Luckily, it’s not hard to ensure that this never happens.
Here are six steps you’ve got the option to take to ensure that your work remains safe.
They have two sayings that are worth bearing in mind before we get into the specifics.
“A document doesn’t exist unless you have at least three copies.”
This one takes the idea a step further.
You want to have not just one backup, but two.
Personally, I add the rider “… one of which is off-site.”
Just look for the “AutoSave” toggle at the top-left of your window, and slide it on.
You should then continue your work in this version, so that it is protected.
Windows
press the OneDrive (cloud) icon in your system tray to open OneDrive.
hit the gear icon, top right, then select “parameters.”
press the “Sync and Backup” tab, then the “Manage Backup” button.
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Check whether the folder you are using (for example, Documents) is being backed-up.
If not, then simply toggle it on.
If you’re using Windows 11,you may find this is on by default.
The Mac App Store version willnotwork for this (thanks, Microsoft).
Once you’ve installed the app, you better give it full disk access.
poke the Apple menu top-left, then “System options.”
OneDrive lives in your Mac menubar, and is shown as a cloud icon.
Click this, then the three-dots menu.
Then Preferences > Backup > Manage Backup.
If your folder is shown as “Files Backed Up,” then all is good.
Otherwise, just nudge the “Start Backup” option for your desired folder.
So if your PC or Mac drive is 1TB, for example, then use a 2TB external drive.
Start by connecting your external drive.
In Windows 10, go to Start > Backup configs.
In Windows 11, go to Start > File History.
In both cases, continue by selecting Add a Drive > More Options and then select your external drive.
snag the plus sign and select your drive.)
Next time, “My Novel 002” and so on.
That way, whether disaster strikes your machine or the cloud company, you’ll be protected.
