Cloud storage is great for backups of data. But, should you choose Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive as well as Crash Plan? We’ll help you decide.

If you’re not taking the time to backup your data on your computer, then it’s time to begin now. Data loss stories of horror are all too common. Leaving your data without an backup doesn’t make sense. Don’t wait until your lose the entire thesis document or your precious family photos — start making backups now.

There are a variety of ways to backup your PC, and they typically are classified as locally (offline) or cloud (online) backups. Today, we’ll teach you how to backup the data on your Windows PC to cloud with three popular cloud backup storage providers and specific cloud-based backup software.

First: Which Files Should You Backup?

When you talk about backing up your computer, this doesn’t always mean all the system. Making copies of each app, folder, file as well as other data is called cloning the hard drive this is a more complex process that’s not needed by the majority of people.

You should only backup your the personal files you have. Important file types include spread sheets, documents pictures, presentations, images, music and videos. Also it is important to backup any personal files you’ve developed or acquired that you want to keep.

There is no need to backup your system’s files. If you’re having issues with Windows it is possible to use System Restore or a full factory reset to get back to an earlier date or completely reset your system. Both options are not dependent on backing up any data manually.

Do not backup applications. They can be huge and are simple to install and reinstall, therefore it is better to consider backing up the configuration files that make apps distinct to you. If you have to install an app from scratch simply replace your configuration file after you download the most recent version from the website of the app and you’ll be safe in most instances.

The issue is the fact that not all applications keep configuration files in the same spot. Some are kept within the app’s installed folder, while others are stored within your users folder while others are stored in the device’s App Data folder. It’s your responsibility to discover which files should be protected for each application that you use regularly.

If you need help on this, check out our guide on which Windows folders to backup.

1. How to Backup Your Computer to Google Drive

Google Drive desktop application Google Drive desktop app is now renamed Backup as well as Sync. Although it’s still able to browse the Google Drive files, you can also make use of it to backup your data. This allows you to backup documents to the cloud even the files aren’t part of the Google Drive folder.

Because Google Drive offers 15GB of storage for no cost (spread between all of your Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos accounts) It’s a great option for backups with a basic nature. If you’re looking for more storage, sign up for Google One to receive 100GB of storage for just $2 per month. 200GB at $3 per month or 2TB for just $10 per month.

Here’s how to backup your files with Google Drive:

Set up the backup and Sync program, then open it and sign in to the account you have created with your Google account. If you didn’t setup backup prior to first setup click on the backup and sync icon on the System Tray. Followed by the three dots Menu > Preferences.

Under the My Computer tab, choose which folders you would like to backup. These are the most common places however, you can include as many as you’d like using this Choose Folder link. Click in the My Computer text to give it a descriptive name.

Click the button to change settings and choose whether you want to backup all your images or videos, or only photos and videos. Under Advanced settings you can also select to exclude files that have certain extensions.

If you wish to backup removable devices, simply click on the USB Devices & SD Cards text to select which devices will be back.

If Backup and Sync is active it will automatically backup the folders you choose. You must activate the Backup and Sync feature on start-up of your system by clicking the Settings tab to run it each time you start Windows.

If you want to access backups in the near future you need to visit your Google Drive website and sign to sign in, if you need. From the left-hand sidebar, click computers > My Computer to access everything you’ve saved.

2. How to Backup Your Computer to OneDrive

As with Google Drive, OneDrive offers an essential backup feature as well as its normal cloud storage features. It means that everything you store into the OneDrive folder is synced to all your devices, and you can secure your data in other locations, too.

OneDrive offers the benefit of being integrated in Windows 10, but it does not offer as much storage. You can get 5GB of storage for free and pay $2/month for 100GB of storage. In addition, you’ll have to sign up for Microsoft 365 to get 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Here’s how you can back up your files with OneDrive:

If you are running Windows 10, OneDrive should already be installed. You can verify this through the icon that is within the System Tray, or by searching for it within the menu called Start.

If you do not have it, start by downloading and installing OneDrive and then sign into Your Microsoft account.

Select the OneDrive icon on your System Tray. Followed by Help and Settings, then Settings. This will access its Options panel.

Select the Backup tab, and then select Manage backup. This will open a new tab in which you can select to backup your desktop, documents, and/or Pictures folders. In contrast to Google Drive, you can’t choose other folders to backup up.

Select Start Backup to run a backup right now. When the backup is completed, OneDrive will continue to backup your files to the folders you choose.

In the backup tab make sure to check the box for Videos and Photos If you’d like to save pictures and videos on removable devices. Under Screenshots, check the box to backup screenshots as well.

Make sure that you’ve got Start OneDrive automatically when I login to Windows activated under the Settings tab, so that you don’t need to open it manually in order to create backups.

Your backups will be stored within your OneDrive account with similar names (such such as Desktop).

3. How to Backup a Computer to Dropbox

As with the other two alternatives, Dropbox now offers computer backup, in addition to the traditional cloud storage. The downside is that Dropbox offers the least restricted service offering a free plan providing just 2GB of storage. The next step will be the plan that costs $12/month that comes with 2TB of storage, which is quite a change.

We strongly recommend against Dropbox as a cloud-based backup tool. These tools provide greater base storage as well as flexible pricing options for those who just require a tiny storage boost.

• If you decide to make use of Dropbox to store your PC to cloud storage, this is how to:
• In case you do not have Dropbox installed, download it and install Dropbox and then login.
• Select the Dropbox icon that is located in the System Tray, then choose your profile photo and select preferences from the menu to access Dropbox’s options.
• Select the Backups tab then click the Set Up button.

Then, you’ll be presented with a window in which you can select to backup your Documents, Desktop, or Downloads folders. Select the folders you’d like to backup, and press Set up.

Dropbox will ask users to sign up for a no-cost trial for Dropbox Plus Click Start by pressing Basic then Yes. Continue to choose to deactivate this. Be aware that if you are running out of Dropbox storage, backup will cease.

Dropbox will begin the process of backing up your folder, and will keep you informed of the development. However, this won’t be able to work if you’ve previously copied the same folder with another cloud storage service.

In the General tab, make sure to check the Start Dropbox on startup of the system box to make it run every day.

After backing up, you’ll be able to see the documents in your Dropbox, under the heading the name My PC [Computer Name] Then, they’ll be listed under My PC [Computer Name].

4. Back Up to the Cloud with a Full Cloud Backup Service

In the previous article, we’ve reviewed the options for backing up with the three major cloud-based storage companies. While they’re useful and cost-free in the case of not having a lot of information to backup the bulk of backup users should use an online tool specifically designed for cloud backups. They allow you to back up more data at less money, meaning you don’t have to think about how much storage space you consume.

For the majority of people we suggest Backblaze. It’s $6 per month or $60 per year for unlimited backup on a single PC, with removable drives included. It will back up all of your important files on your computer for you, meaning you don’t have to fret about selecting them manually when you’re not comfortable doing it. If Backblaze does not work for you, take an eye on other excellent online backup solutions.

Windows Cloud Backup Made Easy

You now have a number of easy alternatives to back up your computer to cloud storage. Although using cloud backup is practical, it has disadvantages.

If the storage service ceases to exist the data you’ve stored will be lost or need to move to another storage service. Without internet connectivity you won’t be able to backup new data or retrieve your old data. Also, you’re restricted to the bandwidth of your connection as well as services may alter their limitations and costs anytime they wish. This is the reason why you may prefer local backups over cloud backup.

There are plenty of options to backup your computer. Combining local backups using one of the cloud backup solutions is an excellent strategy.