How to Back Up Data on a Dell computer

Summary: This article provides information about different backup data options in Microsoft Windows.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Affected Operating Systems

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11

Backing up data regularly is an important part of computer maintenance. Online or 'cloud' storage services such as OneDrive simplify data backup for productivity tasks, but for media, sensitive information, and other large data a formal backup solution may be required. See the options below for more information and to choose a backup solution that is right for you.

File History

File History is an application that is integrated into Windows 11 and Windows 10 that allows you to back up files from your computer. The backup can be stored on an external hard drive or on a storage device on a network.

Users with high-density content types should consider regular backups to an external source:

  • Music
  • Videos
  • Large photo libraries

For information about Windows 10 File History and how to schedule regular backups, reference Microsoft's Backup and Restore in Windows 10 This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. page.

OneDrive

Microsoft provides OneDrive as a free-of-charge cloud storage solution for up to 5 GB of data, with subscription options up to 1 TB of data.

Users with these smaller content types should consider cloud storage:

  • Word and other Office-like productivity documents
  • Scanned documents (receipts, images, so on)
  • Content regularly stored in the My Documents folder in Windows.

For information about getting started with OneDrive, see Microsoft's Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. page.

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series , G Series, Alienware, Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000130375
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 25 June 2025
Version:  10
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