Require/Not require a backup disk to restore files

If you have an SSD with the obligatory APFS, snapshots are a nice quick

way to be able to revert to a previous state after an app update or OS

update.

As a matter of fact, if you have an SSD with APFS, this will automatically happen

with any Apple system update. This was the case even back in High Sierra.

I believe those snapshots are maintained for one week and then they are

automatically deleted.

As others have stated, it should not be used for a backup for hardware

failures for obvious reasons. Clones or a separate Time Machine backup

drive should be used.

It's probably due to the use of local snapshots: About Time Machine local snapshots - Apple Support.

Maybe you are storing your backups on your internal disk which is a terrible idea. The purpose of a backup is to have a copy of your data in case something happens with your internal disk. You need an external disk to back up and to restore from.

Skyjo wrote:

Just my curiosity, how come I can restore files through time machine without my backup disk connected?

I take back what I said. Apparently in Mojave at least, maybe others, you can restore from a snapshot. I just tried it.

You can't.

Hi,

I think it is required.

How to use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support

Can you even use an internal disk for Time Machine? That's odd if allowed. As you say, it's a terrible idea.

Yes, interesting. Although if you are running High Sierra why did you post in Mojave? 😎