How to Backup a Folder in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Backing up your important files and folders is like having an insurance policy for your data. If your laptop crashes, malware strikes, or you accidentally delete something important, a backup ensures you don’t lose everything. Luckily, Windows 11 makes backing up folders simple and effective—whether you prefer built-in tools or third-party options.

In this guide, we’ll walk through different methods to backup a folder in Windows 11 step by step.

Table of Contents

Why Backing Up a Folder is Important?

Before diving into the methods, let’s quickly cover why this matters:

Data protection – Prevents loss from crashes or corruption.
Accident recovery – Restores files if you delete them by mistake.
Ransomware defense – Keeps a safe copy even if your system is attacked.
Peace of mind – You’ll never stress over losing precious photos, work files, or projects.

Think of backups as a safety net—you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there.

Method 1: Backup a Folder Using File History

Windows 11 includes File History, a built-in backup tool.

Step 1: Connect an External Drive

Plug in a USB drive or external hard drive.

Step 2: Open Backup Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options.

Step 3: Add a Drive

Under Back up using File History, click Add a drive.
Select your external drive.

Step 4: Choose Folders

Click More options.
Under Back up these folders, select Add a folder.
Pick the folder you want to back up.

Step 5: Start Backup

Click Back up now.
File History will copy your folder to the external drive.

Method 2: Backup a Folder Using OneDrive

If you prefer cloud storage, OneDrive is built into Windows 11.

Step 1: Sign in to OneDrive

Open the OneDrive app and log in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Choose Folders

Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
Select Settings → Backup → Manage backup.
Select folders like Documents, Pictures, Desktop, or add your own.

Step 3: Sync Your Files

Once enabled, everything in those folders uploads to the cloud.

📌 Bonus: You can access your files anywhere—on another PC, your phone, or via OneDrive’s website.

Method 3: Backup a Folder Using Windows Backup and Restore (Legacy Tool)

Even though it’s old, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) still works in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Search for Control Panel in Start.

Step 2: Find Backup Tool

Go to System and Security → Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 3: Set Up Backup

Click Set up backup.
Choose an external drive or network location.

Step 4: Select Folders

Pick Let me choose, then select the folder you want to back up.

Step 5: Run Backup

Click Save settings and run backup.

Method 4: Backup a Folder with File Copy (Manual Method)

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.

Step 1: Locate Your Folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to your folder.

Step 2: Copy to Backup Location

Right-click → Copy → Paste into:
- An external USB drive
- Another partition
- A cloud storage folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)

Step 3: Schedule Regular Copies (Optional)

Create a reminder to copy your folder weekly or monthly.

Method 5: Backup a Folder Using Robocopy (Command Line Tool)

For advanced users, Robocopy offers powerful automated backups.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and run as Administrator.

Step 2: Run Robocopy Command

Example:

First path = source folder.
Second path = backup folder.
/MIR ensures an exact mirror copy.

📌 You can even add this command to Task Scheduler for automatic backups.

Method 6: Backup a Folder Using Third-Party Software

If you want more features, try third-party backup tools like:

Macrium Reflect – Great for full system images.
AOMEI Backupper – Simple folder and system backups.
EaseUS Todo Backup – User-friendly with cloud support.

These tools often include scheduling, encryption, and recovery options.

How to Restore a Backed-Up Folder

Backing up is only half the story—you’ll want to restore files too.

From File History

Search Restore your files with File History.
Browse versions of your folder.
Select and click Restore.

From OneDrive

Just log in and download the files from the cloud.

From Backup and Restore

Open Control Panel → Backup and Restore.
Click Restore my files.

Best Practices for Folder Backup in Windows 11

Use the 3-2-1 rule: Keep 3 copies (1 original + 2 backups), 2 on different storage types, and 1 offsite (cloud).
Automate backups to avoid forgetting.
Encrypt sensitive files if storing in the cloud.
Check backups regularly to make sure they’re working.

Common Problems and Fixes

Backup drive full? → Clean up old backups or use a bigger drive.
File History not working? → Reconnect the drive and re-add the folder.
OneDrive sync paused? → Resume sync by clicking the OneDrive icon.

Conclusion

Backing up a folder in Windows 11 is simple once you know the options. Whether you go with File History, OneDrive, manual copies, or advanced tools like Robocopy, the key is consistency. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—set up a reliable backup routine today, and you’ll never have to worry about losing your data.

FAQs

1. Can I backup multiple folders in Windows 11 at once?
Yes, File History and backup software let you select multiple folders.

2. Is OneDrive enough for backing up my data?
It’s great for everyday files, but pairing it with an external drive is safer.

3. How often should I back up my folders?
Ideally daily for important work, or at least once a week.

4. Can I schedule automatic folder backups?
Yes, File History, Robocopy (with Task Scheduler), and third-party apps allow automation.

5. What’s the safest place to keep backups?
A mix of external drives and cloud storage ensures maximum protection.