I doubt that I'm totally alone in my suspicion about MS backing up data, etc.
So I don't even try. I have to use their OS, but my dependence on them stops there.
For backing up my data, I use an old favorite of mine, that I've used for the past 20+ years.
It's the old DOS command "XCOPY" that is still alive and well, even in the latest Windows.
I can write a simple batch file, usually on my desktop, which contains several lines like this:
xcopy "C:\Documents and Settings\Alexi\My Documents\*.*" "D:\My Documents\" /s /y /H /R /D
Now, what this does is copy everything in the "My Documents" folder and all the sub-folders under it, to the location of my choice.
The first time the batch file runs, it copies every file, but, the next time it copies only those files that are new, or that have been changed since the last backup. It helps to copy files only to a FAT-32 formatted drive or partition.
The above example only copies files from that one location, but there may be several or MANY locations that you want to backup, so you add another line for each additional folder that you want backed up. My own personal Backup batch file is nearly 20 lines long.
I've set up Backups like this for many of my customers and they all love it.....it's so simple, , , all they have to do is run the batch file shortcut on their desktop when they want to do their backup. And for those who don't want to , or just WON'T, I put the shortcut to the batch file in their STARTUP folder for a daily backup. (no operator intervention required)
A large Flash Drive plugged in the back of the PC makes a great place to put backups.
I use two. One is a 32 GB, USB 3, Flash Drive and the second one is a 1TB, USB 3, External Hard Drive.
That drive also gets my C drive backups. (weekly)
After 33 years, DOS is still alive and well, and still my best friend.
Happy New Year Everyone!
TechnoMage