It is important to “back up” your computer files so you will not lose them in case of a hardware failure or virus. Backing up your files involves creating a copy, typically on a physical “drive” (like a USB flash drive or an external hard drive), or on the internet via the “Cloud.” It is a good idea to back up your files on a regular schedule so that you do not lose anything new since your last backup.

Backing Up Your Files

On Another Drive

To back up your files to another device such as a USB drive or removable hard drive:

• Connect the device to your computer (plug in the USB drive, or the cable that comes with the hard drive).
• From the start menu search "Backup settings." 
• From the Backup settings page, under "Back up using File History" select the plus next to "Add a drive" 
• Select the device you would like to use to back up your files.

On the Cloud

To back up your files on a Cloud platform like Google Drive, iCloud, or Amazon (instructions may vary):

• Navigate to the platform using your web browser. 
• Find the "upload" button.
• Identify the file(s) you want to backup from your computer and click "open." 
• Repeat for additional files as needed.