Cloud services have changed the way we manage and store files. As long as you have a good internet connection, you can access your files around the world. And cloud storage isn’t as expensive as a physical drive, either. A great way to make the best use of these services is to automatically back up files on Windows and view them remotely.
The main reason to choose automatic backup is that your folders will update immediately in the cloud when you add or remove files. You can also delete or move them as you normally would on Windows. In this article, we will focus on three main cloud services. Microsoft’s default OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox.
1. Backup files with OneDrive
OneDrive is a pre-installed cloud service on Windows. Therefore, it is the easiest way to automatically backup files to the cloud. Here is the step-by-step process to use OneDrive on Windows.
Step 1: In the sidebar of your file browser, right click on the OneDrive tab -> select OneDrive -> click on ‘Manage OneDrive backups.’
Step 2: Now select your main folders – Desktop, Documents and/or Pictures to backup.
Step 3: Click on ‘Start Backup.’ This will back up the selected folders on OneDrive.
For reference, I backed up the Desktop folder in OneDrive.
Step 4: If you want to maintain a copy of these files in offline storage, right click on the backed up folder and select ‘Always keep on this device’.
This step will help you keep the contents of the folder if you choose to delete it from the OneDrive folder.
Step 5: To create a new folder for backup, right-click anywhere in the OneDrive folder and select New -> Folder.
This will add the ‘Backup Files’ folder to OneDrive. Now, all files added to folders in OneDrive will be automatically backed up and safely stored.
2. Back up files with Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most used cloud services for backups. However, did you know that you can also use Google Drive on Windows to automatically back up files? Let me show you how. Download Google Drive on Windows using the link below and follow the steps.
Step 1: Open the downloaded file to start the installation.
Step 2: Select ‘Sign in through your browser’ when prompted.
When you log in, you get a success message. This confirms that you can now use Google Drive on your system.
Step 4: Right click on any folder or file you want to backup and select ‘Show more options’.
Step 5: Select ‘Sync or back up this folder’ and select the Google account you want to back up.
Note: The account you signed in to in the previous step will show up here.
Step 6: Select the folder titled your Google ID in the sidebar.
Now: Step 6: Select the folder called your Google account in the sidebar.
Step 7: Step 7: Now, copy the new files to the My Drive folder for backup. You can also access it to access backed up files.
These are all the steps you need to take to back up files to Google Drive. Before you delete any file, make sure you have an offline copy of it so you don’t lose it forever.
Also, if you’re running low on space, which usually happens if you’re on the free plan, you can check out our article on the best ways to free up some space on Google Drive.
3. Backup files with Dropbox
Dropbox is another popular service that offers reliable cloud storage. Here’s how you can use it to automatically backup files for Windows.
Step 1: Visit Dropbox official website (link added below) and select ‘Download Dropbox App.’
Step 2: Open the downloaded file to start the installation.
Step 3: Once the installation is complete, select the appropriate option to sign in or create an account.
Step 4: Once you’re signed in to your account, select your preferences and click Setup.
Step 5: Go to File Explorer. You will find the Dropbox folder in the Sidebar. Just copy files and folders to this folder for automatic backup.
Step 6: To create a new folder for automatic backups, right-click anywhere and select New -> Folder.
Step 7: If you want to automatically backup any other files, right click and select Dropbox -> ‘Move to Dropbox.’ This folder will now be moved to the Dropbox folder.
Here’s everything you need to know about automatic Dropbox file backup and sync in Windows. If you’re a regular Dropbox user, you might want to check out these cool Dropbox tips and tricks for managing your files. Have more questions? Move on to the next section where we’ve answered the most common questions.
frequently asked Questions
1. Are the above cloud services free?
Yes, you get the basic hosting plan for free with all three services. If you need more storage, you will have to pay extra.
2. Can I view files automatically backed up on Windows on other devices?
Yes, as long as you’re signed in to the service with the same account, you can view your automatic backups on any device.
3. How do I know which account my Windows files are backed up to?
In the case of OneDrive, files are stored in the Microsoft Account you’re signed in to. For Google Drive and Dropbox, you can sign in and choose an account while setting up the service.
4. If I delete files from the backup folder, will they be permanently deleted?
Yes, they will be permanently deleted. We also recommend keeping an offline copy. OneDrive provides an option to do so, as shown in the article.
Automatically back up files to the cloud with ease
While there are other ways like File History to backup Windows data, they are not automatic. Using the three methods listed above, you can automatically backup files on Windows without any hassle. This is especially useful if you forget to back up your Windows PC. Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
