Create a backup routine
- On Home, choose New Backup.
- Enter a clear backup name.
- Add the folders and individual files you want to protect. Review the complete selection before continuing.
- Choose a folder on a secondary internal or external drive as the destination.
- Choose a schedule or leave the routine set to manual.
- Review the summary, then create the backup.
Preview or run a backup
Preview checks the selected source and destination and reports what is ready to copy without copying it. Run Backup performs preparation, copies changed files, verifies content, and runs the recorded recovery check.
Large backups with many files can spend time in preparation because every selected file and its existing destination copy must be compared. The preparation display should report files checked, progress, and an estimate when enough information is available.
Leave the backup drive connected until the run reports completion. You may open other pages in Backup O'Clock while a run is active, but do not close the application or disconnect the drive.
Restore files and confirm them
- Choose Restore in the left navigation.
- Select the backup routine or available backup content. Files may already be listed; use Search only when you need to narrow the list.
- Select the files or folders to restore.
- Choose a safe restore location. For a test, use a new folder so the original files remain untouched.
- Start Restore and wait for completion.
- Open several restored files and compare them with the originals.
When the backup drive is missing or changes letters
Backup O'Clock identifies a registered drive by its identity, not only by a Windows drive letter. If Windows assigns a different letter, wait for three successful readiness checks. The displayed destination should update to the registered drive's current letter.
If it remains unavailable, choose Drive Check. Do not select a different drive merely because it received the old drive letter. Use Settings → Maintenance → Replace registered drive… only when intentionally replacing the backup drive.
Automatic and missed schedules
A scheduled backup requires Windows Task Scheduler and a saved, enabled schedule. The PC must be awake at the scheduled time unless wake and missed-run settings can make the task available later. Use Settings → Maintenance → Check schedules to inspect tasks and Repair schedules when the app reports a mismatch.
Read Status & Logs
Status & Logs records the run type, start and completion time, latest verification, next schedule, space forecast, complete-file check, Recovery Checkup, Backup Passport update, registered-drive status, and the next recommended action. The changed-file count is the number forecast for that run; it is different from the total number scanned during preparation.
Common questions
Where are my log files?
Open Status & Logs for readable run information. For technical records or a support report, open Settings → Maintenance and use Create support report. The report is created for you to review; it is not sent automatically.
Does Preview copy anything?
No. Preview compares the selected content and destination and reports what a backup would need to copy.
Can I back up to an internal drive?
Yes, when it is a supported secondary, non-system destination. A separate external drive provides better protection from a failure that affects the whole computer.
Does Backup O'Clock protect against ransomware?
Mass-Change Guard can stop an unusual number of changes for review, and Time Vault can preserve previous copies when enabled. These safeguards reduce risk but do not guarantee ransomware recovery. Keep another disconnected or offsite copy.