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how do i create backup to external hard drive vs. onedrive

Trevor Walton 20 Reputation points
2025-12-01T13:36:49.6566667+00:00

I am trying to create a backup to an external hard drive (not onedrive) and am not finding the way. Any suggestions?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-01T13:36:54.6266667+00:00
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    To create a backup to an external hard drive in Windows 10, you can use the built-in Windows Backup feature. Here’s how to do it:

    1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
    2. Open the Control Panel. You can do this by searching for it in the Start menu.
    3. Click on System and Security.
    4. Select Backup and Restore (Windows 7). (This option is available in Windows 10 as well.)
    5. Click on Set up backup.
    6. Choose your external hard drive as the destination for the backup.
    7. Follow the prompts to select what you want to back up (you can choose to back up your files, or create a system image).
    8. Schedule the backup if you want it to run automatically.
    9. Click Save settings and run backup to start the backup process.

    This will back up your files to the external hard drive instead of OneDrive. Make sure your external drive has enough space to accommodate the backup.

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  1. Rez 10,615 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-01T14:12:36+00:00

    Hi Trevor,

    I understand why that’s confusing because Windows often pushes OneDrive as the default backup option. The reason you’re not seeing an easy way is that Windows Backup and File History are designed to work with local drives, but they don’t automatically show up if the external drive isn’t properly recognized or set up. First, can you confirm your external hard drive shows up under “This PC” and has enough free space? If it does, open Settings > Update & Security > Backup, then choose “Add a drive” and select your external drive. From there, you can turn on File History to back up your files. If you prefer a full system image, go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) and create a system image to that drive.

    Let me know if the drive isn’t appearing or if you want to back up everything versus just personal files. I can guide you through both.

    Regards,

    Rez

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