How to set up automatic backups to a NAS in Windows 11

In this post we are going to explain how to configure automatic backups to a NAS in Windows 11. If you have recently purchased a NAS (Network Attached Storage), you have a Very useful and effective tool to protect your important filesIf you don't know how to configure it for this purpose, you'll want to follow the steps listed in this complete guide.

What is a NAS and why use it for backups?

Setting up automatic backups to a NAS is one of the best strategies to protect your files on Windows 11 computers. These storage devices allow you to save, share, and access files from different computersAnd, unlike hard drives, they're always available on the network, making them a great option for automatic backups.

Of course, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) is much more than a network hard drive. It is true that it is used to store files, but with the main intention of make them available to different users from multiple devicesAt the business and home levels, NAS devices are also used as private clouds or even streaming centers and media players, all without relying on external services.

Advantages of setting up automatic backups to a NAS

What are the advantages of setting up automatic backups to a NAS in Windows 11? It is true that, for this purpose, you can use the Microsoft cloud service, OneDrive, or any other provider. Or if you prefer something more private and centralized, a couple of external hard drives might be enough to copy and paste files.

But, if you already have a NAS or are seriously thinking about purchasing one, do not hesitate to take advantage of it to make backupsReasons? At least four:

• All devices connected to your network (desktop PC, laptop) will be able to back up in the same place.
• Once you set up automatic backup, everything will work out on its own, without the need for any intervention or physical connections.
• Your important files will be off your main PC, protected against hardware failure, viruses or accidental deletion.
• These files stay in your home or office, not on a cloud server provided by a third party.

So, if you're a Windows 11 user and have invested in a NAS from Synology, QNAP, Asustor, or any other manufacturer, this guide will be very useful. We'll explain How to set up automatic backups to a NASThis way, your files will be backed up without you having to manually copy and paste. Let's get started.

How to set up automatic backups to a NAS in Windows 11

To set up automatic backups to a NAS, it must be connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi or cable) as your Windows 11 computer. Additionally, it is necessary create a shared folder which will be dedicated to storing the backupsHow do I create this folder? Simple:

1. Open your web browser and enter your NAS's IP address to access its control panel.
2. Once inside, look for the Control Panel or Administration option and select the Shared Folder or Shared Resources entry.
3. Now click on Create or Add Shared Folder.
4. Give it a name (Backup, Backup), a description and a location to the folder.
5. Make sure create the folder with write permissions. Only then will you be able to use it to make backups.

Once the shared folder is created on the NAS, it is necessary make it visible to your Windows 11 computer as a network drive. Doing this from Windows File Explorer is not complicated:

1. Open the File Explorer.
2. In the left side menu, locate the option Grid and right-click on it.
3. In the floating menu, select Connect to network drive.
4. In the next window, select one letter for the unit (Z: is the suggested one).
5. In the field File, Enter the path to the shared folder you created on the NAS. The path includes the NAS IP address and the shared folder name. For example: \\192.168.1.100\Backup.
6. Make sure to check the box Reconnect upon logging in so that the connection is automatically reestablished after a reboot.
7. Check the box Connect with different credentials.
8. Enter the NAS username and password.
9. Click on Finish And that's it, your NAS will appear as another drive in your system under the This Computer entry in your File Explorer.

Use Windows 11 File History to set up automatic backups to a NAS

It's time to configure automatic backups to a NAS, and for this we are going to use the tool File history Windows 11. This tool is native to the operating system, and is also powerful and simple. With it you can make automatic and periodic copies of the most important folders in your user profile (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc.). Just follow these steps:

1. Go to Configuration of Windows 11 (Win + I).
2. In the top text field, type File history and press Enter to search for the option.
3. Click on the option Restore files using File History.
4. On the main File History page, click Configure File History settings.
5. The next window allows you to configure automatic backups to a NAS from File History. Select the network drive you just mapped from the list of options. If you don't see it, click Select unit to search for and select it.
6. Once this is done, click Turn On to have Windows activate File History and begin an initial backup.
7. Now click on Advanced settings to set how often you want to save your files and how long you want to keep them.
8. In the option Exclude folders, you can manually select which folders you want to back up and which ones you don't.

And that's it. This is how you set up automatic backups to a NAS on a Windows 11 computer. While File History is an effective tool for this purpose, sometimes it's not enough. Therefore,If you need to have more control over what, how and when is copied, you can use free tools like FreeFileSync.

In conclusion, you now know how to use your NAS to automatically back up your files. Learning how to use these and other options can give you a lot of peace of mind, as Your important documents and files will be safe and always available.