Personal data backup checklist
Set up a recoverable backup of personal photos and documents, check what is included and practise restoring a file before you need it.

CHOOSE WHAT TO PROTECT
- List the devices holding important personal files
- Identify photo folders that are not backed up
- Identify documents stored only on one device
- Check whether cloud files are synced or independently backed up
- Check the space needed for the selected files
- Choose a backup destination separate from the original device

CREATE THE BACKUP
- Check the backup service or drive has enough free space
- Enable account protection for an online backup service
- Encrypt a portable backup drive containing sensitive files
- Store recovery information in a secure separate place
- Run the first backup to completion
- Check the completion report for skipped files or errors

TEST AND MAINTAIN IT
- Restore one sample file to a different folder
- Open the restored file to check it is usable
- Check how to recover an older file version
- Schedule automatic backups where supported
- Disconnect an offline backup drive after use
- Set a reminder to review backup status regularly