how to backup mac on external hard drive time machine

Even in this case, the backup procedure will be completely automatic. Alternatively, you can choose to connect the external drive only when you want to make a backup. In this way, you will always have a backup updated. Always leaving the external hard drive connected to the Mac, the application will constantly copy files, folders, data, and settings. The procedure is complete, simple right? Time Machine will back up the system every time you connect the external hard drive to the Mac. Warning: write down the password somewhere and keep it carefully, since, without it, you will not be able to restore the backup made. Use as a backup disk: This is the option to select if you want to use the external hard disk as a backup disk with Time Machine.

Do not use: by selecting this item, the USB drive can be used as a classic external hard drive, so you can copy, move and delete the files you want.

Decide later: this option allows you to postpone the choice on how to use the external hard disk the next time you connect the USB drive.

After a few moments, a new window will appear, from which you will have the possibility to choose between three different options: How to back up with Time MachineĪfter formatting the external hard drive, you are ready to back up via Time Machine.Ĭonnect the external hard drive you want to use to your Mac. The whole process will be pretty quick, and once it’s done, you can back up your Mac.

Click on the “Initialize” button and then on “Finish.”Īt this point, macOS will delete any files present on the external hard drive and recreate the file system.Type the name to assign to the hard disk (e.g., Backup Time Machine).In the “Format” field, select the item “Mac OS extended (journaled)”.

From the left side menu, select the hard disk to format.Press the keys CMD + SPACE from the keyboard, then type “Disk Utility” and press ENTER (alternatively, click on the “Launchpad” icon, click on the “Other” folder and then click on the “Disk Utility” icon.Connect the external hard drive to the Mac.The storage drive you will use to back up macOS will need to be formatted using the Mac OS extended (journaled) file system. To format the external hard drive with Mac:

How to backup mac on external hard drive time machine