External Hard Drive for Laptop Strongly Recommended in 2023

Last Updated on 2023-11-03 Starry
DVDFab All-In-One
DVDFab All-In-One
AI-Powered 25-in-1 Complete DVD/(4K UHD) Blu-ray/Video Solutions.

Purchasing a high-quality external hard drive for a laptop can be one of the finest assets. Whether it is for holding files that are essential and irreplaceable or extensive assignments with deadlines threatening you-backup drives will guarantee relaxation if something occurs to your laptop or PC.

When you are exploring a secure spot to keep your multiple important data, there is no more satisfactory choice than an external hard drive. The best samples come with a speedy read and write ability that will ensure all those inside it and be dust-immune. If budget limitations carry from supporting in one direction, then don't worry. We have some great inexpensive alternatives again, which might be only missing from storage solutions until now. But first, we would like you to learn about how to back up a laptop to an external hard drive;

How Do I Backup My Laptop to An External Hard Drive?

If you have a Mac or Windows computer, there are significant built-in utilities for backing up your data. All it takes are some straightforward actions to begin!

On Windows

  • The best way to avoid losing all your important data is by having a backup. This can be done through anything from getting an external hard drive, which you'll find at most electronics stores nowadays, and will have enough space for any future backups as well.
  • Windows will take your permission before operating it as a backup. Tell it that you want, and the Windows operating system will be backed. If not this quickly at startup, type "backup" in the search box, select the Backup button and restore.
  • Click the "Set up Backup" button and pick an external drive to back up your computer on! Windows' default settings are probably fine so that you can click next for now.
  • On the last screen, click on the "Save Settings and Run Backup." When that's done, your first automatic backup of all data on your computer will be made-don't turn the computer off during this process as it can take some time! Afterward, regular back-ups are performed in the background automatically without needing you to do anything else.
  • Open the Start Menu and type in "backup," then select 'Back up My Data' to restore a lost file. If this option is not available, hit Restoring Files or Restore User files to get the data.

On Mac

There is no need to worry about how to use an external hard drive on the laptop. Follow these simple steps;

  • Get an external hard drive, like the ones available at most electronics stores, with lots of space like the computer itself for countless copies or other important documents and numerous other backups.
  • When you plug in your drive, a message will appear on Windows asking if it can use the drive as an external hard drive for backup purposes. Select "Use as Backup Disk" and then go to System Preferences> Time Machine so that they are both set up automatically with this selection when the backup is required.
  • As you tap on "Select Backup Disk," the Time Machine is done copying your hard drive. Its special data will be safely endorsed up onto an external disk.
  • All done! No more boring hours spent waiting for backups or wondering. Now all the backups will be performed automatically.

Now come to the second part of this article to learn about the best laptop external hard drive;

Top 6 Best External Hard Drive for Laptop in 2022

1. Seagate Backup Plus 5TB external hard drive-best external hard drive for hp laptop

Seagate Backup Plus 5TB external hard drive-best external hard drive for hp laptop

With its 5Gbps USB 3 interface, the Seagate GAME Drive can deliver nearly instant speeds. Not only does it have easy-to-use dashboard software for Windows and Mac OS, but you don't need any additional programs because this drive works perfectly fine without them too. Space-conscious gamers will love how much room they fill up with games on their XBOX One X.

Features

  • Seagate Backup Plus 5TB external hard drive is available in several colors and offers affordability, wide compatibility with almost any device.
  • The offer of a 1-Year Data Recovery Warranty makes them stand out from their competitors. This means that if you ever have an issue with your drive and it is not under warranty, they will still help restore any data on the shattered device. But only for as long as necessary before giving up hope or moving onto another solution like purchasing another.

Pros

  • The cost you bring is four, Seagate delivers five TB of storage in a little device.
  • It measures 7 x 11 inches with sizes 1 inch (3x4.5x0 75) dense.
  • It is the best external hard drive for a gaming laptop.

Con

  • Thunderbolt lacks any built-in encryption or security features.

2. WD Elements 12TB external hard drive-best external hard drive for laptop

WD Elements 12TB external hard drive-best external hard drive for laptop 

The drive's beautiful case has features that save desk space and keep the drive cooler. Vent holes on the top and bottom of the case deliver a better vertical position for optimum performance.

Features

  • With a large capacity, this product has the most storage for what you spend.
  • It also fits vertically so that it takes up less desk space and provides great airflow.
  • This 12TB storage device comes in a pre-format version with NTFS, assembling it to prepare for helping Windows users.

Pros

  • Users need external power to use this device safely, and it's a risky option for children.
  • The drive has zero portability.
  • This is the best external hard drive for laptop backup.

Con

  • It is not portable.

3. WD BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive external hard drive-best external hard drive for laptop gaming

WD BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive external hard drive-best external hard drive for laptop gaming 

Many external drives' familiar small activity LED glows dazzlingly from this black box. It has a USB 3.2 Gen-1 interface at 5Gbps attached through the compromised 18 inch A -to--Micro B connector, giving you a pass to all your content in a moment.

Features

  • The 2TB model presents a 140MBps transfer speed. So don't predict too much in terms of SSD-like performance.
  • The hard drive has large storage and is compatible with all your favorite game consoles. It has a pre-format for ExFAT, so you can start playing right away!

Pros

  • The device is compatible with the PlayStation 4, 5, and Microsoft Xbox One.
  • It also has a pre-format for the ExFAT file system. It qualifies it to be plug-and-operates on all three technologies.

Con

  • The USB-C Adapter is not available with this purchase.

4. Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable Drive-best external hard drive for laptop

Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable Drive-external hard drive for laptop

The Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable External Hard Drive offers fast file transfer rates and is perfect for those who need to back up their files quickly. This device can easily fit on your desktop or in any small space with a sleek profile.

Features

  • The device is highly flexible, coming in both USB 3.0 and 2.0 versions.
  • It transfers to speed up to 5 Gbps.

Pros

  • It comes with a typical 12 months limited validation.
  • It is the best external hard drive laptop.

Con

  • You may have to bear a slow transfer rate.

5. Dell 1TB External Portable Hard Drive USB 3.0-external hard drive for dell laptop

Dell 1TB External Portable Hard Drive USB 3.0-external hard drive for dell laptop

The Dell 1TB Portable ext. HDD completes the transfer easily. You can reserve and share your photographs. Its sleek layout will keep it stylish while saving all those important files on a drive that is light enough during traveling. Plugin the USB connection from any PC with ease.

Features

  • USB 3.0 operates ten times faster than previous devices. So you can transfer extensive packs of photos and videos efficiently.
  • The Plug-and-play feature needs no software which starts moving your data as simple as dragging and dropping them onto a device.

Pro

  • You can now enjoy all your favorite movies, music, and more on this hard drive.

Con

  • There are some complaints about its slow formatting speed.

6. G-Technology G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3-external hard drive for apple laptop

G-Technology G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3-external hard drive for apple laptop

The most suitable external hard drives are a significant mode to support influential files and carry them. These movable storage devices offer you lots of space. So they are ideal for backing up data from your computer or uploading enormous quantities in just moments. In addition to the external hard drive, the flash drive, marked by its portability, can also be put in your list.

Features:

  • The sleek layout is confident in capturing your eye with its gorgeous exterior.
  • The sleek matte metal enclosure of this external hard drive matches Apple hardware.
  • A pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports provides your Mac with the most suitable and potential execution.
  • If you have extra requirements but a smaller capacity, attach another Thunderbolt 3 drive with G-Drive. This way, your computer won't be without strength for long.

Pros

  • It contains fast Thunderbolt connectivity.
  • The derive comes with up to 18TB storage capacity.

Con

  • There is no SSD. It costs a lot for high capacities.

Related Articles

A List of Best Free Games on Steam
Playing online games can be a fantastic way to kill time. Steam provides a lot of online games for free. We have discussed here a list of the best free games on Steam 2023.