How do you know your backup is actually working
A backup set up once, a long time ago, isn't the same as one that's actually working today. Worth checking before you need it, not the moment you do.
What to check
Check the date of the last successful backup
Every backup tool — whether built into Windows or a cloud service — shows the date and time of the last successful backup somewhere. If that date is weeks old, the backup most likely stopped working, even though it was set up correctly at some point.
Check for hidden error messages
Many backup programs flag an error quietly, through a small system tray icon or a notification that's easy to miss in the rush of a normal day. Worth deliberately opening the program's interface once in a while, instead of waiting for an alarm.
Check the destination is still connected and reachable
A backup pointed at an external drive that's been unplugged for weeks, or a network drive whose login details changed, simply stops working — quietly, with no obvious alarm.
Why it matters
The worst moment to discover a backup hasn't worked in months is exactly the moment you actually need it. A few minutes of checking now and then costs far less than lost data.
When it's a job for IT
- You're not sure whether your company even has a backup set up — a basic question worth asking outright.
- The backup shows errors you can't interpret yourself.
- The backup covers company data, not just your own computer — configuration and monitoring are best left to IT.
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