How to configure scheduled backups to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to configure scheduled backups to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Scheduled backups to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device give you peace of mind by automatically protecting critical files on PCs and servers. This guide walks you through configuring secure, recurring backups using the native tools in Windows and macOS, and ensures your data is safely stored on the NAS for small businesses and home offices.

Quick Fix Steps

Windows 10/11 – File History (via mapped drive)

1. Map the NAS share as a network drive (see “Mapping the NAS Share in Windows” below).
2. Open Settings → Update & Security → Backup.
3. Click Add a drive and select the mapped drive (e.g., Z:).
4. Choose More options to set the backup frequency (e.g., every hour) and retention period.
5. Click Back up now to start the first backup.

macOS – Time Machine

1. Mount the NAS share (see “Mounting the NAS Share in macOS” below).
2. Open System Settings → Time Machine (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. Click Select Disk… and choose the mounted NAS share.
4. Check Back Up Automatically. Time Machine backs up hourly by default; the interval cannot be changed via the UI.
5. Click Use Disk to confirm.

Detailed Instructions

Preparing the NAS Share

• Ensure the NAS is powered on and connected to the same network as the PC or Mac.
• Create a dedicated share (e.g., BackupShare) with read/write permissions for the user account you will use for backups.
• Enable SMB (CIFS) protocol in the NAS settings – this is required for both Windows and macOS. AFP can be enabled only for legacy macOS versions.

Mapping the NAS Share in Windows

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
2. Right‑click This PC and select Map network drive….
3. Choose an unused drive letter (e.g., Z:).
4. In the Folder field, type the full UNC path, e.g. \\NAS\BackupShare.
5. Check Reconnect at sign‑in and, if required, Connect using different credentials. Enter the NAS username and password.
6. Click Finish. The NAS share now appears as a local drive.

Configuring File History (Windows 10/11)

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security → Backup.
3. Under Back up using File History, click Add a drive and select the mapped drive (e.g., Z:).
4. Click More options to customise:
   • Back up my files: set to Every hour (or your preferred interval).
   • Keep my backups: choose Until space is needed or a specific number of days.
   • Use Exclude these folders to omit large, non‑essential directories.
5. Press Back up now to start the initial backup. Subsequent backups will run automatically.

Configuring Windows Server Backup (Server 2019/2022)

1. Open Server Manager → Tools → Windows Server Backup.
2. In the right‑hand pane, click Backup Schedule….
3. Select Custom and click Next.
4. Choose the items you want to back up (e.g., C:\ volumes, system state).
5. On the Destination Type screen, select Network share and enter \\NAS\BackupShare.
6. Enter the NAS credentials when prompted.
7. Set the schedule (e.g., daily at 02:00 AM) and retention policy.
8. Complete the wizard and click Finish. The first backup will start at the next scheduled time.

Mounting the NAS Share in macOS

1. Open Finder → Go → Connect to Server… (Cmd + K).
2. Enter smb://NAS/BackupShare (use afp:// only for legacy macOS) and click Connect.
3. Authenticate with your NAS username and password.

Configuring Time Machine (macOS)

1. Mount the NAS share as described above.
2. Open System Settings → Time Machine (or System Preferences on older versions).
3. Click Select Disk…, choose the mounted NAS share, and click Use Disk.
4. Optionally, click Options… to exclude items. Time Machine backs up hourly by default and the interval cannot be altered via the UI.
5. Ensure the NAS has sufficient free space (Time Machine recommends at least twice the size of the data being backed up).

Securing Your Backups

• Enable encryption on the NAS share (most devices offer AES‑256 encryption).
• Use strong, unique passwords for NAS accounts.
• Restrict NAS access to specific IP addresses or MAC addresses where possible.
• Schedule regular NAS firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Cannot connect to NAS share
  • Verify the NAS is online and reachable (ping NAS from the PC).
  • Check that SMB services are enabled on the NAS.
  • Ensure firewall rules allow traffic on port 445 (SMB).
• Authentication failures
  • Confirm you are using the correct NAS username and password.
  • Reset the saved credentials in Credential Manager (Windows) or Keychain Access (macOS).
• Backups stop after a few cycles
  • Check NAS free space; delete old snapshots or expand the volume.
  • Review the backup log for error codes (e.g., 0x80070020 – file in use).
  • Exclude large, frequently changing files (e.g., virtual‑machine images) from the backup set.
• Performance is slow
  • Connect the NAS via Gigabit Ethernet rather than Wi‑Fi.
  • Schedule backups for off‑peak hours.
  • Enable jumbo frames on both the NAS and network switch if supported.

Log Files & Diagnostic Tools

• Windows: Event Viewer → Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → Backup.
• macOS: Open Console and filter for backupd entries.
• NAS: Most devices provide a system log accessible via the web admin interface; look for “backup” or “SMB” errors.

Related Articles

• How to backup photos to external drive

If you encounter issues not covered here, please Open a Ticket for personalised assistance.

Still Having Issues?