It’s easy to restore data from iCloud, but these backups are severely limited compared to Time Machine, which saves multiple different versions of everything.Īll together, this makes iCloud Drive an unsuitable option for backing up your Mac unless the only files you care to protect are your most recent documents. iCloud Drive also only keeps your deleted files for 30 days. This includes your Desktop, Documents, Photos, Calendar, Reminders, and more.īut iCloud Drive doesn’t sync your applications, user preferences, or other system files.

In contrast, while Apple backs up all your iCloud Drive content on its servers, you can only use iCloud to sync particular files from your Mac. This means you won’t lose anything if you need to restore a backup from Time Machine. Since this is a complete backup, it includes every system file, preference, application, and other piece of data from your Mac. Time Machine backs up every file stored on your Mac to an external drive. iCloud Drive Use Time Machine to back up your Mac to an external drive. Use a third-party service to back up your Mac to the cloud.Use AirPort Time Capsule to create wireless Mac backups.How to back up Mac system files to iCloud Drive.

How to backup my mac desktop