---
id: backups.restore-points-vs-data-backup
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/restore-points-vs-data-backup
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Restore Points"
question: "What's the difference between Restore Points and Data Backup?"
alt_questions:
  - "restore point vs backup"
  - "Do restore points protect my files?"
  - "Should I use Restore Points or Data Backup?"
  - "is a restore point enough"
short_answer: "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."
tags: ["restore points", "data backup", "comparison"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-a-restore-point", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-data-backup"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What's the difference between Restore Points and Data Backup?

They protect different things. **Restore Points** protect Storage Studio's own records — what it moved and where — so moves can always be undone. They never contain copies of your files. **Data Backup** protects your actual files, with versions on another drive or in the cloud.

If a drive fails, restore points can't bring your files back; a Data Backup can. Use both: restore points come free with every move, and Data Backup covers the data itself.