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    1 min read 5 stepsJanuary 22, 2026Verified January 2026

    How to Set Up Windows Backup

    Protect your important files by setting up automatic backups in Windows.

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Open Backup settings
    2. 2.Set up OneDrive sync
    3. 3.Enable File History
    4. 4.Set backup frequency
    5. 5.Test your backup
    1

    Open Backup settings

    ~15s
    Go to SettingsAccountsWindows Backup to see your backup options.
    2

    Set up OneDrive sync

    ~15s
    Sign in with your Microsoft account and choose which folders to sync: Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.

    Quick Tip

    OneDrive gives you 5GB free. If you need more, Microsoft 365 includes 1TB of OneDrive storage.

    3

    Enable File History

    ~15s
    Connect an external drive, then go to SettingsSystemStorageAdvanced storageBackup Options.
    4

    Set backup frequency

    ~15s
    Choose how often File History backs up (every 10 minutes to daily) and how long to keep versions.
    5

    Test your backup

    ~15s
    Navigate to a backed-up folder, right-click a file, and select "Restore previous versions" to verify it works.

    Warning

    A backup you have never tested might not work when you need it most. Test restoring a file at least once.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Set Up Windows Backup

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    beginner
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    Official Resources

    Microsoft SupportHow-To Geek — WindowsGCFGlobal — Windows Basics

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Set Up Windows Backup — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure