---
id: settings.what-is-self-backup
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/settings/what-is-self-backup
category: "Settings & keep-time"
subcategory: "Advanced, self-backup and Demo Mode"
question: "What is Self-backup in Storage Studio's Advanced settings?"
alt_questions:
  - "Storage Studio self-backup"
  - "Backup now button Storage Studio"
  - "Does Storage Studio back up its settings?"
  - "storage studio config backup"
short_answer: "It's a daily copy of Storage Studio's own settings and records on your external drive — never your files. Settings → Advanced → Self-backup lists them, with Backup now and Restore buttons."
tags: ["self-backup", "advanced", "settings"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-storage-studios-own-settings-backup", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/settings/how-many-self-backups-does-storage-studio-keep"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What is Self-backup in Storage Studio's Advanced settings?

Self-backup is a daily copy of Storage Studio's **own** settings, transfer history and rule state, kept on your external drive so a Mac reinstall or a problem doesn't lose them. It never includes your files.

In **Settings → Advanced → Self-backup** you'll see every backup it has kept, with its date. Click **Backup now** to make one immediately, **Restore** on a row to bring back that copy, or **Open backup folder** to see them in Finder. If the drive isn't connected, the pane says so — connect it and click **Refresh**.