How to Backup Google Drive to External Hard Drive [4 Easy Ways]

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Can I Copy Google Drive Data to an External Drive
How to Backup Google Drive to External Hard Drive in 4 Ways

Can I Copy Google Drive Data to an External Drive

Yes, it's possible to copy Google Drive data to an external hard drive and use it as a backup. You'll need to access your Drive and export the files and data to an external hard drive connected to your computer. You may want to copy your Google Drive files to an external drive for various reasons, including preventing file corruption, accidental deletion, or malware attack.

It's also a good alternative if you want to access your Google Drive data offline. In this article, we'll discuss four ways to back up Google Drive to an external hard drive. Among these methods is using a hard drive backup software called Qiling Backup Home.

How to Backup Google Drive to External Hard Drive in 4 Ways

Backing up Google Drive to an external hard drive is an excellent way to save important files if you delete them from your drive by mistake. Since an external hard drive is highly portable, it allows you to access your Google Drive files from anywhere, even with no internet connection.

You can transfer your Google Drive files to an external hard drive in four primary ways. These include using:

Method 1. Use Disk Backup Software
Method 2. Use Google Takeout
Method 3. Use Google Drive for Desktop
Method 4. Backup Google Drive Using Google Vault

We'll discuss how each method works in the next subheadings.

Method 1. Use DiskBackup Software

The first and most recommended way to back up Google Drive to an external hard drive is using the Qiling Backupsoftware. This software supports backing up hard driveson various devices, including Windows 11/10/8/7.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Qiling allows you to back up/clonea hard drive and keep exact copies on an external drive, a network location, NAS, or the cloud. When you accidentally delete your files on Google Drive, this software allows you torestore them frombackups. The security of your data is also guaranteed because it has a security zone backup feature that prevents your data against malware or ransomware attacks.

Other Features of Qiling Backup Home

Supports full-scale protection of your files by backing up data to local drives and external storage drives
Comes with different clone options, i.e., small to large hard drives and vice versa
Allows you to perform a hot backup whereby you can save your data while the system runs
It has a smart backup feature that allows you to save your data on a 7-day cycle

To start backing up Google Drive to an external hard drive using Qiling Backup Home, you'll need to download and install the trial version of the software on your computer. Next, you can follow the steps below to get started with the backup process:

Step 1. To initiate a backup, click the File backup button to start backup.

Step 2. On the top tree view, both local and network files will be shown. You may extend the directory to pick the backup files.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a location to store the backup.

Step 4. Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options. There are also other additional choices you maychooseto tailor the backup process to your requirements.

Then click Backup Scheme to specify the backup schedule and start the backup at a certain event.

Step 5. The backup may be stored on a local disk, Qiling' online service, or NAS.

Step 6. Qiling Backup enables customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive as well as its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

Step 7. Click Proceed to begin the backup process. The backup job will be presented as a card on the left side of the panel after it has been finished. Right-click the backup job to handle it further.

Method 2. Use Google Takeout

As an advanced Google service, Google Takeout allows you to export data in one instance from different Google products, including Google Photos and Google Drive. The service provides a convenient way to download files from Google Drive and save them to an external hard drive.

Below are steps on how to backup Google Drive to an external hard drive using Google Takeout:

Step 1. Open Google Takeout. Under "Select data to include,"only select the box for "Drive." Click on "Next Step."

Step 2. Choose the "type," "frequency,"and "destination"for your files. Next, scroll down and click on "Create Export."

Step 3. Check your Gmail to confirm if Google Takeout has sent you a download hyperlink. Click on the hyperlink to download the zipped files to your computer.

Download files

Step 4. Once the system downloads all the files to your computer, you can click to unzip them.

Step 5. Next, select the unzipped files at a go and drag and drop them to your external hard drive. You now have your Google Drive data saved to an external hard drive.

Method 3. Use Google Drive for Desktop

Once you've downloaded and installed Google Drive for desktop on your computer, it allows you to back up your data to an external hard drive seamlessly. Below are the steps to backup your files and data to an external hard drive using Google Drive for desktop:

Step 1. Connect an external hard drive to your computer.

Step 2. Start Google Drive for desktop and click "sign in with browser."

Step 3. Once logged in, click on the Google Drive tab and check the option for "mirror files."When a popup displays, click "Change folder location."

Change folder location

Step 4. Confirm the location for your external hard drive and click on it. Next, click the "Select Folder"button.

Select folder

Step 5. Upon returning to the Google Drive interface, click "Confirm location."

Confirm location

Step 6. Lastly, click on the "Save" button in the lower right. The system will begin syncing your Google Drive files and data to the chosen external hard drive.

Method 4. Backup Google Drive Using Google Vault

Google Vault is an archiving software that allows users to retain data stored on G Suite even after permanent deletion. Though it isn't a backup solution, this tool keeps your Google Drive files for an unlimited time.

To archive files and data using Google Vault, you'll need to set up a retention policy that outlines the type of data to keep and for how long. Below are the steps to getting started with Google Vault for Google Drive backup to an external hard drive:

Step 1. Sign in to your G Suite account.

Step 2. Navigate to the left panel of the Google Vault homepage and click on "Retention."

Retention on Google

Step 3. Click on "Drive"to edit the retention policy.

Step 4. Under "Default rule setting,"tick the checkbox for "Set a default retention rule for Drive."

Step 5. Under duration, check the radio button for "Indefinitely."

Step 6. Next, click on "Save."Google Vault will retain your Google Drive files indefinitely.

Edit Retention policy

Step 7. To transfer the saved files to an external hard drive, click and download them to your computer.

Step 8. Next, drag and drop the files to the location of your external hard drive. You've now backed up your Google Drive data to an external hard drive.

Backup Google Drive to External Hard Drive FAQs

Below, we've answered some commonly asked questions about backing up Google Drive to an external hard drive.

1. Can I Put Google Drive on an External Drive?

Yes, it's possible to save your Google Drive files and data to an external hard drive. You can achieve this using the Qiling Backup Home software, Google Takeout, Google Drive for desktop, or Google Vault.

2. Can I Export My Entire Google Drive?

Yes, it's possible to download and export your entire Google Drive data, including Google Docs, Forms, Slides, Sheets, Jamboard, Sites, Drawings, etc. You can then save these files to another location, i.e., an external hard drive, and access them anytime. You can also create an archive record for your files and data.

3. Can I Download Google Drive to My Computer?

Yes, you can download and installGoogle Drive for desktopon your computer. You'll then be able to access your Drive files offline on your computer and save them to external drives for additional protection.

4. How to Back Up Google Drive to an External Hard Drive on Mac?

You can achieve this through the following steps:

Step 1. Visit the Google Drive website. Locate the files and folders you want to export to an external drive.
Step 2. Hold on to the "control" button and select all the files you want to back up.
Step 3. Next, click on "Download."Make sure you've set your external hard drive as the default location for your download files. The system will then save your files to the external hard drive.

Conclusion

Backing up Google Drive data to an external drive helps to prevent file corruption, accidental deletion, and malware attacks. It also provides a good way to access your files offline. The most recommended way to back up your Google Drive files is using the Qiling Backup Home software. Other ways to back up Google Drive entail using Google Takeout, Google Drive for desktop, and Google Vault.

If you want a secure way to back up Google Drive to an external drive, Qiling Backup Home is the best answer. This tool offers security zone backup protection to prevent malware or ransomware attacks. It supports Windows 11/10/8/7. Ensure you download and install Qiling Backup Home today to back up Google Drive to an external hard drive.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure