I learned the hard way that “cloud backup” and “cloud sync” are not the same thing — and that distinction is the difference between a small inconvenience and total data loss. The practical, no-nonsense guide that follows expands on a recent how‑to primer that lists six easy backup routes for Windows PCs, explains why OneDrive alone may not be the safety net you think it is, and walks readers through the best cloud and local options for safeguarding a Windows machine.
Every day people assume their files are protected because they see a cloud icon or because a vendor’s app is running in the background. In reality, backup strategies fall into two broad categories: cloud backups (designed for long‑term offsite recovery) and sync/mirror services (designed for real‑time access and multi‑device file parity). The How‑To Geek piece that kicked off this discussion lays out six accessible options — cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, iDrive, Backblaze), and local approaches (Windows File History, external drives, and NAS) — and stresses the practical steps needed to make them reliable.
This feature explains the differences, verifies key technical claims and prices against vendor documentation, highlights strengths and weaknesses of each method, flags what the user anecdote omits, and gives readers a step‑by‑step backup plan they can implement on a Windows PC today.
Microsoft’s Files On‑Demand model intentionally treats many files as online‑only to save disk space. Users who want local copies must explicitly pin files or select the option to “Download all OneDrive files now” (or “Always keep on this device”) to create local copies. In short: OneDrive can be used as a backup, but only if you take explicit steps to ensure local copies exist or you pair it with a true backup strategy.
Key takeaways:
Pricing and feature claims from the How‑To Geek piece also check out against vendor pages at the time of verification:
A robust setup combines local speed and control (external drive / File History / NAS) with offsite protection (Backblaze or iDrive) and smart sync for convenience (Google Drive or Dropbox used with awareness of their modes). Follow the step‑by‑step plan above, test restores, and you’ll convert panic into a routine restore exercise — and never again learn the true cost of “I thought it was backed up.”
Source: How-To Geek The 6 Easiest Ways to Back Up Your Windows PC So You Don’t Lose Everything
Every day people assume their files are protected because they see a cloud icon or because a vendor’s app is running in the background. In reality, backup strategies fall into two broad categories: cloud backups (designed for long‑term offsite recovery) and sync/mirror services (designed for real‑time access and multi‑device file parity). The How‑To Geek piece that kicked off this discussion lays out six accessible options — cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, iDrive, Backblaze), and local approaches (Windows File History, external drives, and NAS) — and stresses the practical steps needed to make them reliable.This feature explains the differences, verifies key technical claims and prices against vendor documentation, highlights strengths and weaknesses of each method, flags what the user anecdote omits, and gives readers a step‑by‑step backup plan they can implement on a Windows PC today.
Why OneDrive Isn’t a Silver Bullet
The common confusion: OneDrive’s Files On‑Demand lets files appear in File Explorer without occupying local disk space. That’s great for saving space — until you delete files online thinking you have local copies. The How‑To Geek author’s story is a classic example: they discovered their files “disappeared” after deleting items from OneDrive because their PC had been using OneDrive as the authoritative storage location rather than keeping local copies.Microsoft’s Files On‑Demand model intentionally treats many files as online‑only to save disk space. Users who want local copies must explicitly pin files or select the option to “Download all OneDrive files now” (or “Always keep on this device”) to create local copies. In short: OneDrive can be used as a backup, but only if you take explicit steps to ensure local copies exist or you pair it with a true backup strategy.
Key takeaways:
- Files On‑Demand ≠ full backup by default. Online‑only files are not local copies.
- Pinning or “download all” makes files local, but that defeats OneDrive’s space savings and still leaves you reliant on a single vendor for both primary and backup storage.
- Treat OneDrive as part of a hybrid strategy (local + cloud) when you need true recovery guarantees.
Cloud Options: Pros, Cons, and What They Actually Do
Cloud backup services come in many flavors. The right one depends on whether you want simple file sync, continuous backup for recovery, or unlimited offsite retention.Google Drive (Google Drive for Desktop / Google One)
- What it does: Google Drive for Desktop provides two sync modes — Stream files (online‑only with on‑demand downloads) and Mirror files (keeps copies locally and in the cloud). If you choose Mirror, your Drive becomes a local folder on the PC and behaves like a normal folder for backups; Stream keeps space usage low but leaves files online‑only unless you mark them “available offline.”
- Pricing snapshot: Google accounts include 15 GB free; paid Google One tiers commonly start at 100 GB and offer 200 GB/$2.99 and 2 TB/$9.99 per month as popular tiers (prices verified at time of writing but subject to change).
- Strengths: Tight integration with Google Workspace apps; easy mirror option for local copies; familiar UI.
- Risks: If you use streaming/default online‑only mode, you can be caught out like the How‑To Geek author; Google Docs/Sheets are cloud native (editing offline requires enabling offline access).
Dropbox
- What it does: Dropbox installs a local folder that syncs changes to the cloud. It offers selective sync and Smart Sync to make files online‑only vs. local. Dropbox keeps version history and has a straightforward recovery/rewind workflow for deleted or overwritten files (typically 30 days on Basic, longer on paid plans).
- Pricing snapshot: Dropbox’s free tier is ~2 GB; Plus plans are commonly a 2 TB personal plan billed annually at roughly $9.99/month (billed $119.88/year) depending on promotions and region.
- Strengths: Mature syncing, good versioning and recovery tools, fast client with block‑level sync for large file changes.
- Risks: Small free tier; costs for the storage many users need add up.
iDrive
- What it does: iDrive is a backup‑first service — it’s designed to back up files, system images, external drives, and multiple devices into a single account. It supports continuous backup and scheduled backups, plus versioning and an option to ship physical drives for seeding/restores (IDrive Express).
- Pricing snapshot: iDrive offers a free 10 GB entry plan and tiered paid plans (for example, a 5 TB personal plan around $99.50/year with promotional first‑year discounts). Check iDrive’s pricing page for current offers.
- Strengths: True backup model (not just sync), multi‑device support, version history, ability to include external drives.
- Risks: UI/restore processes can be more complex than simple sync clients; beware promotional pricing and renewal rates.
Backblaze
- What it does: Backblaze Personal provides continuous, unlimited backup of user files on a per‑computer basis. It’s explicitly designed for offsite backups and recovery rather than file syncing between devices. Default retention covers a year of history on paid plans (or 30 days by default — customers can select extended retention options).
- Pricing snapshot: Backblaze personal backup commonly lists $99/year for unlimited backup (monthly and multi‑year options exist). A 15‑day free trial is usually available.
- Strengths: Simple, unlimited backup for a single‑device user; low cognitive load — install and forget.
- Risks and caveats: Backblaze excludes certain system/application files by default (system files, some app directories, etc.), and removable external drives must be connected periodically to remain in the backup set — otherwise Backblaze may treat them as gone and purge their backed up copies after the service’s retention window unless you’ve purchased extended history. Read exclusion and retention rules carefully.
Local Options: External Drives, File History, and NAS
Local copies are a core part of any robust backup plan: they’re fast, private, and under your control. But they’re not a substitute for an offsite copy unless you use a multi‑location plan.Windows File History + External Drives
- How it works: Windows File History (built into Windows 10/11) watches user folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc.) and copies changed files to an external drive or network location on a schedule you control. It’s incremental, supports versioned restores, and is simple to start: Settings > Backup > Add a drive (or use Control Panel → File History).
- Strengths: No subscription fees; offline access; versioning and restore UI built into Windows.
- Weaknesses: Only protects user libraries unless you add extra folders; external drive must be connected; a physically local-only copy is vulnerable to theft, fire, or hardware failure.
Full Disk/Image Backups
- How it works: Use dedicated imaging tools (built‑in or third‑party) to capture a full system image. That image can restore OS, apps, and files to a new drive or machine.
- Strengths: Complete system recovery option; ideal for migrating or recovering after catastrophic drive failure.
- Weaknesses: Large storage footprint, slower than file‑level backups; images must be stored somewhere safe (ideally offsite or in the cloud).
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
- How it works: A NAS is a small server on your local network that provides shared storage, often with RAID redundancy. NAS vendors (Synology, QNAP, etc.) include backup apps that integrate with Windows File History or provide their own continuous backup solutions.
- Strengths: Centralized backup for multiple PCs; RAID protects against single‑disk failure; can be combined with cloud sync for offsite redundancy.
- Weaknesses: Higher upfront cost; requires home networking knowledge for best security (strong passwords, firmware updates, firewalls), and RAID is not a backup — it’s redundancy.
Comparing the Options — When to Use What
Use the following quick rubric to choose:- If you want a “set it and forget it” offsite backup for one computer: Backblaze’s unlimited plan is the simplest route for many users. It’s purpose-built for recovery, not sharing, and is priced for single‑device backup.
- If you want a hybrid model that keeps local copies for offline work and cloud copies for offsite recovery: Use Google Drive (Mirror) or Dropbox with local‑available files, and pair with an external image backup or iDrive for system images and extended version history.
- If you have multiple devices and want centralized local storage: Invest in a NAS, use its vendor backup tools plus offsite cloud sync for critical folders.
- If you want control and long version history for many file types: iDrive is built for file history and multi‑device backup; check their pricing tiers for the amount you need.
Step‑By‑Step: A Practical Backup Plan for a Typical Windows User
This is a balanced approach that covers local speed, offsite safety, and ransomware resistance.- Prioritize what to protect (Documents, Desktop, Photos, financial records).
- Create a local system image and store it on an external drive (monthly).
- Use Windows built‑in System Image or a third‑party utility.
- Turn on File History to back up user folders to an external drive (connect daily or at least weekly).
- Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive. Configure frequency under “More options.”
- Choose an offsite cloud backup:
- For simplicity and unlimited files: install Backblaze and let it do continuous backups.
- For file sync and cross‑device access: install Google Drive (set to Mirror for local copies) or Dropbox; ensure you know which files are online‑only.
- For critical folders (financial, legal), keep a second encrypted copy offsite (USB drive in a safe deposit box or encrypted cloud archive).
- Test restores quarterly: try recovering one or two files and (once or twice a year) perform a bare‑metal restore rehearsal so you’re confident the image and cloud restore actually work.
Technical and Security Considerations
- Encryption: Prefer services that offer client‑side encryption if your threat model demands it. Some services offer encryption keys you control, others manage keys server‑side.
- Versioning & retention: Check version history windows. Backblaze’s default versioning/retention and iDrive’s version retention policies differ; Dropbox and Google Drive also have different default retention for deleted items.
- Ransomware protection: Services that snapshot or keep immutable versions help; hybrid models (local + cloud) give you the fastest recovery from ransomware while preventing encrypted copies from replicating forever.
- Account security: Use a strong, unique password and enable multi‑factor authentication on cloud accounts.
- Exclusions and limits: Backblaze excludes certain system and application files by default and treats disconnected external drives specially — read vendor docs to avoid accidental data loss.
Verifying Claims from the How‑To Geek Piece
The How‑To Geek recommendation to avoid relying wholly on OneDrive without checking settings is sound and aligns with vendor documentation: OneDrive’s Files On‑Demand defaults to saving space using online‑only files unless the user pins them or turns on download‑all options. Microsoft’s support documents confirm Files On‑Demand behavior and the explicit options to make files “Always keep on this device” or to “Download all OneDrive files now.”Pricing and feature claims from the How‑To Geek piece also check out against vendor pages at the time of verification:
- Backblaze’s personal unlimited backup plan pricing and trial availability are consistent with Backblaze’s published pricing.
- iDrive’s free 10 GB entry and tiered paid plans are listed on iDrive’s own pricing pages.
- Dropbox’s free 2 GB and Plus 2 TB plan pricing match widely reported figures across vendor docs and reviews.
- Google Drive/Google One storage tiers and the 15 GB free baseline are standard and broadly documented.
Notable Strengths and Risks — Practical Analysis
Strengths found across the recommended approaches
- Simplicity and affordability: Services like Backblaze make it trivially easy to get offsite backups without ongoing admin.
- Flexibility: Mirror vs. stream options (Google Drive) let users choose local copies or space‑saving streaming behavior.
- Redundancy: Combining local external drives with cloud backups provides multiple failure modes protection.
- Version recovery: Dropbox, iDrive, and Backblaze all support file version history and recovery — a lifesaver for accidental overwrites.
Risks and blind spots
- Mistaking sync for backup: Sync services that default to online‑only storage can give a false sense of security. The concrete fix is to pin or mirror locally or use a genuine backup service in addition.
- Vendor lock‑in and retained deletion: When you delete from a synced folder the deletion can replicate to the cloud; retention windows vary between services (some keep deleted versions only 30 days unless you pay for extended history).
- External drive policies: Some cloud backup tools treat disconnected external drives as “gone” and may schedule their backed‑up copies for deletion after a retention window — reconnect them often enough or adjust retention settings.
- Human error: Most data loss remains human error. Automated, frequent backups combined with periodic restore testing mitigate this.
Quick Reference: Which Backup to Choose (One‑line Recommendations)
- Want “set‑and‑forget” offsite backup: install Backblaze.
- Need file sync + local access across devices: use Dropbox or Google Drive (Mirror).
- Want a full backup engine (system images + multi‑device): choose iDrive.
- Prefer zero‑monthly‑fee local protection: use Windows File History + an external drive.
- Running a small office or many devices: invest in a NAS + cloud sync for critical shares.
Final Checklist Before You Walk Away
- Confirm which folders your cloud client actually stores locally (pin or mirror if needed).
- Verify your cloud vendor’s retention and version history policies — know how long deleted items are recoverable.
- Keep one offline, encrypted copy of the most important documents offsite (safe deposit box or encrypted cloud vault).
- Test file restores quarterly and a full image restore annually.
- Protect your cloud accounts with strong passwords and MFA.
- Document your recovery process in plain language so someone else (or you under stress) can perform a restore.
Conclusion
Backing up a Windows PC doesn’t have to be complicated — but it must be deliberate. The difference between “syncing to the cloud” and “backing up for recovery” is small in technical detail and enormous in practical consequence. The How‑To Geek primer offers a pragmatic list of options and a cautionary tale about OneDrive that’s worth taking seriously: if you rely on cloud sync as your only safety net, make sure you know whether those files also exist locally or you will discover the hard way what “online‑only” really means.A robust setup combines local speed and control (external drive / File History / NAS) with offsite protection (Backblaze or iDrive) and smart sync for convenience (Google Drive or Dropbox used with awareness of their modes). Follow the step‑by‑step plan above, test restores, and you’ll convert panic into a routine restore exercise — and never again learn the true cost of “I thought it was backed up.”
Source: How-To Geek The 6 Easiest Ways to Back Up Your Windows PC So You Don’t Lose Everything