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How do you set up cloud backup on Windows?
For cloud backup Windows users can start in the built-in tools: open the Windows Backup app, sign in with a Microsoft account and turn on folder backup to OneDrive, plus settings and app lists. That protects Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music. For full versioned protection of every file and drive, add a dedicated cloud backup service as well.
This page covers Windows steps only. For the general strategy, see the computer backup hub. For Mac, see back up a Mac to the cloud.
| Windows tool | What it backs up | Where it goes | Full computer backup? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup app | Key folders, settings, apps list, Wi-Fi passwords | OneDrive and Microsoft account | No |
| OneDrive folder backup | Desktop, Documents, Pictures and more | OneDrive | No |
| File History | User folders, with versions | Local or network drive | No, and not cloud |
| Dedicated service (Backblaze, IDrive) | All user files and attached drives | Provider cloud | Yes, for files |
What do you need before you start?
You need a Microsoft account, enough OneDrive storage and a stable connection. The free OneDrive plan gives 5 GB, which fills quickly. Microsoft 365 Basic adds 100 GB for $19.99 a year in the US, and Personal gives 1 TB for $99.99 a year.
- Check folder sizes in File Explorer.
- Sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account.
- Turn on two-factor login for that account.
Step by step: Windows Backup app
- Open Start and search for Windows Backup.
- Expand Folders and turn on the folders you want in OneDrive.
- Turn on Remember my apps, Remember my preferences and Remember my credentials.
- Click Back up.
- Open OneDrive settings to confirm folders show as backed up.
Note that Microsoft Edge favourites are not part of Windows Backup. Sign in to Edge and turn on sync to keep them.
Grab the free one-page 3-2-1 checklist so you can confirm every copy, every schedule and every restore test. It arrives by email in a minute.
Get the free checklistStep by step: add a dedicated cloud backup
- Choose a service. See our Backblaze review and IDrive review.
- Download the Windows app and install it.
- Sign in, turn on two-factor login and decide on a private key.
- Check that all internal and external drives are selected.
- Set continuous backup and extend version history.
- Leave the PC on until the first upload completes.
Running both is fine. OneDrive gives you files on every device, and the backup service keeps long version history. Our back up computer to the cloud guide explains first-upload tips.
What about a full system image?
Windows Backup does not create a full system image in the cloud. If you want to restore Windows, apps and settings exactly as they were, create a system image on a local drive with a third-party imaging tool. See cloud system backup for how image backups work.
Common errors and fixes
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “OneDrive is full” | 5 GB free plan used | Upgrade or exclude large folders |
| Folder backup greyed out | Work or school policy | Ask IT |
| Files show as online-only | Files On-Demand | Normal; right-click to keep on device |
| Backup app missing | Older Windows version | Update Windows or use OneDrive directly |
| Deleted files gone after a month | 30-day recycle bin | Add a backup service with longer history |
How to verify Windows cloud backup
Open onedrive.com in a browser and check your Desktop and Documents folders are there. Then right-click a file and open version history. For your dedicated service, download a folder from its website. Follow our check backup steps every quarter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cloud backup on Windows take?
Turning on Windows Backup takes a few minutes, but uploading folders to OneDrive can take hours or days, depending on size and upload speed. A dedicated backup service’s first upload can take several days for large drives. Later backups only send changes.
What do I need before I set up Windows cloud backup?
You need a Microsoft account, enough OneDrive storage and a stable internet connection. Check your folder sizes first, because the free 5 GB fills quickly. Turn on two-factor login for your Microsoft account before you start uploading files.
What are common mistakes with Windows cloud backup?
Common mistakes are treating OneDrive sync as a full backup, running out of OneDrive space, missing folders outside Desktop and Documents and forgetting external drives. Another is assuming deleted files stay forever, when personal recycle bins empty after 30 days.
Does Windows have built-in cloud backup?
Yes. The Windows Backup app backs up key folders to OneDrive and saves settings, app lists and Wi-Fi details to your Microsoft account. It is not a full system image, so add a dedicated service or a local image for complete protection.
Is File History a cloud backup?
No. File History keeps versions of your user folders on a local or network drive, not in the cloud. It is a useful local copy. Combine it with OneDrive or a cloud backup service to have an offsite copy too.
Our Start Here guide shows the three steps every setup needs, in plain English. Cannot find a guide for your phone, app or drive? Request a guide and we will write it.
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