But local backups aside, it’s also best to upload your files online. Not only does that offer additional protection against unexpected events such as fires and theft, but you get to access the data on any device with an active internet connection. Google Drive and OneDrive are two popular cloud storage services that can help you backup files to the cloud. The instructions below should help you figure out how to set up each service to safeguard the data on your computer.
Automatically Backup Files to Google Drive
Automatically Backup Files to Google Drive
Google Drive allows you to back up and sync files on your PC with its Backup and Sync client for Windows. To avoid any confusion, here’s how the “Backup” and “Sync” elements work:
Backup: Continuously backs up folders to the Computers section in Google Drive. You can’t sync them to other devices.Sync: Creates a special directory on your computer and syncs files and folders to and from the My Drive section in Google Drive. You can also sync them with other desktop devices.
If you have a Google Account, you can immediately install and use Backup and Sync on your computer. If not, you must create a Google Account. You get 15GB of free storage to start with. Paid plans include 100GB for $1.99/month, 200GB for $2.99/month, and 2TB for $9.99/month.
How to Back Up Files Using OneDrive
How to Back Up Files Using OneDrive
OneDrive comes pre-installed with Windows. Provided that you’ve signed into your PC with a Microsoft Account, you should be ready to start using it. In addition to syncing your files online, OneDrive also allows you to back up your most important directories—Desktop, Documents, and Pictures—to the cloud. But here are a couple of things to be aware of:
OneDrive moves the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to its sync directory should you choose to back them up.Unlike Google Drive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service doesn’t feature the option to back up additional folders on your PC. You can get around this limitation with symlinks (more on that below).
OneDrive provides 5GB of free storage. Paid storage plans include 100GB at $1.99/month and 1TB at $6.99/month. The latter option also nets you an Office 365 subscription.
Google Drive vs. OneDrive: Make Your Pick
Google Drive vs. OneDrive: Make Your Pick
Google Drive edges out OneDrive with its ability to upload folders from any location on your computer. It draws a clear line between backing up and syncing data, and that makes it a very versatile cloud storage solution. But if you only prefer protecting the most important directories on your PC, then you shouldn’t shy away from OneDrive. It’s also native to Windows and the superior choice from a technical standpoint.
