Want to back up your entire computer to the cloud? Here’s everything you need today to keep files safe from computer crashes, theft, and bad things. Your computer can break suddenly when you don’t expect it. This guide works for users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. IT experts say back up your computer every week, but new cloud backup services do this automatically. This means your files stay protected even when you forget. Studies show 54% of people know someone who lost important files. Whether it’s bad software, a coffee spill, or forgetting to save—forgetting things is the biggest reason people lose files. Losing your files is a huge problem.
This complete guide shows you the newest Windows 10 and Windows 11 ways, how to set up Mac, and the best whole computer backup services. You will learn the exact steps to keep your computer system, programs, costs, and how to avoid common mistakes. Using whole machine cloud backup keeps all your files safe.
What Does “Back Up Your Entire Computer to the Cloud” Mean?
Back up your entire computer to the cloud means making a complete copy of your computer system, programs, computer settings, and all your files, then saving it on servers far away. This is different from basic cloud storage because it backs up your whole hard drive including the OS and apps, not just some folders.
- Back up your entire computer to the cloud = complete copy of OS + apps + settings + files on remote servers
- Different from cloud storage because it backs up whole hard drive (OS + apps), not just folders
Entire Computer vs Partial Backup
An entire backup copies your whole computer. It copies your computer system, programs, settings, and files needed to start your computer. A partial backup only copies some folders like Documents, Pictures, or Desktop. If your drive breaks, a partial backup leaves you with the hard work of rebuilding your computer system and all software from scratch. An entire backup lets you fix your whole computer after a crash.
Cloud Backup vs Cloud Storage Explained
Cloud backup services work in quiet in the background to make automatic, small updates of your whole computer. Cloud storage options are built for manual file copying and giving to others. Storage tools do not save your computer system or apps. Real online backup PC software works on a regular schedule without you doing anything each day.
What Gets Backed Up in Full System
- Computer system: The main Windows or Mac files needed to run your computer.
- Installed programs: All your programs, software settings, and games.
- System settings: Your own settings, passwords, and how your desktop looks.
- Files needed to start your computer: The important files needed to start your computer safely.
- All user files: Every document, photo, video, and downloaded file in all user accounts.
Why Back Up Your Entire Computer to Cloud? Data Loss Stats
Understanding why cloud backup methods are needed starts by seeing how easily files go away. Using only hard hardware leaves you open to sudden problems. Online backup when bad things happen gives you a quick backup plan when things go wrong.
Top 5 Causes of Data Loss
- Hardware breaks: Hard drives break often, causing 30% of all file loss problems.
- Deleting by mistake: Accidentally deleting and liquid spills are the leading causes of file loss.
- Bad software attacks: Bad software can lock your entire system and demand payment.
- Theft or physical damage: Laptops get stolen from cars, dropped on concrete, or lost during travel.
- Natural disasters: Fires, floods, and electrical storms can destroy every electronic device in your home. According to cybersecurity reports, 40% of small businesses never recover after major data loss. Personal users face similar risks when family photos and documents disappear forever.
Benefits of Entire Computer Cloud Backup
Using special online backup gives you important file protection. First, you get backup stored far away, so bad things at home won’t touch your files. Second, the software does automatic updates all the time. Third, you can get files from anywhere using safe apps. Fourth, you can fix your whole computer fast. Finally, file history lets you get older file versions from up to 90 days ago.
Real Cost of No Backup
What happens to you includes losing family photos you can’t get back, tax bills, and school work. Without a whole machine cloud backup, it takes hard work that takes very long just to fix your system.
Best Cloud Backup Services for Entire Computer (Modern Pricing)
An online backup comparison reveals major differences in features and value. The following data table outlines the top choices to help you choose the best cloud backup for your entire machine backup service needs. All prices shown are in USD for US customers. UK customers pay £4.99-£9.99 monthly.
| Service | Price/Month | Storage | Entire Machine? | OS Support | Best For |
| IDrive | $5.95 | 5 TB | ✅ Yes | Windows / Mac / Mobile | Cross-device + entire machine |
| Backblaze | $9.00 | Unlimited | ✅ Yes | Windows / Mac | Single PC unlimited storage |
| OneDrive | $6.99 | 1 TB | ⚠️ Partial | Windows / Mac | Windows users (built-in) |
| Carbonite | $4.92 | Unlimited | ✅ Yes | Windows | Unlimited automatic backup |
| Dropbox | $11.99 | 2 TB | ⚠️ Partial | All Systems | File sharing + sync |
| Google Drive | $9.99 | 2 TB | ⚠️ Partial | All Systems | Android integration |
Key Differentiators
- IDrive: IDrive offers the most full features for full computer backup because it works on lots of devices and has huge 5 TB storage.
- Backblaze: Great if you have one computer with lots of files and want no storage limit.
- OneDrive: Good for new users because it is built right into Windows system, though it gives you limited free space.
- Avoid for entire system: Do not use Dropbox or Google Drive if you want to copy your whole system, as they only copy some files and skip your OS and apps.
How to Back Up Entire Computer to Cloud on Windows 10/11
Setting up a Windows 10 cloud backup to back up your entire computer to the cloud or a Windows 11 entire system backup can be done using built-in Microsoft tools or special software. Here are the step-by-step methods to get your computer secured.
Windows Backup + OneDrive Method (Built-In)
This built-in Microsoft cloud backup method secures your main user folders quickly.
- Open your Settings menu, select Accounts, and click on Windows Backup.
- Sign in using your primary login info.
- Turn on the switches to enable backups for your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.
- Click the Start backup button to begin the upload.
- Monitor the progress by clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar at bottom of screen. The backup process continues even if you close the app. Your computer stays protected while you work normally. You can check upload progress by hovering over the OneDrive icon.
IDrive Full System Backup (Entire Machine Method)
Technical tests show this method worked best to secure a complete drive image.
- Go to idrive.com and download the official desktop application.
- Install the app on your computer and log into your newly created account.
- Navigate to the main backup tab and select the Entire Machine option.
- Choose your primary root drive (usually the C: drive) to save all your files and settings.
- Set a schedule for the software to run continuously or daily during late-night hours.
- Start your initial backup. IT experts recommend running this overnight since the first upload takes the longest.
How to Back Up Entire Computer to Cloud on Mac
For Apple users, backing up your entire computer to the cloud on macOS needs a special plan. You can use a mix of built-in features or a Mac cloud backup service.
Time Machine + iCloud Method (Built-In)
Many users assume iCloud handles everything, but it works mostly as a file copying tool. Here is how to combine it with a local Time Machine setup.
- Click the Apple icon, open System Settings, select General, and go to Sharing.
- Turn on the option to Back Up Automatically using your iCloud account.
- Connect a compatible external hard drive to your Mac to use for Time Machine.
- Select this newly connected drive inside your Time Machine preference menu.
- Set your desired schedule to run daily or weekly based on your workflow.
- Click Back Up Now to trigger the initial local save.
IDrive Mac Entire Machine Backup
- Download and install the official application.
- Open the console and check the box for the correct backup choice.
- This automatically schedules an upload of your entire macOS setup, applications, and all hidden settings files directly to the cloud.
Cloud Backup vs External Hard Drive: Which Is Better?
When comparing cloud backup vs external drive options, look at how they protect you from different dangers. An online backup vs hard drive comparison shows that a smart data strategy actually benefits from utilizing both systems.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Cloud Backup | External Drive | Winner |
| Disaster protection | ✅ Backup stored far away | ❌ Local only | Cloud |
| Automatic backup | ✅ Continuous and automated | ❌ Requires manual copying | Cloud |
| Recovery speed | ⚠️ Slow (can take days for full system) | ✅ Fast (restores in hours) | External Drive |
| Cost | Budget friendly ($5-15 per month) | One-time cost ($50-200 upfront) | External Drive |
| Accessibility | ✅ Reachable from any device or location | ❌ Must be physically connected | Cloud |
| Security | ✅ Heavily encrypted with 2FA options | ⚠️ Risk of physical theft or loss | Cloud |
| Storage limit | Subject to your subscription plan | ✅ Unlimited (just buy a bigger drive) | External Drive |
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule (Industry Standard)
The best way to keep files safe is to follow the famous 3-2-1 backup plan IT experts say.
- 3 copies: Keep your original files plus at least two separate backup copies.
- 2 types of storage: Store your files on two different types of storage, like your internal drive and an external hard drive.
- 1 far away place: Keep at least one copy far away by using a secure cloud backup service to protect against fire or theft.
Top 7 Mistakes When Backing Up Entire Computer to Cloud
Avoiding common backup errors keeps your data safe and prevents nasty surprises when a hard drive crash finally happens. Look out for these security errors.
Mistake #1: Using Cloud Storage Instead of Cloud Backup
Services like OneDrive and Dropbox only copy some files. If you want your full operating system and programs saved, use IDrive or Backblaze.
Mistake #2: Not Backing Up Entire System
Many people only select their basic Documents or Pictures folders, leaving their core system not safe. Always pick your root drive to ensure total protection.
Mistake #3: Using Azure Backup for Home PC
Microsoft Azure Backup is made strictly for big company servers and virtual machines. US and UK home users should avoid Azure Backup and use regular tools like IDrive instead.
Mistake #4: Skipping Backup Testing
Assuming your software works without checking it is a dangerous gamble. Take two minutes to download a few random files from the provider’s web portal to make sure your files are okay.
Mistake #5: No Encryption or 2FA Enabled
Storing a clone of your whole computer online means a hacker could steal your data. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) and personal encryption keys inside your account settings immediately.
Mistake #6: Not Setting Automatic Schedule
Manual backups depend on memory, which means they rarely happen on time. Set your software to run automatically every single night.
Mistake #7: Storing External Drive Next to Computer
If a fire or physical break-in occurs, both your PC and your backup drive will disappear at the same time. Keep your external drive in a separate room or rely on the cloud to bridge the gap.
The Final Verdict on Backing Up Your Entire Computer to the Cloud
Protecting your whole computer does not have to be hard.
Best overall: IDrive offers the most full features for entire system backup across lots of devices. Best unlimited: Backblaze is perfect for a single PC with no storage limit. Best for beginners: OneDrive works for quick folder protection on Windows but won’t save your system apps.
Start today by downloading IDrive or Backblaze, buying an external hard drive, choosing Entire Machine Backup, uploading overnight, and testing tomorrow.
Final Expert Tip: Start your backup today. Because that first upload takes a long time, leave your computer on and connected overnight. Run a quick file test tomorrow morning to check the files are good. Do not wait for the computer to break suddenly to discover your backup settings were incomplete.
FAQ: Backing Up Entire Computer to Cloud
Q1: Is Microsoft Azure Backup good for home PC backup?
No. Azure Backup is made for big company servers and hard virtual machines. For a regular home Windows PC, use built-in Windows Backup with OneDrive or use regular tools.
Q2: How long does initial backup take?
The first upload takes the longest time, from several hours to a few days. This depends on the size of your hard drive and your internet company’s upload speeds. Later updates take only seconds because the software only copies files that changed.
Q3: Do I need both cloud backup and external drive?
Yes. Following the 3-2-1 rule means you use both systems together. The external drive gives you super fast local recovery if a file goes away, while the cloud backup saves everything if your house encounters a physical disaster.
Q4: How much does it cost to back up entire computer to cloud?
Most good home services cost $5 to $15 per month. For example, IDrive provides 5 TB of space for $5.95 a month, Backblaze offers unlimited storage for a single PC at $9.00 a month, and OneDrive gives you 1 TB for $6.99 a month.
Q5: Can cloud backup include operating system?
Yes, if you use a real backup tool like IDrive or Backblaze that supports “Entire Machine” backup. Standard storage platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive cannot save your operating system or system files.
Q6: What if my cloud backup provider goes down permanently?
This is why you keep a local backup on an external hard drive. Having a physical copy at home ensures you never lose access to your records even if an online service suffers a sudden permanent shutdown.
Q7: How do I test if my cloud backup works?
Log into your backup provider’s website and try restoring one or two random files. Check that the files open well and match the originals. Perform this test within 24 hours of your first complete upload.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and learning purposes only. It is not professional IT advice. Some pictures may be made by AI to show examples. All copyrights and trademarks belong to their own rightful owners.
Ethan Rowe is a seasoned content creator and writer with a passion for exploring technology, celebrities, lifestyle, and pop culture. He combines research-backed insights with an engaging style to deliver informative, easy-to-read articles. Ethan is committed to providing accurate, trustworthy content that helps readers make smart decisions and stay informed.