It is well known that it is just a matter of time that the hard drive stops working.
In addition, laptop stolen, virus attack, acritical error, natural disaters, etc.
may lead to data loss,so you gotta provide protection for them.
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To protect those valuable documents, photos, etc.
and avoid data loss, performing auto file backups is the best way.
You may save them to other locations, such as USB drive.

However, the files or folders may change at any time.
Is there any tool that allows you to do this work?
How to ghost Windows 10/8/7?

Now, use the professional ghost image software, MiniTool ShadowMaker to create a ghost image of Windows OS.
Preparation Work:
1.
In this part, we will show you how to automatically back up folders/files to external hard drive.

Windows Automatic Backup Tool
Which Windows tool lets you perform automatic backups at regular times?
For regular backups, using third-party automatic file backup program is highly suggested.
However, some of you choose to use File History or Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Now, lets get straight to the point: how to back up files regularly.
When choosing backup program, you should consider the price, functions, and safety.
MiniTool ShadowMaker is your best choice.

As thebest free backup software, it is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 with advanced & flexible backup solutions.
The advanced version can be used on Workstation.
By default, incremental backups are created.

It also enables you to restore your box to a previous version.
Or you may choose to getPro Editionfor all time use.
Automatic File Backup in Backup Page
Step 1: Double-select MiniTool ShadowMaker to open it and clickKeep Trialto continue.

Step 2: You will reach the main user interface of MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Under theComputertab, all detected partitions are listed.
Just pop swing open the partition that contains important files, and check all the needed files.
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By default, the feature is disabled and just turn it on.
The consuming time depends on the file size.
After the full backup is finished, snag the drop-down menu to chooseEdit Schedule.
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Next, specify one setting for the regular backup.
Afterward, this automatic file backup utility will back up specific folders at the specified time point.
Refer to this help tutorialHow to Restore Filesfor more information.

Get MiniTool ShadowMaker for free and follow the steps above to start the scheduled backup for files.
you could also get this freeware to perform Windows 10 automatic backup for this operating system.
Im looking for automatic file backup software to automatically back up folder to external hard drive.

Try 2 ways here to keep data safe.
in the user account folder (C: /Users/account name).
MiniTool ShadowMaker is the best alternative to keep your PC safe.

How to auto backup folders with File History?
Here are the details.
Step 1: Firstly, connect an external hard drive to your system.

Step 2: OpenSettingsfrom theStartmenu.
Step 3: Go toUpdate & security > Backup.
Step 5: TheAutomatically back up my filesoption appears and is turned on.
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Next, clickMore optionsto enter the following interface.
Step 6: Then, clickBack up nowto start the backup.
Just choose one for automatic backup files based on your needs.

Where to find File History in Windows 11?
Is it still in Windows configs?
How does it Work?

What are the differences between Win10 and Win11 File History?
This helps you to create a backup of the latest version of your files on a schedule.
How to automatically back up files to an external hard drive with this utility?

Step 1: Navigate toControl Panel > System & security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2: ClickSet up backupin theBack up or restore your filessection.
Step 3: just decide where you want to store your backup.

Here, it’s advisable to save the backup to an external hard drive.
Thus, choose the hard drive and continue.
Step 4: What do you want to back up?

If you want to choose files by yourself for automatic backup, checkLet me choose.
Step 5: Then choose the items such as documents, photos, pictures, excels, etc.
you want to include in the backup from the check box.
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Step 6: Next, you’ve got the option to review your backup options.
Afterward, click theSave controls and run backupbutton.
Here are three tools for you to create automatic file backup in Windows 10.
File History has an obvious limitation that is it only backs up folders of the user account folder.
But compared to MiniTool ShadowMaker, it is unable to perform automatic backups when logging in or off OS.
Similarly, system backup, partitions backup, and disks backup can be completed easily.
Windows 10 System Restore stuck on initializing or restoring files?
This post gives helpful ways to fix System Restore stuck issue in 2 cases.
Final Words
How to automatically back up files to an external hard drive in Windows 11/10?
Just choose one suitable tool based on your needs for auto folder/file backup.
We strongly recommend using MiniTool ShadowMaker to configure Windows 11/Windows 10 automatic backup for important files.