Almost everyone means to back up their files "at some point." The people who actually do it usually just made it simple enough that it happens without thinking about it. Here's the simple version.
The rule of thumb: two copies, in two different places
One copy on the computer isn't a backup. It's just where the file happens to live. A real backup means at least one more copy somewhere else: a different drive, a different location, or the cloud. If the only copy of something is in one place, it's one accident away from gone.
Option 1: cloud backup, set it up once and forget it
This is the easiest option for most people, because it runs quietly in the background without you having to remember anything. I recommend Proton Drive or Duplicati for this: both have genuinely usable free tiers, and Duplicati specifically encrypts everything before it leaves your computer, so even the storage provider can't see your files.
Option 2: an external drive, plugged in occasionally
Cheaper and simpler if you're not comfortable with cloud storage. The catch is that it only protects you if you actually plug it in. A backup drive sitting in a drawer for a year isn't backing up anything from the last year. Set yourself a reminder, even a simple monthly one.
What actually needs backing up
You don't need to back up the whole computer, just the things that can't be redownloaded or reinstalled: documents, photos, anything in your Desktop or Documents folders, and browser bookmarks/passwords if they're not already synced somewhere. Programs and the operating system itself can always be reinstalled, but your photos of a birthday from ten years ago can't be.
If you want, I can set either of these up for you in about half an hour, and show you exactly where your backups are living so it's not a mystery.
Backing up is also one line on the maintenance checklist worth checking every few months.
See the backup tools I recommend → · Or get in touch and I'll set it up →