How to back up files to another drive instead of iCloud

I want to be able to backup my files on another drive. I don't want to back them up with iCloud. How can I do this without losing everything to icloud

iMac 27″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Jan 30, 2026 11:42 AM

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muguy

Level 10

92,090 points

Posted on Jan 30, 2026 11:47 AM

iCloud does not back up your Mac. You can use Time Machine (or similar) for that.

See Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

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2 replies

Top-ranking reply

muguy

Level 10

92,090 points

Jan 30, 2026 11:47 AM in response to Crowsfeet48

iCloud does not back up your Mac. You can use Time Machine (or similar) for that.

See Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

743,225 points

Jan 30, 2026 11:46 AM in response to Crowsfeet48

Use Time Machine, or the Disk Utility's Image function, or a non-Apple product, or drag-copy them to that drive.

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How to back up files to another drive instead of iCloud

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