---
id: backups.how-do-i-set-up-my-first-backup
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-set-up-my-first-backup
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Data Backup basics"
question: "How do I set up my first backup in Storage Studio?"
alt_questions:
  - "How do I back up a folder?"
  - "Set up a backup Storage Studio"
  - "How to protect a folder with Data Backup"
  - "start backing up my Documents folder"
  - "create a backup set"
  - "How do I start a backup on my Mac with Storage Studio?"
  - "first time backup setup"
short_answer: "Open Data Backup, click New backup set, add folders with Add folder or file, then pick a destination — a folder on a drive or a connected cloud account. Press Back up now or let it start on its own."
tags: ["setup", "data backup", "backup set"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-a-backup-set", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/where-can-i-back-up-to", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-set-a-backup-passphrase"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I set up my first backup in Storage Studio?

Open Data Backup, add the folders you want protected, and pick a destination. From then on the set looks after itself, saving a new version whenever your files change.

1. Open **More (•••) → Windows → Data Backup**.
2. Click **New backup set** (or use an existing card).
3. Click **Add folder or file** and choose what to protect. You can add several.
4. Open the **Destination** menu and choose **Choose a folder…** for a drive or folder, or one of your connected cloud accounts.
5. For a cloud destination, set a passphrase when asked — and keep it safe.
6. Click **Back up now** to start the first backup straight away, or let it start on its own.

The first backup is the biggest; later ones only save what changed. More in the [Data Backup manual](https://storagestudio.us/manual/data-backup).