Windows Backup Options — Protecting Your Business Data

Backups are the most important protection for your business data. If your computer is lost, stolen, or hit by ransomware, a good backup is what saves you. Here's what's available. The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy offsite (or in the cloud). This is the gold standard for data protection. Option 1: OneDrive (Cloud Backup — Recommended) If you have Microsoft 365, OneDrive is already included. Set it up to automatically sync your Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders to the cloud. - Files are automatically backed up and accessible from any device - 30-day version history lets you recover older versions or deleted files - Even if your laptop is stolen or destroyed, your files are safe To set up Desktop/Documents/Pictures sync: Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar > Help & Settings > Settings > Backup > Manage backup > toggle on Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. Option 2: Windows File History (Local Backup) Connect an external hard drive and turn on File History in Settings > Update & Security > Backup. - Windows automatically saves copies of files as they change - Good for quick local recovery - Limitation: the external drive must be connected, and it won't protect against a fire, theft, or ransomware that hits the drive too Option 3: Cloud Backup Service (Recommended for full business protection) Services like Carbonite, Backblaze for Business, or Microsoft Azure Backup run silently in the background and back up everything to the cloud automatically. - Full computer backup including programs and settings - Offsite = protected from ransomware, fire, theft - We can set this up and monitor it for you What we recommend for businesses: At minimum, use OneDrive for active files. For full protection including server data and complete system backups, talk to us about a managed backup solution. The cost of a backup solution is a fraction of the cost of recovering from data loss without one.