Windows Backup and File History
Our pickFree, built in, runs on its own once you plug in a drive.
What is the best way to back up a computer?
The best free backup is an external drive with the backup built into your computer. On Windows, use Windows Backup or File History; on a Mac, use Time Machine. Both run on their own once set up. For a second copy away from home, Backblaze backs up an entire computer online for a flat monthly price.
Sites last checked 16 Oct 2026. How we test
Our pick
Also good
Time Machine
GoodFree hourly backups to an external drive.
Backblaze
GoodBack up your whole computer online, flat price.
Good to know
- A backup you never tested is a guess. Restore one file once to be sure it works.
- OneDrive and Google Drive sync deletions too. Sync is not the same as a backup.