Free Way to Back Up Your Computer to an External Hard Drive


Protecting your data is essential to avoid losing important files due to hardware failures, accidental deletions, or cyber threats like viruses and ransomware. One of the easiest and most affordable methods to keep your data safe is by backing up your computer to an external hard drive.
If you’re wondering how to back up your computer using an external drive, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
How to Back Up Your Computer to an External Hard Drive with MultiDrive
MultiDrive is a free and user-friendly tool for backing up your data quickly and safely.
Step 1: Select a Suitable External Hard Drive
Storage Capacity: Choose a drive with equal or greater capacity than your computer’s internal drive.
Drive Type: SSDs offer faster speeds but cost more; HDDs provide more space at a lower price.
USB Version: For faster transfers, use external drives with USB 3.0 or higher.
Step 2: Install and Open MultiDrive
Download MultiDrive from the official website.
Run the installer and follow the prompts.
Launch the program.
Step 3: Create the Backup
Go to the “Backup” section.
Select the source drive you want to back up (usually your main system drive).
Specify a target file name
Choose the external drive as the destination for your backup file.
Pick the backup format: ZIP (compressed) or RAW (exact copy).
Click “Backup” to start the process.
Step 4: Safely Eject Your External Drive
After the backup completes, use the safe removal option on your computer.
Wait for confirmation before unplugging the drive.
Store the drive in a secure, dry place.
Conclusion
Regular backups help keep your important data safe from loss. With MultiDrive, backing up your computer to an external hard drive is simple and reliable. Make backing up a monthly habit to protect your valuable files.
Subscribe to my newsletter
Read articles from Technerd_43 directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.
Written by
