How to Backup a Folder in Windows 7 | Step-by-Step Guide

PAGE CONTENT:

1. 2 Simple Ways to Backup A Folder in Windows 7
2. Sum Up: A Thorough Comparison Between Two Methods
3. FAQ about Backing up A Folder in Windows 7

Although Windows 7 has been released for more than ten years, it is still one of the most popular operating systems. Many people use it and may store essential data on their computers. However, data loss can happen anytime due to various reasons such as hard drive failures, virus attacks, computer crashes, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to backup important data regularly to avoid loss.

When it comes to backing up data, most people think of creating a disk image backup of their system or a specific disk. However, sometimes we want to make a backup for our individual important photos, videos, private files, or essential data; we'd rather only back up a specific folder or file rather than the whole system or disk.

Of course, copying the specific folder to a USB or external hard drive is the easiest way to back up. Just right-click the target folder and send it to the destination backup place. But I'm sure 99% of people won't use this method as a backup because it doesn't automatically back up and requires large storage space on the external device.

This article will introduce two simple and effective file backup methods to backup a folder in Windows 7 system and give step-by-step guides, both of which can achieve automatic backup. 

2 Simple Ways to Backup A Folder in Windows 7

The first solution is using free backup software and the second one is using the Windows 7 built-in Backup and Restore feature. Now look at them in detail.

EaseUS Todo Backup Free is a professional free backup software that can help you back up files, folders, partitions, and even the entire system for Windows.

It has numerous features like schedule backup, incremental and differential backup, backup to Cloud, etc., which makes it one of the most excellent backup software. With enough cloud backup storage space, you can save the troublesome data restore steps and directly use the backed-up photos, videos, and other files. Does not require professional skills, EaseUS Todo Backup can quickly help you achieve any backup and save your precious time. 

Now, let's have a look at its main features:

• File/folder/disk/system backup and restore
• Smart & secure backup
• Full backup , incremental backup and differential backup
• Disk & partition clone
• Migrate OS to SSD/HDD
• Universal Restore
• Schedule backup
• Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7
• Professional technical supports
• Backup to Cloud and provide 250GB of free Cloud storage
• Offer email notifications to inform backup state

You can back up folders in Windows 7 with EaseUS Todo Backup with several simple clicks:

Step 1. To begin the backup process, click the Select backup contents button.

Step 2. Four data backup categories are listed: File, Disk, OS, and Mail.

Step 3. Lists of both local and network files are shown on the left-hand side of the screen. Expanding the directory so that you can choose the files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the guidance on the screen and choose the place where you want to store the back up.

Make sure that the backup is encrypted and set the backup schedule by clicking Options in Backup Options. You can also choose to start the backup at a certain time in Backup Scheme by clicking Options. There are many other customizable options that you can look into.

Step 5. You can store the backup file either on your computer, in EaseUS's cloud service, or on a network-attached storage device (NAS).

Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup enables customers store backup copies of their files on a third-party cloud drive or on the company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data on a third-party cloud drive, select Local Drive and scroll down to add Cloud Device. Then fill in your account information.

Click EaseUS Cloud, then sign up and log in with your EaseUS account if you wish to store backup files to EaseUS' own cloud storage service.

Step 7. Click on Backup Now to start a backup.  When the backup process is done, it will display as a card on the left-hand side of the screen. A right-click will let you see more about how to handle the backup job in more depth.

Method 2. Backup A folder with Backup and Restore

Another available method is the Backup and Restore Windows 7 tool, a Windows built-in feature to create backups of important files, photos, music, etc. You can use this tool to create a backup of any folder on your computer easily. Here's how: 

Step 1. Click on the Start menu and type "backup" into the search box. Select Backup and Restore from the list of results. Or go to the Control Panel, and find Backup and Restore.

Step 2. Tap "Set up backup" and wait for the pop-up window to finish the process. 

Step 3. Select a destination disk where you want to save your backup, and tap Next. (If you want to back up the folder to an external hard drive, you are supposed to connect the device to your Windows 7 computer.)

Step 4. When choosing which folder you want to back up, you need to check the "Let me choose" option, then click Next. 

Step 5. Choose the specific folder or file you want to set backup, and click Next. 

Step 6. While reviewing your backup settings, you can click "Change schedule" to customize your schedule backup based on your needs.

Here you are supposed to set how often, what days, and what time to back up.

Step 7. Click OK to start your first backup process. After the first time, your PC will automatically back up the assigned folder at the scheduled frequency.

Sum Up: A Thorough Comparison Between Two Methods

Both methods provide simple and easy solutions to backup a folder in Windows 7. You may still be confused about which method to use. If you don't know which one suits you most, refer to the following pros and cons to clearly distinguish between the two tools. 

From the above chart, you can see that EaseUS Todo Backup owns many features that Backup and Restore doesn't have. Backing up your folder to the Cloud can greatly reduce the pressure on your computer's internal storage while also allowing you to view the backed-up data directly.

If you want to back up a folder or a file quickly and effortlessly, EaseUS Todo Backup is the best option you should never miss. 

FAQ about How to Backup A Folder in Windows 7

1. How do I automatically backup a folder to an external hard drive?

If you want to automatically backup a folder, you need to set up a backup plan to achieve automatic backup to an external hard drive. You can customize Backup and Restore and EaseUS Todo Backup to create a copy of your folder at a certain time at a certain frequency, like every Monday at eight o'clock in the morning.

2. What is the best folder backup software?

Many folder backup software is out there; some are excellent, like EaseUS Todo Backup, Acronis Protect Home Office, Macrium Reflector, etc. EaseUS Todo Backup is our most recommended one. 

3. How to backup computer Windows 7 before installing Windows 10?

If you want to update the system to Windows 10, you need to backup all Windows 7. You can use both EaseUS Todo Backup and Backup and Restore. Follow method 1 and method 2 to back up step by step. When new Windows 10 is installed, restore them to your new Windows 10 system.

4. Can I use File History to backup my folder in Windows 7?

It is a pity that Windows 7 doesn't have the File History feature. You can use Backup and Restore or EaseUS Todo Backup as alternatives.