Backups

What is data backup?

Data backup means creating a copy of the data on your system that you use for recovery in case your original data is lost or corrupted. You can also use backup to recover copies of older files if you have deleted them from your system.

Windows

Windows PC comes with a one-stop backup solution, Windows Backup, that helps you back up many of the things that are most important to you. From your files, themes, and settings to many of your installed apps and Wi-Fi information, Windows Backup protects what matters and makes it easier than ever to move to a new PC.

Step 1: Sign in with a Microsoft account; This is the account associated with Windows, Microsoft 365, One Drive, and more. Your backed-up information will be stored with your Microsoft account, so getting back to your things on a new PC is as easy as signing in.

• In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts,

Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. You’ll see this only if you’re using a local account. If you see Sign in with a local account instead, you’re already using your Microsoft account.

• Important: Currently, the Windows Backup app is focused on consumer devices - for example, devices that can be used by signing into a personal Microsoft account (MSA) such as *@outlook.com , *@live.com, and so forth. Work or school Microsoft accounts won't work.

Step 2: Back up your folders; Windows Backup makes backing up simple and hassle-free. With your free Microsoft account, you get 5 GB of OneDrive storage (and you can buy more if needed). When you back up folders, they’re saved to your OneDrive, so you can access them from any computer using the same Microsoft account. Plus, when you sign in to OneDrive on a new PC, your files will be right there waiting for you.

• To open Windows Backup, just search for it in the Start menu:
• Click on the Start button.
• Type "backup" in the search bar and click on Windows Backup from the results.
• Open the Folders section and choose the user folders you want to back up to OneDrive. You can back up folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music by turning On the switch for each one.
• Tip: You can also set up Windows Backup in the Settings app. Just go to Settings, click Accounts, and then choose Windows Backup.

Step 3: Back up your settings

• Windows Backup also lets you save your Windows settings, including:
• Installed apps
• It can back up settings like accessibility options, language preferences, and things like your wallpaper and colour choices

• Wi-Fi network and passwords

To see the status of these settings in Windows Backup, click on each one. To back them up, just turn the switch to On.

Note: If these settings were backed up before (some are by default), they’ll show as "Backed up" and the switch will be grayed out. If you want to stop backing them up, go to Modify your backup configuration.

Once you've set everything up the way you like, click "Back up."

If you get an error from OneDrive when trying to back up, it might be because you're not signed in to OneDrive, or there could be another issue with OneDrive that needs fixing for Windows Backup to work, For example;

• Insufficient Storage; Make sure you have enough space in your OneDrive account. If it's full, Windows Backup won't work, and you may need to upgrade your storage.
• Network Issues; If your internet connection is slow or unstable, OneDrive may have trouble backing up your files. Ensure you have a stable connection.
• Sync Issues; If OneDrive isn’t syncing properly, it can stop Windows Backup from working. Check the sync status and fix any issues by restarting syncing or making sure files sync correctly.
• Outdated OneDrive Version; Make sure you have the latest version of OneDrive, as an outdated app can cause problems with Windows Backup.
• OneDrive Folder Not Linked; Make sure the folders you want to back up are linked to OneDrive. If the OneDrive folder is moved or deleted, backup won’t work.
• File Path Length; OneDrive may struggle to sync files with long paths. Keep file paths under 260 characters.
• Backup Conflicts; Other backup software might interfere with OneDrive. Try turning off any other backup tools to see if it helps.

Step 4: You're all set

Your folders and settings are backed up, and you can access your files on any computer you sign into with this Microsoft account.

To check if everything is still backed up, open the Windows Backup app, and it will show the current status of your backup.

You can also check the status in the Settings app by going to Accounts > Windows backup.

How do I restore a backup from OneDrive?

When you get a new PC or if you have to reinstall Windows, when you are setting it up, just log in with the same Microsoft account that you used to make the backup here. You will see that you have backups and ask you if you would like to restore, proceed by clicking restore.

If you have backups from multiple PCs, click "More options" and choose the backup you want to restore. Once you’re on your desktop, everything will be ready for you.

• Your app pins will be restored to the taskbar, Start Menu, and All Apps list where you last had them. For apps available in the Microsoft Store, just click the app pin to start. For apps not in the Store, you'll be taken to the web to download the installer.

• Your key settings will also be restored on your new device.
• You can restore your files anytime by signing in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account you used for the backup.

Mac OS

macOS is the software that makes Apple computers (called Macs) work. It’s like the brain of the computer that helps you open apps, browse the internet, watch videos, and manage files. It’s made by Apple and designed to work perfectly with Mac computers. macOS works smoothly with other Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

Your MacBook contains important files, such as documents, photos, videos, music, emails, and contacts, that should be backed up to keep them safe. Wondering how to back up your MacBook to iCloud? The steps are explained in the following section.

Step 1: Turn on iCloud Backup

• Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner.
• Choose System Settings (or System Preferences, depending on your macOS version).
• Click on Apple ID and sign in if you’re not already logged in.
• Select iCloud from the options in the sidebar.

Step 2: Choose What to Back Up:

• In the iCloud settings, you’ll find options such as iCloud Drive, Photos, Mail, Contacts, and more.
• Simply switch on the features you want to include in your backup.

Step 3: Save Files to iCloud Drive:

• Open Finder and click on iCloud Drive in the sidebar.
• Drag and drop your important files and folders into iCloud Drive to back them up securely in iCloud.

Step 4: Enable Desktop and Documents Sync (Optional):

• Go to iCloud settings and turn on the Desktop & Documents Folders option. This will automatically back up all files stored on your Desktop and in your Documents folder to iCloud.

Step 5: Check Your iCloud Storage:

• Make sure you have enough iCloud storage for your backup.
• You can upgrade your storage plan by going to Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage > Buy More Storage.

Step 6: Access Backed-Up Data:

• You can access your iCloud backups from any Apple device or via iCloud.com.

Note: If you're experiencing issues while backing up to iCloud, here are some steps to resolve them:

• Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, also Run a speed test to confirm the connection is fast enough for uploads.
• Verify iCloud Storage: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (or Preferences) > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage. Ensure you have enough available space for the backup. If not, consider upgrading your storage plan or freeing up space.
• Sign Out and Sign Back In: Open System Settings > Apple ID, sign out of iCloud, then sign back in with your Apple ID to refresh your account.
• Restart Your Mac: Restarting your Mac can resolve temporary glitches affecting iCloud backups.
• Update macOS: Ensure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
• Disable and Re-enable iCloud Features: In iCloud settings, turn off the specific features you're trying to back up (e.g., iCloud Drive or Photos), wait a few minutes, then turn them back on.
• Reset Network Settings: If the issue persists, reset your Mac’s network settings by forgetting and reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network.

How do I restore a backup from iCloud ?

To restore a backup from iCloud, follow these simple steps for your device:

For Mac:

Step 1: Sign in to iCloud:

• Go to the Apple menu () and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
• Click Apple ID and log in with your Apple ID if needed.

Step 2: Restore from iCloud Drive:

• Open Finder and choose iCloud Drive from the sidebar.
• Browse and find the files you want to restore.

Step 3 : Restore Apps and Data:

• If iCloud backup for apps is turned on, your apps and data will restore automatically when you sign in. Just open the apps you need, and they will sync from iCloud.

For iPhone or iPad:

• Erase Your Device (If Needed): If you're setting up a new device or want to reset it, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Set Up Your Device: Follow the setup steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
• Restore from iCloud Backup: Select Restore from iCloud Backup and log in with your Apple ID.
• Choose a Backup: Pick the latest backup, or choose another if you have multiple.
• Wait for the Restore: Your apps, settings, and data will restore from iCloud. This may take a little time depending on the size of the backup and your internet speed.