How to Back Up Your PC and Mac Using a NAS
Backing up your computer is one of the most important steps in protecting personal data, yet many home users still rely on manual copies or have no backup system at all. Photos, work documents, and personal files can be lost due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or malware.
Using a NAS is a reliable way to automate backups for both PC and Mac. Modern home NAS platforms such as UGREEN NASync are designed to make this process simple, even for beginners. This guide explains how to back up your PC and Mac using a NAS in a practical, home-friendly way.
Why Use a NAS for PC and Mac Backups?
A NAS, or Network Attached Storage, is a storage device connected to your home network. Unlike external hard drives, a NAS is always available to your devices and can run backups automatically in the background.
For UK home users, a NAS offers several advantages. It removes the need to remember manual backups, avoids ongoing cloud storage subscriptions, and provides faster local backup speeds for large files.
Systems like UGREEN NASync are designed to support multiple devices at the same time, making them suitable for households that use both Windows PCs and Apple Macs.
What You Need Before Starting
Before setting up computer backups with a NAS, a few basic requirements should be in place.
Your NAS should be connected to your home router and powered on. Your PC or Mac needs to be on the same home network, and the NAS should have enough available storage to hold full system or file backups.
It is best to check available storage in advance, especially when backing up multiple computers. Beginner-friendly models such as the UGREEN NASync DXP480T Plus are designed to handle multiple backups while remaining easy to manage.
How to Back Up a Windows PC Using a NAS
Using Built-In Windows Backup Tools
Windows includes built-in backup features that can store copies of important files on a network location such as a NAS. These tools allow backups to run automatically on a schedule.
Once your NAS appears on the network, it can be selected as the backup destination. After the initial setup, backups continue in the background without requiring daily attention.
A NAS like UGREEN NASync provides a stable and always-available location, which makes it suitable for regular Windows backups.
Benefits of NAS-Based PC Backups
Backing up a PC to a NAS removes the need for USB drives that must be plugged in manually. It also allows multiple versions of files to be stored, which is helpful if data is accidentally deleted or overwritten.
How to Back Up a Mac Using a NAS
Using Time Machine with a NAS
Mac users commonly rely on Time Machine for backups. Many home NAS systems support Time Machine over the network, allowing Macs to back up wirelessly.
Once the NAS is selected as a Time Machine destination, backups run automatically whenever the Mac is connected to the home network.
Home-focused NAS platforms such as UGREEN NASync are designed to support Mac backups in a way that feels familiar to Apple users.
Why NAS Backups Work Well for Mac Users
A NAS allows Mac users to back up without dedicating a separate external drive to each computer. This is especially useful in households with multiple Macs sharing the same backup system.
Managing Multiple Device Backups
One of the key advantages of a NAS is its ability to manage backups from several devices at once. PCs and Macs can each have their own backup folders, keeping data organised and easy to restore.
Separating backups by device helps avoid confusion and makes recovery faster if a single computer needs to be restored. Models like the UGREEN NASync DXP480T Plus provide the capacity and performance needed for multi-device households.
Best Practices for NAS Backups at Home
It is important to remember that a NAS is part of a backup strategy, not the entire solution. Regularly check that backups are running correctly and that sufficient free storage remains available.
For important data, consider keeping at least one additional copy, such as an external drive stored separately. This provides extra protection against unexpected events.
Keeping NAS software and firmware up to date also helps maintain security and long-term reliability.
Is a NAS Backup Right for You?
A NAS is a strong choice for users who want automated, local backups without monthly fees. It is particularly useful for households with multiple PCs and Macs.
If you prefer control over your data and want a long-term home backup solution, a NAS-based system can be a practical option.
Platforms such as UGREEN NASync offer a beginner-friendly way to set up PC and Mac backups at home. Devices like the UGREEN NASync DXP480T Plus provide flexibility and room to grow as storage needs increase.
Final Thoughts
Backing up your PC and Mac using a NAS does not have to be complicated. With the right setup, backups can run automatically, protecting your data without constant attention.
For many UK home users, a NAS offers a balance between convenience, control, and long-term value. Understanding how to use it effectively is the first step toward safer and more reliable data protection.
