How to restore individual files and folders from a cloud backup without restoring your entire system

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to restore individual files and folders from a cloud backup without restoring your entire system. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Restoring your entire system from a cloud backup is often unnecessary when you only need to recover a single file or folder. Most cloud backup solutions allow you to browse your backup history and selectively restore individual items, saving you significant time and bandwidth. This guide walks you through the process using common backup platforms, so you can get your files back quickly without disrupting your current setup.

Before You Begin

Before starting the restore process, take a moment to gather a few details. Knowing exactly what you are looking for will make the recovery much faster.

• File or folder name: Have the exact name (or a close approximation) ready.
• Original location: Note where the file was stored, such as Documents, Desktop, or a shared drive.
• Approximate date: If you know roughly when the file was last present, this helps narrow down backup versions.
• Account credentials: Ensure you have your cloud backup login details handy.

Restoring Individual Files Using Common Cloud Backup Platforms

The exact steps vary depending on which cloud backup service you use. Below are instructions for the most common platforms used by 220 customers.

Option A: Restoring from a Windows-Based Cloud Backup Client

1. Open the cloud backup application from your system tray or Start Menu.
2. Sign in with your account credentials if prompted.
3. Click Restore or Recover Files from the main dashboard.
4. Select File Restore (rather than System Image or Full System Restore).
5. Choose the backup set and date you wish to restore from. Use the timeline or calendar view to pick the correct version.
6. Browse the folder structure or use the search field to locate your file or folder.
7. Tick the checkbox next to the item(s) you want to recover.
8. Choose a restore destination. You can restore to the original location or specify a different folder to avoid overwriting current files.
9. Click Restore Now or Start Restore.
10. Wait for the process to complete. A notification will confirm when the files are available.

Option B: Restoring from a macOS Backup Client

1. Launch the backup application from your Applications folder or menu bar.
2. Click Restore in the sidebar or top menu.
3. Select Browse Files or File-Level Restore.
4. Pick the backup source and the date of the snapshot you need.
5. Navigate the folder tree or use the search bar in the top right to find your file.
6. Select the file or folder by clicking the checkbox beside it.
7. Choose Restore to and select either Original Location or Choose Folder to pick a new destination.
8. Authenticate with your macOS password if prompted.
9. Click Restore and wait for confirmation.

Option C: Restoring from a Web-Based Backup Portal

Some cloud backup services provide a browser-based console that lets you restore files from any device, even if your primary machine is unavailable.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to your backup provider's portal.
2. Sign in with your account credentials.
3. From the dashboard, select Restore or Recover.
4. Pick the computer or device the backup belongs to.
5. Choose the backup date from the available versions.
6. Browse or search for the file or folder you need.
7. Select the item and choose either Download (to save a copy locally) or Restore (to push it back to the original device).
8. If downloading, choose a safe location on your computer and save the file.

Restoring Specific File Versions

If your file has been corrupted or overwritten, you may need to restore an earlier version rather than the most recent backup.

1. Follow the steps above to locate the file in your backup.
2. Look for a Version History, Snapshot, or Point-in-Time option.
3. Select the date corresponding to the version you need.
4. Preview the file if your platform supports it, to confirm it is the correct version.
5. Restore or download that specific version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The File Does Not Appear in the Backup

• Confirm the file was included in your backup policy. Some setups exclude certain folders like %AppData%, Temp, or system directories.
• Check the backup schedule. If the backup had not yet run when the file was created, it will not be available.
• Verify you are browsing the correct device and date range.

Restore Fails or Hangs

• Check your internet connection. A stable connection is required throughout the restore.
• Ensure you have sufficient local storage space at the restore destination.
• Temporarily disable any security software that may be blocking the backup client, then retry.
• Restart the backup application and attempt the restore again.

Restored File Will Not Open

• The file may have been corrupted in the original backup. Try restoring an earlier version.
• Confirm you have the correct application installed to open the file type.
• Download the file again from the web portal to rule out a transfer issue.

Best Practices After a Successful Restore

• Verify the restored file opens correctly and contains the expected content.
• If you restored to a new location, move it back to its proper folder once confirmed.
• Run a fresh backup to ensure your current data is protected.
• Review your backup retention settings to confirm you have enough history for future recoveries.

If you have followed these steps and still cannot locate or restore the file you need, our support team can assist you in reviewing your backup configuration and retention history. Please open a ticket through the 220 support portal with details of the file you are trying to recover, the device it was stored on, and the approximate date it was last known to be present.

Still Having Issues?