How to Backup Your Computer in 3 Simple Steps

You already know how devastating it would be to lose your data. So rather than listing all the reasons you should be backing up your computer, let’s focus on something more practical: how to do it, and what steps you can take right now to keep your files protected.

Your goal is simple: if your hard drive fails, your laptop is stolen, or your computer just stops working one day, you don’t want it to turn your world upside down. You want to be able to say, “This is inconvenient, but I’m prepared, ” and then calmly restore your files and get back to work. With a proper backup in place, a hardware failure or lost device becomes a recoverable event, not a disaster.

When data loss happens, the consequences can be severe. 35% of businesses that faced data disruptions could not recover their lost data, with the primary causes being lack of backups, malware-related corruption, and gaps between backup intervals, making regular backups your best insurance policy. (TeleData Select, 2024)

While it would be nice if there were a single magical “Backup” button on your computer that automatically took care of everything, that’s unfortunately not how it works. The good news is that it’s still much easier than many people think. Once you understand the basics and set things up the right way, your backups can largely run in the background with very little effort from you.

By following a few straightforward steps, you can put a safety net in place so that, no matter what happens to your computer, you still have access to your important documents, photos, emails, and files. Those steps are outlined below, and you can walk through them at your own pace.

Table of Contents

• Step 1 – Choose the Right Backup Storage (and Use More Than One)
• Step 2 – Select a Backup Software Program
• Step 3 – Back Up Your Computer Files

This guide will help with all of these steps. You'll learn exactly how to back up your data step by step, why it's essential, which storage options fit any budget, and how to automate the process so it takes almost no time at all.

Let's get started!

Step 1 – Choose the Right Backup Storage (and Use More Than One)

Your first step is to decide where your backups will live. There are a lot of backup storage options, and which one you choose will depend on how much data you have and how often you need to access your backups. Regardless of which device you pick, make sure it has enough capacity to store at least twice the amount of data you currently have, so you have room to grow.

For better protection, plan on using more than one backup device and rotate between them. That way, if one device fails or is lost, you still have a second, recent copy of your data. The last thing you want is to carefully back everything up, only to discover your only backup device has failed.

Common backup storage options include:

1. Cloud storage / cloud backup space (often managed through your backup software)

2. External hard drive

3. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Below is a quick overview of how each option fits into a modern backup plan.

Cloud Storage / Cloud Backup Space

While not a physical device you plug into your computer, cloud storage has become a critical part of a modern backup strategy. Backing up to a secure cloud location—typically through your backup software—adds an offsite copy of your data that’s protected even if your computer and local devices are lost, stolen, or damaged for example, in a fire or flood.

Cloud backups are encrypted, can be automated on a schedule, and are accessible from almost anywhere with an internet connection. For many users, combining a local backup device (like an external drive or NAS) with secure cloud backup provides the best balance of speed, convenience, and protection.

External Hard Drive

For most home users, an external hard drive is a practical and cost-effective starting point. These drives offer high capacity at a relatively low price, are easy to connect via USB, and are much larger than, for example, a USB flash drive. They’re portable, so you can disconnect and store them in a safe location when needed. For many people, an external drive dedicated to backups is the simplest way to get a reliable local copy of their data.

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A NAS is a dedicated storage device that connects to your network and can be accessed by multiple computers. This makes it ideal for large data sets, home offices, , and anyone managing more than one system. NAS devices can centralize backups from different machines in one place and often support RAID for additional redundancy. They require a bit more initial setup, but once configured, they can provide a “set it and forget it” backup target that works well with automated backup software. Some NAS units are also easy to move off-site for added protection.

Learn more in our Essential Guide to NAS as Backup Storage for SMBs.

Combining Backup Storage

If you’re still unsure which option to choose, start by considering how much data you have, how quickly you would need to restore it, and whether you need offsite protection. Many people use a combination of local storage (external drive or NAS) plus cloud backup to create a simple, resilient “2-copy” plan: one copy close at hand for fast recovery, and one copy off-site for true disaster protection. However, the 3-2-1 backup rule provides a simple, proven framework to follow.

For comprehensive protection, follow the 3-2-1 backup rule. A simple framework recommended by tech experts worldwide.

Step 2 – Select a Backup Software Program

There are a lot of backup software programs to choose from. Even Windows has its own built-in backup utility, but it is not as comprehensive or versatile as professional backup software programs.

While 78% of users backup their data, only 33% do it regularly and that's where automatic backup software makes all the difference. (Handy Recovery, 2025)

Only professional backup solutions will give you true backup automation with easy recovery, plus disaster recovery, file versioning, and more. When selecting a backup software program, there are a few features to look for.

Automatic Backup Scheduling

The backup software should allow you to schedule your backups to run automatically at regular intervals, for example every Friday at 4pm. This is especially useful if you want to leave your storage device attached to your computer for backups (which is recommended). Another advantage of an automated schedule is that if you set your backups to run and the connected device is not attached, the backup will fail, and most backup solutions will send you an alert. This gives you the chance to reconnect the device and ensure your data is protected.

With NovaBACKUP, you can schedule backups to run daily, weekly, or on custom schedules. You can even run them while you work. If something goes wrong, NovaBACKUP will send you an alert explaining why your backup didn’t run.

Learn more about automatic scheduling →

Incremental Forever Backups

Another feature is incremental forever backups. Rather than doing full backups every time and wasting space on your backup storage, you want the ability to just back up the data that has changed. Incremental forever reduce backup windows, network load, and storage consumption while still allowing you to restore to specific points in time.

NovaBACKUP uses incremental-forever technology to minimize backup time and reduce storage space. See how it works →

Incremental forever backups are the more efficient and scalable option for today’s environments, especially when you are protecting multiple systems or using cloud storage as part of your backup plan. Some backup programs will even allow you to back up files that are currently open, which is a great added benefit for those of us who keep files open for extended periods of time.

File Versioning and Retention

You'll find this feature useful when you accidentally save over that presentation you worked on all day. File versioning gives you the ability to roll back to an earlier version of your file so you can pick up where you left off, rather than starting over from scratch. A retention setting enables you to tell the backup software how many versions of a file you’d like to keep.

Not all backup software programs will include this, but file versioning will let you find and restore historical versions of a file. The time and place of the backup should not affect your ability to roll back to earlier versions of your files.

Disaster Recovery Backups

Another feature that is a must-have is disaster recovery. Some programs call it an image backup, or disk image, or even system backup. While the underlying technology – the way the system backup is created - differs, the result is essentially the same thing. Disaster recovery backups allow you to create an exact copy of your system, including your operating system, settings, applications, files, images, videos, emails, personal settings, preferences, and more and then enable you to recover everything exactly as it was.

Where some programs differ is in their ability to restore to systems with dissimilar hardware. Not all programs allow you to do this, so be sure to find one that does. In reality, you are not going to purchase the same computer when it comes time to restore your files. If your computer crashes, you want to make sure that you can get back up and running quickly on any computer.

NovaBACKUP's Disaster Recovery lets you restore your computer to the same and different hardware. See disaster recovery features →

Step 3 – Back Up Your Computer Files

Now that you’ve selected your backup software and storage, it’s time to actually create your backups. The exact screens and terminology will vary depending on the program you’re using, but the overall process is very similar across most backup solutions.

While 84% of Americans have backed up their data, only 15% feel certain their most important files are actually secure and that confidence gap is exactly what automatic backup software is designed to close. (Disaster Recovery Journal, 2024)

Below are the key steps to set up and run a reliable backup of your files:

1. Install and Connect

Start by downloading and installing your backup software. NovaBACKUP is installed in just a few minutes. Simply run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. No technical knowledge is required.

Once installed, connect your storage device before launching the program for the first time. If you're using an external hard drive, plug it in and make sure your computer recognizes it. For a NAS, make sure it’s connected to the network, and if you're backing up to the cloud, you'll be prompted to sign in or create an account during the setup with NovaBACKUP.

By the end of this step, you should have the software installed and your backup destination recognized and ready to use.

2. Set Up Your Local Backup Device

Your local backup is your first line of defense. It lets you recover files quickly without depending on an internet connection, ideal for day-to-day recovery needs like accidentally deleted files or a corrupted folder.

To set it up in NovaBACKUP:

1. Go to the Device tab, then click Add → Local Backup.

2. Give your device a recognizable name and enter the folder path where backups will be stored. If you're using a NAS or network drive, enter the network path, then go to the Network Credentials tab and enter your username, password, and domain name if applicable.

3. Optionally, add an encryption key to protect your backup files from unauthorized access.

4. Click OK and NovaBACKUP will run a quick connection test and add the device automatically.

Your local backup device is now ready and can be reused across multiple backup jobs going forward.

Your local backup device is now ready. If you'd like a complete step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots for this setup, visit the NovaBACKUP Quick Start Guide.

3. Set Up Your Cloud Backup Device

Your cloud backup is your safety net for worst-case scenarios like fires, theft, hardware failure, or ransomware. Because it's stored off-site, it remains intact even if something happens to your physical location.

Most NovaBACKUP versions includes built-in cloud storage, so you don't need a separate service to get started:

From the Home tab, click Cloud Backup → Register.

Fill in your username, email, password, and license key.

Create an encryption key for your data. This encrypts your backups both in transit and in the cloud — keep it somewhere safe, as NovaBACKUP does not store it on their end.

Click Confirm. Once registered, your cloud storage will appear in the Device tab as "Cloud Storage" and is ready to use.

4. Create your Backup Job and Schedule It

With both devices ready, the last step is to create a backup job and schedule it, so it runs automatically with no manual effort required.

1. Go to the Backup tab and give your job a name.

2. Select the files and folders you want to protect.

3. Click Backup to and choose your local or cloud device.

4. Click Schedule, set your preferred frequency (daily is recommended for business-critical data).

5. Save the job and you're done.

From this point on, NovaBACKUP handles your backups automatically in the background.

Want to go further? From retention settings to email notifications and filters, there's a lot more you can configure to tailor your backup jobs. Find the complete walkthrough with screenshots in the NovaBACKUP Quick Start Guide.

It's the best of both worlds: the fast recovery of local storage and the resilience of the cloud, without managing two separate backup jobs. If you want to back up like the pros, this is the setup to aim for.

Learn how to configure a Hybrid Backup in NovaBACKUP →

5. Monitor Your Backups

Check your backup reports or dashboard periodically, even just a quick monthly review, to confirm backups are completing successfully. Most backup software will send alerts if something fails, but it's good practice to verify everything is running smoothly.

Ready to Protect Your Personal Files?

NovaBACKUP makes it easy to back up your photos, documents, and personal files automatically, so you never have to worry about losing what matters most.

Automatic scheduling – Set it once, runs in the background
Smart incremental forever backups – Fast, efficient protection
Local + cloud backup – Complete peace of mind
One-click file recovery – Restore files in seconds
No technical expertise required – Simple for anyone to use

Download Free 14-Day Trial →
No credit card required • Works with Windows • $99.95/year after trial

Conclusion

Backing up your computer doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. As you've seen, it really comes down to three things: choosing the right storage, picking the right software, and letting automation do the heavy lifting from there.

The hard truth is that data loss isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Hard drives fail, laptops get stolen, and files get accidentally deleted every day. The only thing that separates a minor inconvenience from a major disaster is whether or not you have a backup waiting for you.

You now have everything you need to get started. Set up your local and cloud storage, schedule your backups to run automatically, and then let the software take it from there. A few minutes of setup today could save you hours or even days of recovery effort down the road.

Don't wait until something goes wrong NovaBACKUP makes all three steps simple with automated backups, flexible storage options, and complete disaster recovery.

Sources

• Verizon DBIR Data Breach Investigations Report 2024

• Infrascale Analysis (2025) Data Loss Statistics in the US

• Hard Drive Failure Rate (Amagicsoft, 2025)

• TeleData Select - Essential Data Backup and Recovery Statistics for 2024

• Handy Recovery – Data Backup Statistics

• Disaster Recovery Journal - 2024 State of the Backup Survey

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