Creating a backup of the external drive helps in using the content to restore a computer or laptop with ease. Additionally, its usefulness in copying essential files from the backup makes it worth every penny. A better way to carry out is by using backup software for external hard drive.
In the Time Machine settings menu, click the 'select backup disk' button. Select your external drive from the menu, then click 'use disk' to confirm it as your Time Machine backup drive.
Step 1: Connect your external hard drive. First, use the USB cable (or USB-C cable if you're on the newest Mac model with Thunderbolt 3 ports) that comes with your external drive to connect that drive to your Mac. Backup your Mac with a portable or desktop hard drive. Safekeep all of your music, photographs, movies and more. Buy online with fast, free shipping. Use Time Machine, the built-in backup feature of your Mac, to automatically back up your personal data, including apps, music, photos, emails and documents. Having a backup allows you to recover files that have been deleted or were lost because the hard disk (or SSD) in your Mac needed to be erased or replaced.
Any individual can backup external hard drives using the backup tool. These have the ability and the options to create a backup of a hard disk in a few simple steps. The following six are the best external hard drive backup software for the year 2020:
The Six Best External Hard Drive Backup Software for 2020
1.iBeesoft DBackup
Your Best Backup Software to External Hard Drive
- It provides 3 backup modes (File backup, Drive backup, System backup) and sets up a plan to help you automatically back up files from external hard drives, built-in disks, and more.
- the best backup software for external hard drive can also be clone HDD to SSD, USB drive, external hard drive, etc.
- Fully compatible backup external hard drive under Windows 10/7/8/XP/Vista and server.
It is an efficient software for creating a backup of the content from a hard drive, partitions, and the entire operating system. The best backup external drive software provides the chance to create image files of the backup with schedule and the flexibility to choose an incremental or differential backup. The software is fast and secure. It is a powerful all-in-one backup program that also has a cloning feature. Therefore, users can choose to clone drives or partitions and migrate with ease.
iBeesoft DBackup leads the race of external hard drive backup software. The program gives the chance to clone the entire system, hard drive, partition/partitions, USB cloning, memory cards, and other devices. With the content readily available as a backup, restoring a hard drive to the previous state is no longer a tedious process.
Disadvantages:
- Free trial only for a few days
- Compatibility can be an issue for a few users
2. Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image promises a full-featured backup solution. best backup software for external hard drive promises to send the backup to both a local drive and cloud storage at the same time. It is also capable of cloning and mirroring images for the system's hard drive, partitions, and only the operating system.
Acronis True Image also has anti-ransomware that detects and reverses the unauthorized encryption of the disk. The external hard drive backup software also helps in creating a smartphone backup. The license does not include a storage solution. However, users can pay an additional fee to get a cloud storage space.
Advantages:
- Backup to a local drive and cloud storage at the same time
- Supports drive cloning
- Anti-ransomware protection
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Does not include cloud storage
- Increases boot time
3. EaseUS ToDo Backup
EaseUS ToDo Backup is in the backup field for a long time. The software offers solutions for both personal and business entities. Installation is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. The backup software to external hard drive can handle up to 16TB of data that includes incremental or differential. Additional options include coping hardware RAID and multiple partitions. It further supports cloud backups.
Advantages:
- Affordable pricing
- Advanced feature set
- Available for both Windows and Mac operating systems
Disadvantages:
- Does not come with cloud storage
- Does not have anti-ransomware
4. Paragon Backup & Recover Advanced
Paragon Backup & Recover Advanced gives a flexible solution for people seeking simple backup answers. The backup wizard offers guidance in creating the needed backup of the content with ease. It also shows what content it is creating as backup and where it is storing. It covers all the crucial backup processes and can create complex routines. It even creates automatic backups.
The standout feature of the external hard drive backup software is the WinPE recovery media. It comes to the rescue when the PC refuses to boot. With the help of USB, users can fix the issue and restore a system.
Advantages:
- USB recovery media
- Affordable cost
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- Absence of cloud storage
- Less support
5. NovaBackup PC
NovaBackup PC is available as a subscription and ideal for making copies of a computer's hard disk to an external media. It is the right choice for those who are modest users. However, it does not reach to the standard when it comes to interface, support for platforms, and advanced tasks. Although it is expensive, it offers service to backup PC to OneDrive and Dropbox.
The primary feature of the software for backup to external hard drive is the security it offers. The tool runs locally on the computer to send the data without connecting to the internet. Furthermore, it is possible to encrypt the data with 256-bit AES encryption.
Advantages:
- High security
- Includes video tutorials
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Subscription only
- No anti-ransomware
6. Genie Timeline Home 10
The software promises effortless backup PC to an external hard drive in Windows 10 Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows XP. It is possible to configure the same in three steps. The trial version is available for Windows XP and higher. It focuses on the traditional backup – creating the backup file to a media drive. The developer is offering additional solutions according to the need. For instance, users can opt for Android and cloud backup needs.
The notable features include the choice to create a backup at full speed using the Turbo mode or run in the Smart Mode, which adjusts according to the available resources of the system.
Advantages:
- Mindful of system resources
- Game/movie modes
Disadvantages:
- Lacks cloud storage
- Does not support Android
Step-by-Step Guide to Use Best Software to Backup External Hard Drive
iBeesoft DBackup is the best external hard drive backup software for the external hard drive. Users can download the trial version from the website and follow the steps to create a backup file.
Step 1: Start the program by clicking the icon. From the window, choose the 'File Backup' option to backup files from external hard drive.
Step 2: From the new screen, opt for the folders that require a backup. One can use the tree form to browse the contents of the system and mark multiple folders or files. After the selection is complete, clicking the 'Start' button begins the external hard drive backup process. It compresses and creates an image file.
Step 3: When the backup is complete, the best backup external hard drive software will show the following screen.
Note: It is possible to edit the backup settings. In general, users can choose between full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup. Depending on the requirement, one can make the necessary change before starting the external hard drive backup and proceed with the step.
17 January 2020
Is your Mac backed up?
If so, how often? View hard drive mac.
Is it a file backup or a clone?
Is it backed up to the cloud or to an external drive?
What Mac backup software are you using?
The Six Best External Hard Drive Backup Software for 2020
1.iBeesoft DBackup
Your Best Backup Software to External Hard Drive
- It provides 3 backup modes (File backup, Drive backup, System backup) and sets up a plan to help you automatically back up files from external hard drives, built-in disks, and more.
- the best backup software for external hard drive can also be clone HDD to SSD, USB drive, external hard drive, etc.
- Fully compatible backup external hard drive under Windows 10/7/8/XP/Vista and server.
It is an efficient software for creating a backup of the content from a hard drive, partitions, and the entire operating system. The best backup external drive software provides the chance to create image files of the backup with schedule and the flexibility to choose an incremental or differential backup. The software is fast and secure. It is a powerful all-in-one backup program that also has a cloning feature. Therefore, users can choose to clone drives or partitions and migrate with ease.
iBeesoft DBackup leads the race of external hard drive backup software. The program gives the chance to clone the entire system, hard drive, partition/partitions, USB cloning, memory cards, and other devices. With the content readily available as a backup, restoring a hard drive to the previous state is no longer a tedious process.
Disadvantages:
- Free trial only for a few days
- Compatibility can be an issue for a few users
2. Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image promises a full-featured backup solution. best backup software for external hard drive promises to send the backup to both a local drive and cloud storage at the same time. It is also capable of cloning and mirroring images for the system's hard drive, partitions, and only the operating system.
Acronis True Image also has anti-ransomware that detects and reverses the unauthorized encryption of the disk. The external hard drive backup software also helps in creating a smartphone backup. The license does not include a storage solution. However, users can pay an additional fee to get a cloud storage space.
Advantages:
- Backup to a local drive and cloud storage at the same time
- Supports drive cloning
- Anti-ransomware protection
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Does not include cloud storage
- Increases boot time
3. EaseUS ToDo Backup
EaseUS ToDo Backup is in the backup field for a long time. The software offers solutions for both personal and business entities. Installation is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. The backup software to external hard drive can handle up to 16TB of data that includes incremental or differential. Additional options include coping hardware RAID and multiple partitions. It further supports cloud backups.
Advantages:
- Affordable pricing
- Advanced feature set
- Available for both Windows and Mac operating systems
Disadvantages:
- Does not come with cloud storage
- Does not have anti-ransomware
4. Paragon Backup & Recover Advanced
Paragon Backup & Recover Advanced gives a flexible solution for people seeking simple backup answers. The backup wizard offers guidance in creating the needed backup of the content with ease. It also shows what content it is creating as backup and where it is storing. It covers all the crucial backup processes and can create complex routines. It even creates automatic backups.
The standout feature of the external hard drive backup software is the WinPE recovery media. It comes to the rescue when the PC refuses to boot. With the help of USB, users can fix the issue and restore a system.
Advantages:
- USB recovery media
- Affordable cost
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- Absence of cloud storage
- Less support
5. NovaBackup PC
NovaBackup PC is available as a subscription and ideal for making copies of a computer's hard disk to an external media. It is the right choice for those who are modest users. However, it does not reach to the standard when it comes to interface, support for platforms, and advanced tasks. Although it is expensive, it offers service to backup PC to OneDrive and Dropbox.
The primary feature of the software for backup to external hard drive is the security it offers. The tool runs locally on the computer to send the data without connecting to the internet. Furthermore, it is possible to encrypt the data with 256-bit AES encryption.
Advantages:
- High security
- Includes video tutorials
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Subscription only
- No anti-ransomware
6. Genie Timeline Home 10
The software promises effortless backup PC to an external hard drive in Windows 10 Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows XP. It is possible to configure the same in three steps. The trial version is available for Windows XP and higher. It focuses on the traditional backup – creating the backup file to a media drive. The developer is offering additional solutions according to the need. For instance, users can opt for Android and cloud backup needs.
The notable features include the choice to create a backup at full speed using the Turbo mode or run in the Smart Mode, which adjusts according to the available resources of the system.
Advantages:
- Mindful of system resources
- Game/movie modes
Disadvantages:
- Lacks cloud storage
- Does not support Android
Step-by-Step Guide to Use Best Software to Backup External Hard Drive
iBeesoft DBackup is the best external hard drive backup software for the external hard drive. Users can download the trial version from the website and follow the steps to create a backup file.
Step 1: Start the program by clicking the icon. From the window, choose the 'File Backup' option to backup files from external hard drive.
Step 2: From the new screen, opt for the folders that require a backup. One can use the tree form to browse the contents of the system and mark multiple folders or files. After the selection is complete, clicking the 'Start' button begins the external hard drive backup process. It compresses and creates an image file.
Step 3: When the backup is complete, the best backup external hard drive software will show the following screen.
Note: It is possible to edit the backup settings. In general, users can choose between full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup. Depending on the requirement, one can make the necessary change before starting the external hard drive backup and proceed with the step.
17 January 2020
Is your Mac backed up?
If so, how often? View hard drive mac.
Is it a file backup or a clone?
Is it backed up to the cloud or to an external drive?
What Mac backup software are you using?
How do you restore it if you need to?
Do you know these answers?
These might sound like silly questions, but you'll be amazed to find out that only 6% of adult computer owners in the US backup their data every day! 34% do it at least once a month, 42% do it once a year or less, and 24% never back up their computers!
Where do you fit in?
What are the best practices for backing up your Mac?
What backup software for Mac should you use?
In this article, we'll answer those questions.
Do I Really Need to Back Up My Mac?
Yes, you do - if you value what's on it.
Although hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are more reliable than ever, things still go wrong. Even if your hard drive doesn't break down, you might lose your Mac, it could be stolen, or it could be damaged or destroyed in some unforeseeable event.
It might not happen tomorrow, next week, or even next year. In fact, it may never happen to you.
But the reality is that it could happen at any time - and it does to many people.
If that were the case, what would the loss of all your data mean to you?
If your data isn't backed up, there would be nothing to do except kick yourself for failing to do what you knew all along - to back up your data.
So don't let that happen to you!
Back it up.
Go! Do it now!
How Many Backups Do I Need?
At least two.
Ideally, you should have both a local backup and an off-site or online backup to the cloud.
A local backup is where you copy the data from your Mac to an external hard drive. Both copies are in the same place so you can easily access the data, keep it up-to-date, or restore it if you have to.
The only problem with a local backup is that it's probably in the same physical location as your Mac. If something happens to your Mac during a robbery, fire, flood, other natural disasters, or ransomware attack, the additional copy may also be affected. Moreover, the backup hard drive can also fail.
That's why it's best to keep both a local backup and an online backup in the cloud.
Should I Use File Backup or Cloning?
Both backup methods have advantages.
A file backup backs up each of your files individually. That makes it easy to restore a single file if you - by accident - permanently delete a single file or need to restore a previous version.
The advantage of cloning is that it makes an exact copy of your Mac's hard drive at the bit level. Mac tool box. If anything happens to your Mac, you can boot directly from the backup clone and carry on working without having first to replace your hard drive and restore your data.
As a best practice, you should keep both a file backup and a clone of your Mac.
Does My Mac Come with Backup Software?
Yes, it does.
Time Machine is macOS' built-in software. All you need is an external hard drive to get started.
Easy to use, Time Machine is a 'set-it-and-forget-it' experience. By default, it copies everything on your Mac - your accounts, applications, documents, email messages, movies, music, photos, preferences, and system files.
Time Machine also keeps multiple versions of each file. Any time a file is changed, Time Machine backs it up, allowing you to choose which specific version of the data to restore. Moreover, if you delete a file, Time Machine will keep a copy for a while.
Once you've set it up, you can literally forget all about it. All you need to do is make sure the external backup hard drive is at least twice the size of your internal hard drive and always attached to store the backups. The larger the drive, the more backups it can save.
How Do I Set Up Time Machine?
To set up Time Machine, all you have to do is buy an external hard drive and plug it into your Mac. As soon as you do, macOS will show a dialog box requesting confirmation that you want to use that drive with Time Machine, and ask whether to encrypt the backup disk or not.
When you choose Use as Backup Disk, Time Machine starts backing up all of your data. The process could take several hours, depending on the number of files and type of drive. Subsequent backups will be much faster since only changed files are backed up.
Time Machine backs up all files by default. Should you only wish to back up specific files or directories, you can choose which ones to exclude in System Preferences.
For more information on backing up your Mac, see the article Back up your Mac with Time Machine.
How Often Does Time Machine Back Up My Data?
Time Machine runs every hour. If for some reason, your Mac is asleep or the external hard drive cannot be reached, Time Machine will reinitiate the backup as soon as it can. As long as the backup hard drive can be found, Time Machine will take care of your data.
Why Do I Need Another Backup Software for My Mac?
While Time Machine is fast and easy to use, it's not perfect.
Moreover, Time Machine does not include the ability to clone your entire drive. If you need to get up and running fast and don't have time to replace and restore a failed drive, you'll want to have another bootable backup in addition to Time Machine.
What is the Best Backup Software for Mac?
Here are the top five backup applications that MacUpdate readers rave about:
SuperDuper! is easy to use with a well-designed, intuitive interface. You select the target and destination drives, and SuperDuper! will start backing up your data. It clones your Mac's hard drive, so you always have a complete backup of all your data.
After the initial full backup, you can choose incremental backups that only copies new files or those that have been changed since the last backup. You can also select which files you want to back up and which ones you don't.
SuperDuper! includes a Smart Wake feature - without turning on the screen to ensure your Mac is always backed up regardless of whether it's awake or not when the backup starts.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.9
- Version Reviewed: 3.3
- System Requirements: macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher and supports both APFS and HFS+ volumes.
- Licensing: $27.95 for one Mac.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of SuperDuper! for Mac.
Carbon Copy Cloner is a simple cloning tool that backs up your internal hard drive at the bit level. You can boot off the backup disc or clone and install a new drive. The application allows you to choose which files and folders to clone, and supports incremental backups with its Smart Updates feature.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.8
- Version Reviewed: 5.1.14
- System Requirements: macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher.
- Licensing: $39.99 for all computers within a household. A free 30-day trial is available.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of Carbon Copy Cloner for Mac.
Rather than only being a backup tool, ChronoSync includes both backup and synchronization capabilities. It allows you to backup - including bootable backups - to almost any external device or service, including iPads, iPhones, Windows PCs, and some cloud services.
ChronoSync Express provides entry-level synchronization and backup for only $24.99, but lacks the enhanced features that ChronoSync offers.
How To Backup Computer To External Drive
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.7
- Version Reviewed: 4.9.7
- System Requirements: OS X 10.12 (Sierra) or higher.
- Licensing: $39.99 on sale. Usual price $59.98.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of ChronoSync for Mac.
An easy to use utility, SmartBackup uses a custom synchronization engine with enhancedfeatures to improve performance. It allows you to choose which folders or volumes to sync, along with the ability to create a bootable clone of your internal hard drive.
Supporting a range of different configurations, SmartBackup allows you to archive changed or deleted files, choose multiple destinations, or exclude specific files or folders. Built-in automation enables you to schedule backups quickly.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.0
- Version Reviewed: 4.2
- System Requirements: OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher.
- Licensing: Free.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of SmartBackup for Mac.
Disk Drill is a powerful data recovery tool that allows you to scan your Mac - or other devices connected to your Mac - for deleted or corrupt files or partitions. Once the scan is complete, the Preview feature allows you to see which items were recoverable.
While the free version shows you what can be recovered, you need to purchase the Pro version to actually recover them.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 3.7
- Version Reviewed: 3.8.953
- System Requirements: OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion) or higher.
- Licensing: Free for the basic version or $89.00 for the Pro version.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of Disk Drill for Mac.
The Bottom Line
Backing up your Mac is not an option. It's a necessity.
All it takes is three simple steps:
- Purchase an external drive and set up Time Machine - today!
- Choose the right backup app to clone and/or synchronize your Mac.
- Check your backups regularly to verify you can read and restore from them.
External Hard Drive Backup Options
Save yourself the headache and stress. Back it up - now.
