An external drive works as a storage destination if it remains available during scheduled jobs.
Steps for Windows
- Connect the external USB drive and verify its Windows drive letter.
- Create a dedicated Duplicacy storage directory on it.
- Add the storage in the Web Edition and choose a test backup source.
- Perform a backup and safely disconnect the drive after the task ends.
How to verify the result
Reconnect the drive and restore a test revision.
Scheduled jobs may fail while the USB drive is disconnected or its letter changes.
Why this matters
The practical goal is a recoverable Duplicacy revision, not just a successful-looking progress indicator. Keep your source, backup destination, Backup ID and necessary credentials documented. If this workflow changes your retention or storage configuration, verify a restore before applying it to important data.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I use an external hard drive for backups?
- An external drive works as a storage destination if it remains available during scheduled jobs.
- How can I confirm this worked?
- Reconnect the drive and restore a test revision.
- What should I avoid?
- Scheduled jobs may fail while the USB drive is disconnected or its letter changes.
Primary documentation: Duplicacy Web Edition User Guide · Developer download · Last source review: November 2, 2026. This is an independent editorial checklist, not a claim of hands-on testing.
Set up your Windows backup
Choose the right edition, verify the installer, then test a restore.