How to Schedule Automatic Backups on Windows
So you don't have to remember to do them manually every time.
Instead of remembering to back up manually, Windows can do it on its own, at whatever frequency you choose.
- Connect the external drive you're going to use.
- Settings → Accounts → "Windows Backup", or search for "File History".
- Turn on backing up with that drive.
- "More options" → choose the frequency (from every 10 minutes to daily) and how long to keep old versions.
Tip: once set up, you don't need to think about it again — Windows backs up in the background at the chosen frequency, as long as the external drive is connected.
Note: if the external drive isn't connected at the scheduled time, that backup simply doesn't happen — it doesn't cause any error, but it also won't catch up automatically until you connect it again.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to keep the external drive always connected?
For automatic backups to work, yes, at least at the scheduled times. If it isn't connected, that specific backup simply doesn't happen until you connect it again.
How often is it reasonable to schedule backups?
It depends on how much work you'd be willing to lose — daily is reasonable for normal home use; minute-level frequencies make more sense if you work with very critical files that change constantly.