The simplest way of backing up or archiving your data in 2026 is to the cloud using OneDrive
Not everyone trusts the cloud and has privacy concerns, and probably needs to pay for more storage other than the 5GB free allowance
So the easiest “FREE” way in 2026 to secure your data is to backup or archive to an External Disk Drive (HDD) or a USB flash drive.
If you have enough cloud storage space (OneDrive) – Backing up to the cloud is the quickest and easiest and Microsoft’s preferred method
These are the two “preferred” methods that Microsoft push, because it adds to their revenue stream. Not everyone trusts the cloud and has privacy concerns, and many probably need to pay for more than the 5GB free allowance. (You have 1TB cloud storage if you have a paid 365 subscription)
Before attempting to backup to the cloud (OneDrive), find out how much data you need to backup using the following guide:
Backup/Archive Method 1 & 2 – How to Backup or archive your Windows 10 or 11 device to OneDrive (cloud)
Method 1 – Use “Windows Backup” App
in the search box look for “Windows Backup” App, and Open
Select “Backup this PC” and “Next”
In this case, the program has been run before, it shows us the Last-Backup detail, the amount of storage used and confirms that the backup is being made to OneDrive.. click “Continue” to update the backup
Method 2 – Use OneDrive
If the OneDrive app is already running, you should see the White or Blue OneDrive icon on the task bar or by clicking on the chevron, as neither is visible in the following example, OneDrive needs to be opened.
Once OneDrive has been opened (This may also require signing into your Microsoft account) the white OneDrive (Personal account) or blue OneDrive (Business Account) should be visible
Clicking on the OneDrive symble will show the OneDrive (Personal) status Window
Click on the cog-wheel symbol in the top right
click on “Manage Backup”
This status box confirms what you want to backup, hit “Save Changes” if required.
OneDrive will now automatically copy (backup) files to and from your devices as they change.
Backup/Archive Method 3 – Manually copy and paste – to External Drive or USB Drive
Backup/Archive Method 4 – Using File History App – to External Drive or USB Drive
Backup/Archive Method 5 – Using Backup and Restore (Windows 7) Program – to External Drive or USB Drive
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