How to Back Up Your Files to the Cloud, Step by Step
Unlike a local backup (on a drive at home), keeping your files in the cloud also protects you if the computer itself breaks, gets lost, or is stolen.
Unlike a local backup (on a drive at home), keeping your files in the cloud also protects you if the computer itself breaks, gets lost, or is stolen. Here's what you need to know.
Note: looking for how to back up using Windows' own tools (locally, on an external drive)? Check this other guide. Here we focus specifically on cloud services, also available from Linux and mobile.
The simple explanation
A cloud backup service syncs a folder on your computer with a server on the internet automatically. Every time you change a file, the cloud copy updates itself, without you having to remember to do anything.
Step by step
1. Choose a service
Most common options and their approximate free storage:
- Google Drive: 15 GB free (shared with Gmail and Photos)
- Microsoft OneDrive: 5 GB free (built into Windows)
- Dropbox: 2 GB free
2. Install the desktop app
Download it from the official website of the service you chose and sign in with your account.
3. Choose which folders to sync
You don't need to upload the whole drive: pick just Documents, Desktop and Pictures, or whichever folders genuinely matter to you.
4. Wait for the first sync
The first time can take a while if you have a lot of files, depending on your internet upload speed. After that, it only uploads what's changed, so it's much faster.
5. Check that it's genuinely working
Create a test file, wait a few minutes, and check from your phone or the service's website that it shows up there too.
Tip: don't rely on a single cloud service for your most important files. Combining it with a local backup (external drive) is still the safest option.
Warning: if you delete a file from the synced folder, it's normally also deleted from the cloud. Check the service's own recycle bin (not Windows') if you need to recover it.
Common mistakes
Thinking "it's in the cloud" means it's safe from everything is a common mistake. If your account suffers a phishing attack or you lose access, you can lose those files too. That's why it's worth turning on two-step verification on whichever service's account you use.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to keep personal documents in the cloud?
The major services (Google, Microsoft, Dropbox) encrypt data and have good security measures. The weakest point is usually your own account password, so use a strong one and turn on two-step verification.
What happens if I run out of free space?
You can expand your space by paying for a monthly subscription (usually cheap, a few euros a month), or free up space by being more selective about which folders you sync.
Does it work the same on Linux as on Windows?
Google Drive and Dropbox have official Linux apps. OneDrive doesn't have an official Linux app, though it can be used from the browser or with third-party tools.