and later, and on Windows 11. Backups may stop, the Last backup time stops changing, Windows asks you to reconnect a drive that’s already connected, or older versions show No previous version available.
- Check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update for new updates. Microsoft has fixed the problem on Windows 11, but hadn’t announced a fix for Windows 10 when we checked. Windows 10 updates now require Extended Security Updates.
- Until it’s fixed, copy your most important folders to the backup drive by hand, or back them up to OneDrive.
- Keep the drive plugged in and don’t turn File History off. Your earlier backups are still on the drive.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows 10 back up automatically?
Only if you turn on File History or OneDrive backup. Windows doesn’t back up your files on its own.
How big a drive do I need?
For a system image, at least the used space on drive C. For File History, a drive about twice the size of your files leaves room for older versions.
Can I back up a Dell, HP, or Lenovo laptop the same way?
Yes. The steps are the same on any Windows 10 PC. Some brands also include their own backup apps.
To copy your iPhone photos to the PC first, see how to transfer photos from iPhone to PC in Windows 10.
To pack a folder into one file before copying it, see how to zip and unzip files in Windows 10.
To keep a copy on a CD or DVD, see how to burn a CD or DVD in Windows 10.
Back up first if you plan to sell the PC. Then see how to wipe a Windows 10 computer before selling it.
Back up first before any partition change, such as when you merge partitions in Windows 10.
To copy files straight to another PC, see how to transfer files from PC to PC in Windows 10.
A backup is also a good idea before you turn off BitLocker in Windows 10 or make other big changes to a drive.
To get a PC back to an earlier point without a backup, see how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date. Microsoft’s guide is Back up and restore with Windows Backup. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
To keep private files locked to your account, see how to encrypt a file or folder in Windows 10.
If you back up another way and want OneDrive to stop syncing, see how to turn off OneDrive in Windows 10.
If you already lost a file and have no backup, see how to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10.
To copy the whole PC in one step, see how to create a system image in Windows 10.
When you get a new PC, see how to move to a new PC from Windows 10.
For step-by-step cloud backup of your main folders, see how to back up files to OneDrive on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.