Set up automatic backups to an external hard drive in Windows 11

If you're too lazy to make backups manually, I understand: Windows 11 allows you to automate them so that your files are backed up automatically on an external hard drive while you do your own thing. With a few well-tuned settings and an external USB drive/HDD/SSD, you can keep your documents, photos, and more safe without having to remember them every week.

In this guide you'll see all the options that work right now: two native Windows methods (File History and Backup and Restore), the new Windows Backup app for preferences and apps, and several powerful third-party alternatives (EaseUS, MiniTool, and Acronis) with scheduling, incremental/differential schemes, and even cloud backup. I also explain how to restore, use wbAdmin per line commands, and apply good practices such as the 3-2-1 rule.

Native options in Windows 11 for automatic backups

Windows 11 offers several fronts. On the one hand, there is File History, which saves versions of your personal folders; on the other hand, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), which allows you to schedule file backups and create system images; and, as a complement, the app Windows Backups to backup configurations.

Windows Backup (app). This system utility saves settings such as Installed apps, accessibility, language, background and colors, Wi-Fi networks and passwordsTo use it, open Windows Backup, expand each item, flip the switches you want and tap “Back up.” If you get a OneDrive error, make sure you’re signed in and that syncing is working; if not, check the OneDrive troubleshooting from Microsoft support.

File HistoryThis feature focuses on your user data (folders in C:\Users\your_account). Make copies periodically and preserves versions so you can recover previous files. You can choose the external drive, frequency, and how long to keep copies.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Although it has the surname Windows 7, it is still available in Windows 11. It allows schedule automatic copies of your files on the external disk, in addition to creating a full system image for major disasters.

Before you start: destination, habits and 3-2-1 strategy

Decide first where you will save the copy: an external hard drive USB 2,5″/3,5″, a SSD external or, if you prefer, a network/NAS drive. For automatic backups, the most practical option is a external drive always accessible and with capacity to spare (remember that incremental backups accumulate).

Aim for a solid strategy: the 3-2-1 rule recommends three copies of your data, on two types of media, with one copy off-site (e.g., in the cloud). Native Windows methods cover the local part well, while some third-party tools add cloud copy to close the circle.

If your external drive travels with you or stores sensitive data, consider encrypting it with BitLocker. This way, if it is lost or stolen, the copy will remain protected and only you will have access to the data.

Method 1: File History to External Hard Drive

This method is ideal if your priority is personal files and versions of documents. By default, it covers Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and more within your user profile.

Step by step (Control Panel): Open Control Panel > File History. Tap “Select Drive,” choose your drive, and then tap “Select Drive.” external disc and activate the feature. In “Advanced Settings,” adjust how often backups are saved (from 10 minutes to 24 hours) and how long to keep them (from 1 month to “forever”).

You can also get there from Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage options > Backup options > Add a driveWhen you select the disk, "Automatically back up my files" is enabled; under "More options," you can customize included/excluded folders. frequency y retention.

When everything is ready, press “Run now”From then on, every time the external drive is connected, Windows will save the changes without you having to touch anything.

Note that File History focuses on your user folder (C:\Users\name). If you need to cover other locations or the entire system, go to the next method or evaluate specialized software.

Method 2: Scheduled Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

This utility gives more control over what is copied and when, and also allows you to create a system image for complete recoveries.

To schedule an automatic backup: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Click “Configure backups”, choose the external drive and click “Next.” Select “Let me choose” to select specific folders, or “Let Windows choose” if you prefer to include recommended libraries and items.

Then enter “Change the programming” and define the schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly). Confirm with "OK" and finish with "Configure settings and run backup."

If you need it, from this same console you can create one system image. Windows suggests saving to a hard drive, DVD, or network drive. To recover it, a recovery medium (Windows suggests creating it; traditionally it has been on DVD, although today you can opt for USB.)

Restore files and system when needed

With Backup and Restore (Windows 7): go back to the console and press “restore my files”. Use “Browse for folders” or “Search” to select what you need, press “Next” and then “Restore”. For a full recovery system image, boot to Windows 11 installation/recovery media, choose “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “System image recovery”, select the copy on your external drive and follow the wizard; if you need to repair the Boot, query use bootrec.exe.

With File History: In the File History window, go to “Restore personal files”, navigate through versions with the arrows, and restore with the green button. You can also recover a previous version of a file from Explorer, under “Properties” > “Previous Versions.”

With third party software: Each program has its own wizard. In Acronis, for example, you choose the backup, select recover files or full image, and point to the destination (the original location itself or an alternative folder).

Full backups via command line with wbAdmin

If you prefer a headless method, wbAdmin allows you to create images from the console with administrator privileges. Open Symbol of the system “Run as administrator” and use:

For full system copy to external drive X: wbAdmin start backup -backupTarget:X: -include:C: -allCritical -quiet

To include multiple drives (e.g. C:, D:, F:): wbAdmin start backup -backupTarget:X: -include:C:,D:,F: -allCritical -quiet. Replace X: with the actual letter of your external drive. This command will save the image on that drive and you can restore it from the Windows recovery environment.

OneDrive: Sync is not backup

OneDrive is very convenient for accessing your files from any device, but its main function is synchronizeIf you delete a file and it syncs, it also disappears from your other devices. That's why it's best to use it as a complement, not as your own. only safeguard (in some cases, consult Deleted files do not appear in the trash).

In Windows 11 Home, the initial setup tends to “protect” Desktop, Documents, and Pictures in OneDrive. If you want to disable that protection: in Explorer, right-click on OneDrive > Manage OneDrive backup and tap "Stop Backup" on the desired folders. Then, move the data back to your local drive if necessary.

If you run out of local space due to synchronization, you can “file” content by marking it not always remain on the device. Still, remember that truly resilient copying requires versioning and retention specific, something more typical of backup solutions.

Restore points for system changes

In addition to copies, it is a good idea to have System protection activated. Creates restore points before critical installations or changes. Search for “Create a restore point,” select the system drive (C:), click “Configure,” enable protection, and assign around the 5% of space for snapshots. This way, you can revert if an update goes awry.

Related article:

Robocopy: Tutorial on the Command to Copy and Sync Files

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.