# How to Back Up a Computer to an External Hard Drive

> The Download Back up your files to an external hard drive using File History or Backup settings on Windows. Make a full backup of your system to save everything, including Windows and your settings.

- **Source:** [Lifewire](https://www.lifewire.com/back-up-computer-to-external-hard-drive-5184117?utm_source=gearopen.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=feed&utm_content=687941540be0cae23cc1d986)
- **Published:** 2025-07-17
- **Category:** Computers & IT
- **Tags:** #windows #drive #external #hard #backup #computer #settings #applicable
- **Canonical:** http://localhost:4321/a/687941540be0cae23cc1d986

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_GearOpen's distilled summary. The full original article is published at Lifewire (source link above); GearOpen does not republish the source's full text._