# Backups & restore points — Storage Studio FAQ Data Backup's versioned backups to a drive or a cloud account — setting up, passphrases, schedules, restoring versions and fixing problems — plus Restore Points and how Storage Studio fits with Time Machine. ## Data Backup basics - [What is Data Backup in Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-data-backup) — Data Backup keeps versioned, restorable backups of the folders and files you choose, on another drive or a connected cloud account. Every change becomes a point-in-time version, and nothing is overwritten in place. - [How do I open Data Backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-open-data-backup) — Choose More (•••) → Windows → Data Backup from the menu bar popover, or click the Data Backup card on the Home screen. Both open the same window with one card per backup set. - [How do I set up my first backup in Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-set-up-my-first-backup) — 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. - [What is a backup set?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-a-backup-set) — A backup set is one card in Data Backup: the folders and files you chose, one destination, and its own schedule, versions and status. You can keep several sets with different rules. - [Can I have more than one backup set?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-have-more-than-one-backup-set) — Yes. Click New backup set as often as you like. Each set has its own folders, destination, schedule and versions, so you can back up documents continuously and a big archive overnight. - [Can I back up a single file, not just folders?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-back-up-a-single-file) — Yes. Use Add folder or file on a backup set and choose the file. It's versioned like a folder — every change becomes a point in time you can restore. - [How do I add or remove folders from an existing backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-add-or-remove-folders-from-a-backup) — On the set's card, click Add folder or file to add one, or the minus button beside a folder to remove it. Removing only stops future backups; versions already saved still contain it. - [What's the difference between Data Backup and Data Transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/is-data-backup-the-same-as-data-transfers) — Data Transfers makes two places match right now; Data Backup keeps a history of versions. If a file is deleted or damaged, a sync copies the damage, while a backup lets you restore the earlier version. - [Does Data Backup back up my whole Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-back-up-my-whole-mac) — No. Data Backup protects the folders and files you pick, not macOS or your apps. Keep Time Machine for a full-system backup; Data Backup adds versioned copies of chosen folders on a drive or in the cloud. - [Which files does Data Backup skip by default?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-data-backup-skip) — New backup sets skip Trash folders, Caches folders, .tmp files, .DS_Store files, node_modules folders and Git's internal object store — things that are rebuilt automatically and not worth versioning. - [Does Data Backup include my Git repositories?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-include-git-repositories) — Your project's working files are backed up and versioned, but Git's internal object store is skipped by default, so a backup isn't a full copy of repository history. Keep pushing to your remote. - [What do the badges on the Data Backup card on the Home screen mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-do-the-data-backup-card-badges-mean) — One badge shows how many backups are running now; an amber badge shows how many backup sets need attention. Open the card to see what's wrong and the fix offered. - [Does Data Backup run when Storage Studio is closed?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-run-when-storage-studio-is-closed) — Backups run while Storage Studio is running in the menu bar. If you quit, they pause; when you reopen the app it catches up, finishing unfinished backups and saving what changed meanwhile. - [Do I need to run backups manually?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-run-automatically) — No. A backup set runs as things change by default — it watches your folders and backs up shortly after you edit something. You can switch to a schedule or to only when you ask. - [Should I use Data Backup instead of Time Machine?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/is-data-backup-a-replacement-for-time-machine) — Use both. Time Machine protects the whole Mac; Data Backup adds versioned backups of chosen folders to another drive or an encrypted cloud copy, including folders on your external drive. ## Where backups go - [Where can Storage Studio back up my files to?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/where-can-i-back-up-to) — A folder on a drive (Choose a folder…) or any cloud account you've connected in Data Transfers — such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Amazon S3, or an SFTP, FTP or WebDAV server. - [How do I back up to an external drive with Data Backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-back-up-to-an-external-drive) — Plug the drive in, open the set's Destination menu, choose Choose a folder… and pick the drive. Drive backups are encrypted automatically, with no passphrase to remember. - [How do I back up to a cloud account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-back-up-to-a-cloud-account) — Connect the account in Data Transfers, then choose it in the backup set's Destination menu and set a passphrase. Everything is encrypted on your Mac before it uploads. - [Which bucket should I choose when backing up to bucket storage?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/which-bucket-should-i-choose-for-backups) — Choose one of your existing buckets from the list — the bucket itself, not a folder inside it. Storage Studio creates its own folders there. Create the bucket with your provider first if it isn't listed. - [Why won't Storage Studio accept my bucket name?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-wont-it-accept-my-bucket-name) — Bucket names must be 3–63 characters of lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens and dots, starting and ending with a letter or number — provider rules. Capital letters are the usual cause. - [Why are backups to Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive slower?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-are-google-drive-and-dropbox-backups-slower) — Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive deliberately throttle large uploads, so backups there are slower. An external SSD is fastest, and bucket storage such as Amazon S3 is the quickest cloud option. - [Can I use Google Photos as a backup destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-back-up-to-google-photos) — No. Google Photos can't hold backup files, and Google Photos accounts can't be added right now after Google's 2025 rule change. Back up your photo folder to a drive or another cloud account instead. - [Can I back up to a NAS or home server?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-back-up-to-a-nas) — Yes. Add the server as an SFTP, FTP or WebDAV account in Data Transfers and choose it as the destination, or pick a folder on a share already mounted in Finder. - [Can I back up to the same drive my files are on?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-back-up-to-the-same-drive) — Yes, but Storage Studio warns you: it protects against mistakes, not against that drive failing. Add a second destination on another drive or a cloud account for real protection. - [Can several Macs back up to the same drive or cloud account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-several-macs-share-one-backup-destination) — Yes. Each Mac keeps its backups in its own folder named after the computer, so several Macs can share one drive or cloud account without their backups ever mixing. - [What does "refused to store the backup" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-destination-refused-to-store-the-backup-mean) — That cloud account won't accept the way Data Backup stores files, so the set can't back up there. Choose another drive or a bucket-storage account such as Amazon S3 as the destination. - [Is Data Backup the same thing as Delta Trust?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/is-data-backup-the-same-as-delta-trust) — No. Data Backup is the backup feature; Delta Trust is one destination it can use — backup storage we run, where nothing on your Mac can delete what's already backed up. You can use Data Backup with your own drive instead. - [Do backups to an external drive need an internet connection?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/do-drive-backups-need-the-internet) — No. Drive and folder backups run entirely on your Mac and work offline. Only cloud destinations need a connection, and they catch up once you're back online. ## Encryption and passphrases - [Are my cloud backups encrypted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/are-my-cloud-backups-encrypted) — Yes. Cloud backups are encrypted on your Mac before upload, so the provider only stores scrambled data. A passphrase you set protects the whole backup set — and it's the only key. - [Are backups to an external drive encrypted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/are-backups-to-a-drive-encrypted) — Yes. Drive and folder backups are encrypted automatically, with no passphrase to remember. The passphrase step appears only for cloud destinations. You restore drive backups through Versions… in Data Backup. - [How do I set a passphrase for a cloud backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-set-a-backup-passphrase) — You're asked the first time you pick a cloud destination, or click Set passphrase… on the card. Use at least 8 characters, type it twice, tick the confirmation box and click Save — then store it safely. - [What happens if I lose my backup passphrase?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-i-lose-my-backup-passphrase) — Those cloud backups can't be recovered by anyone, including us — the passphrase is the only key. Try variants with Re-enter passphrase…; if it's truly lost, Delete & start fresh begins a new backup. - [What does "That backup passphrase didn't match" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-passphrase-didnt-match-mean) — The passphrase saved on this Mac doesn't unlock that cloud backup — usually a typo at setup. Click Re-enter passphrase…, type the one the backup was made with and click Reconnect. Nothing is deleted. - [Will re-entering my passphrase delete my backup versions?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/is-it-safe-to-re-enter-my-backup-passphrase) — No. Re-enter passphrase… only tests what you type and saves it once it's confirmed to unlock the backup. A wrong guess changes nothing; the right one reconnects you to every saved version. - [Why did my backup stop running after a passphrase error?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-does-my-backup-stop-retrying-after-a-passphrase-error) — On purpose: a passphrase that doesn't match would fail on every retry, so Storage Studio pauses that set and waits for you. Click Re-enter passphrase… and automatic backups resume once it matches. - [Can a backup that saved still be flagged as a passphrase problem?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-does-a-saved-backup-not-show-a-passphrase-problem) — No. Once a version is written to the destination, it's shown as saved and simply re-checked next run, even if the follow-up check was interrupted. A passphrase warning means the destination really couldn't be opened. - [How do I change my backup passphrase?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-change-my-backup-passphrase) — Choose Change passphrase… from the set's Destination menu. It permanently deletes every existing version of that set and starts a fresh backup, so use Re-enter passphrase… instead if you only need to fix a typo. - [Does my passphrase change if I move a backup set to a new destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-the-passphrase-change-when-i-change-destination) — No. The passphrase belongs to the backup set, so it stays the same when you choose a new destination — the sheet says it's using the set's existing passphrase. Changing it is a separate step. - [What encryption does Data Backup use?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-encryption-does-data-backup-use) — We don't publish the technical details, but your files are encrypted on your Mac before any cloud upload, the provider only stores scrambled data, and your passphrase is the only key. Choose a long one and keep it safe. - [What does "The passphrase is correct, but Storage Studio couldn't save it securely" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/couldnt-save-the-passphrase-securely) — Your passphrase was correct, but it couldn't be stored securely on this Mac at that moment, so it wasn't saved. Your backup is unchanged — try Re-enter passphrase… again, restarting the Mac if it repeats. - [Can Storage Studio see what's in my backups?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-storage-studio-see-my-backups) — No. Backups to your own drive or cloud account go directly from your Mac to that destination, not through our servers. Cloud backups are encrypted on your Mac and we never have your passphrase. - [Does each backup set have its own passphrase?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-each-backup-set-have-its-own-passphrase) — Yes. Each cloud backup set has its own passphrase, kept and checked separately, so changing one never affects another. Drive backups don't need one. - [What makes a good backup passphrase?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-makes-a-good-backup-passphrase) — Make it long and unique — a short sentence of unrelated words works well — never reused, and store it in a password manager or on paper away from the Mac. There's no reset if it's lost. ## When backups run - [How do I schedule a backup for a specific time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-schedule-a-backup) — Click Change… on the backup set's card, choose On a schedule, then pick every hour, every few hours, every day at a set time, or every week, and click Done. - [What's the difference between "As things change", "On a schedule" and "Only when I ask"?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-are-the-backup-modes) — As things change backs up shortly after each edit (the default); On a schedule runs at times you pick; Only when I ask waits for Back up now. Change it with Change… on the set's card. - [What does "Also make one version a day" do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-also-make-one-version-a-day-do) — It adds one scheduled version a day on top of As things change — a safety net for folders edited so constantly that a quiet moment to back up may never arrive. Turn it on in the set's Change… popover. - [What happens if my Mac is asleep when a scheduled backup is due?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-my-mac-is-asleep-at-backup-time) — It backs up once when the Mac is next able to — not once for every missed slot — so a week away means one catch-up backup, not a burst of them. - [Can I make backups run only when my MacBook is plugged in?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-make-backups-only-run-when-plugged-in) — Yes. In the set's Change… popover, turn on The Mac is plugged in under Only when. Automatic runs then wait for power, the card says why, and Back up now still works any time. - [Can I stop backups from using my phone's hotspot data?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-stop-backups-using-my-phone-hotspot) — Yes. Turn on Not on a personal hotspot under Only when in the set's Change… popover. Cloud backups then wait while you're tethered and resume on a normal network. - [Can I keep backups out of my working hours?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-keep-backups-out-of-my-working-hours) — Yes. Turn on Stay out of my working hours in the set's Change… popover and pick the hours. Automatic runs wait until the window ends; Back up now still works. - [Why does my backup say it's waiting?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-is-my-backup-waiting) — The card always gives the reason: waiting for power, for Wi-Fi, for your working hours to end, for the Mac to be less busy, or for a faster connection. It clears by itself; Back up now overrides it. - [Why does my backup say "Waiting for a faster connection"?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-does-my-backup-say-waiting-for-a-faster-connection) — Storage Studio tests your upload speed before an automatic cloud backup. If it's far too slow to finish, it waits, shows the speed and tries later. Back up now always starts regardless. - [Can I limit how much bandwidth backups use?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-limit-backup-upload-speed) — Yes. In the set's Change… popover, open Upload speed and Mac impact and turn on Limit upload speed with a ceiling in MB/s. It's halved automatically on battery. - [What does the "Back up automatically" switch do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-back-up-automatically-do) — It turns a set's automatic and scheduled backups on or off. Off, nothing is deleted and Back up now still works; switch it back on to resume. - [How do I run a backup right now?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-run-a-backup-right-now) — Click Back up now on the set's card. It starts immediately regardless of the set's mode or conditions, which only hold automatic runs. The button turns into Stop while it runs. - [Do daylight saving or time zone changes affect scheduled backups?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/do-daylight-saving-changes-affect-scheduled-backups) — No. Schedules use local clock time, so a 02:00 backup stays at 02:00 across daylight-saving changes and time zones, without skipping or doubling a run. - [How can I tell when my next backup will run?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/when-is-my-next-backup) — The backup set's card shows 'Next backup …' with the day and time under its schedule line, or an orange note explaining why it's waiting. - [Why doesn't my backup start the instant I save a file?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-doesnt-my-backup-start-the-instant-i-save) — As things change waits for a short quiet moment after your edits, so a burst of saves becomes one version. Press Back up now for an immediate version, or add a daily version for constantly busy folders. - [How often do automatic backups run?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-often-do-automatic-backups-run) — At most every 30 minutes plugged in and every 2 hours on battery (longer while busy); the next version captures every change. Back up now runs any time. ## Speed, progress and the first backup - [Why is my first backup so much slower than the ones after it?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-is-my-first-backup-so-slow) — The first backup copies every file once; later backups only save what changed. For a faster first backup use an external SSD, or bucket storage such as Amazon S3 for cloud. - [Why is my first cloud backup taking hours — is it stuck?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-is-my-first-cloud-backup-taking-hours) — Almost certainly not. A first cloud backup uploads many small encrypted pieces with a small delay on each, so a large folder can take hours. It keeps working, resumes if interrupted, and the card says so. - [What happens if a backup is interrupted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-a-backup-is-interrupted) — Nothing is lost. An interrupted backup — quit, sleep or a dropped network — continues from where it stopped next time and never re-uploads what's already saved. - [Will I have to start my backup over if I restart or reinstall Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/do-backups-survive-reinstalling-storage-studio) — No. Backups pick up where they left off even after restarting the Mac or reinstalling Storage Studio, and data already at the destination is never sent again. - [How do I pause or stop a backup that's running?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-pause-a-backup) — Click Stop on the set's card while it runs. Progress already saved is kept, and the backup picks up where it left off later or when you press Back up now. - [How do I read the progress on a running backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-read-backup-progress) — The card shows a progress bar, time left, how much is saved, the transfer speed, and any idle time excluded from the estimate. 'Working out how much there is to do' at the start is normal. - [Why does the backup's time remaining keep changing?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-does-the-backup-time-left-keep-changing) — The estimate follows the real transfer speed, which varies with file sizes, the cloud service and how busy your Mac is. Idle stalls are excluded, so it settles as the backup goes on. - [Will backups slow down my Mac while I work?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-slow-down-my-mac) — They're designed not to: backups match their speed to how busy your Mac is and stop when you need the machine. For less impact, schedule them overnight, set working hours, or limit upload speed. - [Why did my backup pause while my Mac was busy?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-did-my-backup-pause-while-my-mac-was-busy) — Storage Studio holds backups while your Mac is under heavy load so your work stays smooth. The backup resumes on its own from where it stopped; Back up now runs it anyway. - [Will my Mac go to sleep in the middle of a backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/will-my-mac-sleep-during-a-backup) — Plugged in, a backup keeps your Mac awake until it's done. On battery only Back up now does (above 30%); automatic backups let the Mac sleep and resume later. - [How much space do Data Backup versions take up?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-much-space-do-backups-use) — Much less than a copy per version: after the first backup only changed pieces are stored, identical content is kept once, data is compressed, and older versions are thinned to daily, weekly and monthly. - [How much internet data does a cloud backup use?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-much-internet-data-does-a-cloud-backup-use) — The first cloud backup uploads roughly the size of your chosen folders, compressed; after that only changes are sent. Use Not on a personal hotspot and Limit upload speed to keep usage in check. - [Does Data Backup use space on my Mac's internal drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-fill-my-internal-drive) — Very little. The backup's working cache is kept on your external drive when it's connected; without the drive, backups still run using the internal disk temporarily. Versions live at your chosen destination. - [Why does my backup card say my newest changes aren't protected yet?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/my-backup-says-newest-changes-arent-protected) — An automatic set hasn't saved a version for over a day (a week for Only when I ask). Press the large Back up now on its card; the note clears after the next backup. ## Versions and restoring - [How do I restore an earlier version of a folder from Data Backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-an-earlier-version) — Open Data Backup, click Versions… on the set, pick a date and time, then click Restore All… and choose where it goes. Existing files aren't overwritten in place. - [How do I restore just one file from a backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-a-single-file-from-a-backup) — In Versions…, click Browse Files… on the version you want, select the files or folders, then click Restore… or Export… and choose where they go. Only the selected items come back. - [What's the difference between Restore… and Export… in a backup version?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-the-difference-between-restore-and-export) — Restore… suggests the set's original folder, for putting items back; Export… copies them to any folder you choose. Neither overwrites existing files in place. - [Will restoring a backup overwrite my current files?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/will-restoring-a-backup-overwrite-my-files) — No. Restores never overwrite current files in place; they land alongside what you have, in a folder you choose, so you can compare and keep what you want. - [How do I recover a file I deleted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-recover-a-deleted-file-from-a-backup) — Open Versions… on the set, pick a version from before the deletion, click Browse Files…, select the file and click Restore…. Older versions are thinned over time, so act reasonably soon. - [How long does Data Backup keep old versions?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-long-are-backup-versions-kept) — Recent versions are kept in full, then thinned to one a day, one a week and one a month further back, so history stays long without growing forever. - [Why does Versions… say there are no versions yet?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-dont-i-see-any-versions) — The set hasn't finished a backup at its current destination yet. Let the first backup complete or fix any problem shown, then press Back up now. Versions at a previous destination aren't listed. - [Can I open my backed-up files directly in Finder?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-open-backup-files-in-finder) — No. Backups are stored as encrypted, compressed pieces, not ordinary copies. Browse them with Versions… and Browse Files… in Data Backup, and never edit the backup folder by hand. - [Can I cancel a restore that's in progress?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-cancel-a-restore) — Yes. A running restore or export shows progress and a Cancel button. Cancelling stops it cleanly and leaves the backup untouched; only one restore runs at a time. - [What do the file counts and sizes on each backup version mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-do-the-numbers-on-a-backup-version-mean) — Each version lists its date and time, how many files it covers, how many were new, and how much data it added out of the total protected — showing how little each version costs. - [Can I get a file back exactly as it was at a particular time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-restore-a-file-as-it-was-at-a-specific-time) — Yes, if a version from around then exists. Open Versions…, pick the version just before the moment you want, then Browse Files… and restore the file. Older history is thinned to daily, weekly and monthly points. ## Status and problems - [What do the backup statuses like Protected and Checking mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-do-the-backup-statuses-mean) — Not backed up, Backing up…, Checking… (verifying), Protected (saved and verified), Needs attention (a problem with a fix offered) and Paused (on hold). Only Protected means fully covered. - [What does "Protected" mean on a backup set?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-protected-mean) — Protected means the latest backup finished and passed an integrity check, so it's genuinely restorable — not just uploaded. Checking… appears briefly while that check runs. - [What does "Needs attention" mean on a backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-needs-attention-mean-on-a-backup) — The last backup or its check hit a problem. The card explains it in plain English and offers the fix; follow it and press Back up now to get back to Protected. - [What does the Check button on a backup set do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-the-check-button-do) — Check verifies the backup already at the destination without making a new version. It shows Checking…, then Protected if all is well, or Needs attention with a fix if not. - [What does "the safety check didn't pass" mean after a backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-the-safety-check-found-a-problem-mean) — The backup was saved but its follow-up check found a problem, so the newest version may be incomplete. Press Back up now to make a fresh one; earlier versions are unaffected. - [What happens if my backup drive isn't connected?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-the-backup-drive-is-unplugged) — The set waits and tells you it couldn't reach the destination. Reconnect the drive or network and it backs up on its own, catching up on what changed; Back up now starts it immediately. - [What does "This backup is busy with another operation" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/backup-is-busy-with-another-operation) — Another operation — a check, restore or still-finishing backup — is already using that backup. Only one runs at a time; wait a moment and try again. - [What does "The backup engine couldn't be found in this build" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/backup-engine-couldnt-be-found) — Part of the app that Data Backup needs is missing, so backups are paused. Reinstall Storage Studio over the current copy — your backup sets, versions and settings are kept. - [What does "The first backup hasn't finished yet" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/the-first-backup-hasnt-finished-yet) — Storage Studio closed while a set's first backup was running. Nothing is lost — press Back up now and it carries on from where it stopped. - [Where can I see a history of my backups?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/where-can-i-see-my-backup-history) — Each set's card shows its last backup and Versions… lists every saved point in time. Job Insights (More → Windows → Job Insights) has a Data Backup card with recent runs and issues. - [What should I do if my backup says it "ran into a problem"?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/backup-ran-into-a-problem) — Make sure the destination is reachable, press Back up now, then Check. Job Insights shows details. If it keeps failing, use Contact Support with the optional diagnostics summary. - [Why does my backup say Paused when I didn't pause it?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/why-does-my-backup-say-paused) — Paused also means Storage Studio is holding the backup on purpose — the Mac is busy, the connection is too slow, or the destination isn't ready. The card says which, and it clears on its own. ## Managing backup sets and destinations - [How do I change where a backup set backs up to?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-change-a-backup-destination) — Choose the new drive or account in the set's Destination menu and confirm Change destination. A fresh backup starts there; versions at the old location stay put but get no new backups. - [How do I stop a set backing up without deleting its versions?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-disconnect-a-backup-destination) — Choose Remove destination (keeps stored versions) in the set's Destination menu, then Disconnect. Backups stop, but every version already saved stays where it is. - [What does "Delete & start fresh" do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-delete-and-start-fresh-do) — It permanently erases every saved version of that set at its destination and starts a new backup from scratch. You must type Delete to confirm; nothing goes to the Trash or Recycle Vault. - [How do I remove a backup set?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-remove-a-backup-set) — Click the trash button on the set's card. It stops and leaves the list; versions already stored at the destination aren't erased. The built-in Fast drive working set can only be switched off. - [What is the "Fast drive working set" in Data Backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-the-fast-drive-working-set) — A built-in backup set that protects Storage Studio's folder on your fast drive, where relocated apps and folders live. Give it a destination other than the fast drive and it backs up automatically. ## Time Machine and backup strategy - [Are folders I moved to my fast drive still backed up?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/are-folders-moved-to-my-fast-drive-backed-up) — Not automatically — many backups only see the shortcut left behind. Give Data Backup's built-in Fast drive working set a destination (not the fast drive itself) and it protects what you've moved. - [Does Time Machine back up folders I moved to an external drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-time-machine-back-up-folders-moved-to-my-external-drive) — Usually not: Time Machine backs up the shortcut, not the files it points to, and often excludes external drives. Include the drive in Time Machine's Options, or give Data Backup's Fast drive working set a destination. - [Does Storage Studio delete my Time Machine backups?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-storage-studio-delete-my-time-machine-backups) — No. Your Time Machine backups are never touched. Storage Studio can clear macOS's local snapshots on your Mac when you ask, and it prefers ones already backed up to Time Machine. - [Should I keep backups in two places?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/should-i-back-up-to-two-places) — Yes. A common rule is three copies on two kinds of storage with one off-site. In Data Backup, put important folders in two sets — one to an external drive, one to a cloud account. - [What's the difference between Data Backup and Back Up to Another Drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/data-backup-vs-backup-drive) — Back Up to Another Drive makes one verified clone of your fast drive's folder on a second drive. Data Backup keeps saving versions as things change, so you can restore many points in time. - [Does Data Backup protect me from ransomware?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-data-backup-protect-against-ransomware) — Partly. Versions let you restore files from before an attack, but backups on your own drive or account can still be deleted by anything with access. Delta Trust is built so nothing on your Mac can delete them. - [Which folders should I back up?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-should-i-back-up-on-my-mac) — Anything you couldn't recreate — Documents, Desktop, Pictures and your photo library, project folders, and what you've moved to your fast drive. Apps, caches and re-downloadable files usually don't need it. - [How often should I back up my Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-often-should-i-back-up) — As often as the work you'd lose is worth: continuously for files you edit daily (Data Backup's default), daily or weekly for big folders that rarely change, plus Time Machine for the whole Mac. - [Is it better to back up to an external drive or to the cloud?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/drive-or-cloud-for-backups) — Both, ideally. A drive is fastest and needs no internet but sits beside your Mac; a cloud account is off-site and encrypted before upload but slower. Use one backup set of each. - [Do I still need a backup if my files are in iCloud Drive or Dropbox?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/do-i-need-a-backup-if-i-use-icloud) — Yes. Sync services copy deletions and damage everywhere; they aren't a versioned backup you control. Data Backup adds a separate history of the folders you care about. - [How can I be sure my backups will actually restore?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-know-my-backups-actually-work) — Look for Protected on each set — it means the latest version passed an integrity check — and occasionally export a file from Versions… to prove a restore works. Check re-verifies on demand. - [Can I keep my backups on the same external drive I move files to?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/should-my-backup-be-on-my-fast-drive) — You can back up your Mac's internal folders to it, but not the fast drive's own contents — they'd share a drive with their backup. Give the Fast drive working set a different destination. ## Restore Points - [What is a restore point in Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-a-restore-point) — A restore point protects Storage Studio's own records of what it moved, plus its settings and rules — not copies of your files. One is taken before each batch of moves; find them under More → Restore Points. - [Will rolling back a batch overwrite anything I've saved since?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/will-rolling-back-overwrite-my-files) — No. Any item whose original spot now holds something new is skipped and listed, both before you confirm and afterwards. Everything else in the batch goes back normally. - [Can I roll back to an older restore point, not just the last batch?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-roll-back-to-an-older-restore-point) — Yes. Open More → Restore Points, expand the older point and click Roll back to here. It uses the same safe, verified move-back and skips anything that would overwrite newer files. - [How do I create a restore point myself?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-create-a-restore-point) — Open More → Restore Points and click Create Restore Point. It checkpoints what's on your fast drive and Storage Studio's records and settings. One is also taken automatically before every batch of moves. - [How long are restore points kept?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-long-are-restore-points-kept) — The last 50 batches and up to 30 days, within a space limit that scales with your drive's free space. The five most recent are always kept and older ones tidy themselves away. - [Do restore points use a lot of space?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/do-restore-points-use-much-space) — No. Restore points store records, not copies of your files, so they use next to nothing. The Space used figure reflects those records, never the size of your data. - [Where are restore points stored, and why can't I see them?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/where-are-restore-points-stored) — On your fast drive, so they show whenever it's connected. Plug the drive in to see them; 'No restore points yet' means nothing has been moved to it so far. - [How do I restore Storage Studio's records and settings from a restore point?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-storage-studios-settings-from-a-restore-point) — Expand a restore point with a Settings & configuration section, click Restore settings, then Replace with this restore point. Current records are copied aside first, and your files are never touched. - [Can I turn restore points off?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-turn-off-restore-points) — Yes, with the On switch at the top of the Restore Points window. Leaving it on is recommended: it costs almost no space and is what makes rolling back a batch possible. - [What's the difference between Restore Points and Data Backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/restore-points-vs-data-backup) — Restore Points protect Storage Studio's records of what it moved, so moves can be undone — never your files. Data Backup protects the files themselves with versions on another drive or the cloud. ## Storage Studio's own settings backup - [Does Storage Studio back up its own settings?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/does-storage-studio-back-up-its-own-settings) — Yes. It keeps a daily backup of its own settings and records — not your files — on your external drive. See them in Preferences → Advanced. - [How do I restore one of Storage Studio's daily settings backups?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-storage-studios-own-settings-backup) — In Preferences → Advanced, click Restore on the dated backup you want. Your current settings are set aside first; files and apps aren't touched. - [Can I back up Storage Studio's settings right now instead of waiting?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-back-up-storage-studios-settings-now) — Yes. Click Backup now in Preferences → Advanced to back up Storage Studio's own settings and records immediately. It needs your external drive connected.