What's the best way to backup my MacBook, including all documents and files?

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What's the best way to backup my MacBook, including all documents and files?

I have used a Time Machine for the past several years but it has recently worn out. What I like about those backups is they were essentially snapshots of my complete hard drive each day, including all documents and files, not jus apps, emails and media. I believe I would be comfortable with all this data living on iCloud... How do I set this up? (System Preferences doesn't appear to create a backup of ALL my data?)

MacBook Pro 15”, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 25, 2020 3:21 PM

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Answer 1

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FoxFifth

Level 10

471,705 points

Sep 25, 2020 3:30 PM in response to AlexanderVoyager

Apple offers iCloud Backup for iPhones and iPads but not for Mac computers.

It is possible to sync data from a Mac to iCloud if you turn on those options (e.g., iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive including the Desktop & Documents option). Syncing has some of the benefits of a backup (and the benefit of being offsite) but is not the same as a backup. Major differences include the fact that not everything on your Mac can be synced and the fact that if you delete something, accidentally or otherwise, there is only a limited time period (30 days in most cases) during which it can be recovered.

Also see: How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support

And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

iCloud Drive FAQ - Apple Support

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