Some of you may ask these two questions: what do I need to back up my computer?

What files should I back up?

As forbackup, it is an important thing to keep your PC safe.

back up personal files

What files should I back up?

What to Back up on Computer

What should I back up on my PC?

As you know, data loss is a common issue.

back up user account folder

Your hard drive may get damaged sooner or later.

To avoid data loss, file backup is crucial.

Most common backup programs can help you to back up just the files & folders you specify or need.

select backup type

And the backups wont be too large and can be completed quickly.

Should I back up AppData folder?

Now, lets read the following paragraphs and know what files to back up.

choose files to back up

Personal Files

The most important thing is to make a backup for your personal files.

Generally, you could find these files underC:\Users\Usernameon a modern Windows PC.

Here Username refers to your user account.

backup computer to an external hard drive

Usually, you wont see it unless you change the setting to show hidden files and folders.

Should I back up AppData folder?

Emails

If you use a desktop email client, you may want to back up your emails.

back up files with MiniTool ShadowMaker

What data should be backed up?

Program File Folder

Should I back up programdata folder?

The answer is not.

MiniTool ShadowMaker back up system

BothC:\Program FilesandC:\Program Files (x86)contain files for installed applications.

And you cannot simply copy and paste them to another system and hope that they work.

Actually, they wont run since installations from scratch are usually customized for the system.

Thus, there is usually no need to back up these two folders.

Besides, files and folders to ignore are also introduced.

Right now, its your turn to take action to back up your box for security.

Well then, how to back up your PC?

Just go to the following part.

To back up your setup, you better use professionalPC backup software.

Besides, you’re able to sync your important files for backup.

Above all, it allows cloning a hard drive to another disk for backup and upgrade.

Now, get MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition from the download button to have a try.

Note that this edition only gives you 30-day free trial.

To enjoy all features all the time,get Pro Edition.

Here is the step-by-step wizard.

Step 1: Open MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition.

Step 2: Which feature should you use to back up files?

These two methods including imaging and file sync are available.

Here, we take the first as an example.

Choose files to back up:

Go to theSourcesection, clickFolders and Filesto continue.

Then, choose files that you should probably back up.

Here, we show you how to back up computer to external hard drive in Windows 10/8/7.

Step 3: Finally, hit theBack up Nowbutton to start file backup immediately.

Fortunately, MiniTool ShadowMaker can be still used for Windows backup.

Then, you wont choose the source.

Just choose a path where you want to save the system image.

Step 3: Finally, start the Windows backup by clickingBack up Now.

What files should I back up?

Besides, you also know what files not to back up.