The best way to backup Windows 10 to external drive?

Using File History to backup Windows 10 to external drive is pretty convenient, but it’s not perfect. Here are some of the downsides I’ve seen or experienced myself:

1. File History mainly backs up personal files in your Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop folders. It doesn’t back up system files, installed programs, or complete system images. So if your OS gets corrupted or you want to restore everything, you’ll need a different backup method.
2. If you forget to keep the external drive connected or it gets disconnected, your backup won’t run. Plus, if the drive fails or gets damaged, your backups are at risk.
3. Since File History keeps multiple versions of files, it can take up a lot of space over time. If you don’t manage it regularly, your external drive might fill up quickly.
4. Backup Windows 10 to external drive can be slow, especially with large files or if your external drive isn’t fast. This can be annoying if you want quick backups or restores.
5. External drives are portable, so if you lose the drive or it gets stolen, someone could access your backed-up files unless you encrypt the drive.
6. Since it focuses on user files, your system settings, installed apps, or system configuration aren’t saved. You’d need a system image for that.

File History is great for keeping versions of your personal files easily accessible, but it’s not a full backup solution. For comprehensive protection, consider combining it with other methods like system images or cloud backups.