You can backup your computer data to an external hard drive using:

• Windows built-in tools: Easy to use and free, but may not offer the best performance, features, or security. ⁴
• Third-party software: More options, flexibility, and functionality, but may cost money, require installation and configuration, or have compatibility issues. ^{7 1 2}
• Manual copying: Simple and straightforward, but may be time-consuming, error-prone, or incomplete. You will also need to remember to do it regularly and keep track of the changes. ²

Each method has its own pros and cons, depending on how often, what kind, and where you want to store your backup data. Here are the main features and steps of each method: