Most people backup their files in one of two ways: to an external drive, or somewhere on the Internet.

It’s really easy, and you only need to set it up once!

Backing up to a USB Drive

You’ll need an external hard drive for this, preferably one that holds more than your computer can.

The good news is, they’re cheap!

Windows 7 Click the Start button. Type “backup” into the search box. Click on Backup and Restore. Choose “Set up Backup”. When Windows has finished preparing, select your external hard drive and click Next. Click “Let Windows Choose” and press Next. You can change when Windows backs up your files by clicking “Change Backup Schedule” if you like. The more often, the better! Then click “Save settings and run backup”. You’re all done! Windows will backup automatically from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in, or if you’re on a laptop, set a reminder to plug it in often. Congrats on setting up your first backup!

Windows 8 Open your start screen and start typing “file history settings”. In the search results panel, tap or click “File History Settings”. Tap or click “Select a drive”. Choose your external hard drive from the list. Click “Turn on”. That was easy. Windows will backup all your files automatically from now on. Make sure you leave your hard drive plugged in - or at least plug it in often. Congratulations on setting up your first backup!

Mac First, plug in your USB hard drive. Then, follow the instructions below to start automatically backing up your Mac! **WARNING:** Make sure your new USB drive is totally empty! Time Machine will usually *erase the drive* so it can do its thing. If this is a new drive and you’re okay with it, keep reading! Open the  menu (in the top left of your screen) and choose System Preferences. Click on “Time Machine”. Click “Select Disk”. Choose your USB hard drive from the list and select “Use Disk”. You’re done! Your Mac will back itself up automatically from now on. If you’re using a MacBook, make sure to plug in your hard drive regularly so it can save your files!