How do I backup my Mac Desktop to iCloud?

I need to run a manual backup; not an automatic backup at a certain time but backup as of now.I need to save the backup to iCloud.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 3, 2023 11:47 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 3, 2023 12:57 PM

You can run a manual backup to an external drive using Time Machine or 3rd party backup software such as Carbon Copy Cloner: https://bombich.com/


Apple offers iCloud Backup for iPhones and iPads but not for Mac computers.


It is possible to sync data from a Mac to iCloud if you turn on those options (e.g., iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive including the Desktop & Documents option). Syncing has some of the benefits of a backup (and the benefit of being offsite) but is not the same as a backup. Major differences include the fact that not everything on your Mac can be synced and the fact that if you delete something, accidentally or otherwise, there is only a limited time period (30 days in most cases) during which it can be recovered.


Also see the Apple article: How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support


And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

Access and manage your files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

and

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 3, 2023 12:57 PM in response to Foilist

You can run a manual backup to an external drive using Time Machine or 3rd party backup software such as Carbon Copy Cloner: https://bombich.com/


Apple offers iCloud Backup for iPhones and iPads but not for Mac computers.


It is possible to sync data from a Mac to iCloud if you turn on those options (e.g., iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive including the Desktop & Documents option). Syncing has some of the benefits of a backup (and the benefit of being offsite) but is not the same as a backup. Major differences include the fact that not everything on your Mac can be synced and the fact that if you delete something, accidentally or otherwise, there is only a limited time period (30 days in most cases) during which it can be recovered.


Also see the Apple article: How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support


And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

Access and manage your files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

and

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support



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How do I backup my Mac Desktop to iCloud?

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