Short answer
List your irreplaceable files, check where the backup is stored, and open a few copied files. A backup is only useful if it includes what matters and can be restored.
Verify it instead of assuming
- 1
List what matters
Include photos, tax records, documents, browser bookmarks, and anything stored on the Desktop or in Downloads.
- 2
Find the backup location
It may be an external drive, OneDrive, another cloud service, or backup software. Write down which account or drive is involved.
- 3
Check dates
Look for a recent completed backup, not merely a connected drive or a folder with old files.
- 4
Open sample files
Open several photos and documents from the backup location. A copy that cannot be opened is not a dependable backup.
Good backup habits
- Keep at least one copy disconnected from the computer when practical.
- Use more than one location for irreplaceable family photos.
- Check the backup after changing computers or cloud accounts.
When to get help
If you cannot tell whether a cloud folder is synced or backed up, do not delete the local files. A careful review can identify the current copy before a failed computer turns into a data-recovery job.
Common questions
- Is OneDrive a backup?
- It can keep a copy online, but syncing also copies deletions and changes. Verify important files and keep another backup.
- How often should I check?
- Check after setup and periodically afterward, especially before replacing a computer or installing a major update.
The service that covers this
Data Backup & Recovery
Lost files, deleted photos, failed hard drives and data recovery — plus a backup setup so it doesn't happen again.
Data Backup & Recovery in Bellevue →Related guides
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- Are OneDrive Files Safe If My Computer Dies?OneDrive can keep files online, but sync status and account access determine what can be recovered after a computer fails.
- External Hard Drive Not Showing Up: What To Try And What To StopAn external drive that doesn't appear can be the cable, the enclosure, the power, or the drive itself. Here's the safe order to check, and the moment to stop trying.
- The Computer Won't Start And My Files Are On ItA computer that won't start doesn't usually mean your photos and documents are gone. Here's what decides whether they can be recovered and what to avoid doing first.