---
id: external-drives.should-i-run-backup-drive-regularly
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/should-i-run-backup-drive-regularly
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Upgrading, transferring and backing up the drive"
question: "How often should I run Backup Drive?"
alt_questions:
  - "Is Backup Drive automatic?"
  - "Does Backup Drive keep updating?"
  - "Schedule backup drive storage studio"
  - "How often should I back up my external SSD?"
  - "Is Backup Drive a continuous backup?"
  - "backup drive point in time"
short_answer: "Backup Drive makes a one-off, point-in-time copy and doesn't update itself. Re-run it after big changes; for automatic, scheduled, versioned backups use Data Backup."
tags: ["backup drive", "schedule", "backup"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/how-do-i-make-a-backup-of-my-fast-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/transfer-drive-vs-backup-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/my-fast-drive-was-lost-or-broken"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How often should I run Backup Drive?

Backup Drive is a one-off, point-in-time copy — it doesn't update itself afterwards. Run it again whenever enough has changed on your fast drive that you'd want the newer state, for example after moving big folders or apps, or before travelling with the drive.

For automatic, scheduled and versioned backups of particular folders, use **Data Backup**, which keeps restorable versions over time. See [Data Backup](https://storagestudio.us/manual/data-backup).