I want to backup my images on an external drive to have an "insurance" copy of all my images.

Question

I use Lightroom Classic and Windows 11.I have my images stored on an external drive and my catalog stored on my internal drive. I want to make a BACK-UP COPY of all my images on a second external drive. I do not want to store the backups on the cloud at this time.I do not want to lose my Lightroom adjustments, etc.Is this possible, and if so is there a video tutorial or a step-by-step instruction?I would appreciate it someone would respond.Posted:  2 February 2026.

Rob_Cullen · Answer

You will find some great advice on backing up everything related to Lr-Classic here:

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/backup-lightroom-files/

You can use any third-party backup app (or even Windows File explorer if brave!) to make an exact copy of your photos maintaining the exact same folder and naming heirarchy. Having one ‘Parent’ folder with all your photos in sub-folders makes any restoration of a catalog very much easier.

Even freeware apps like ‘Syncback’ can do a backup of photos.

“Cloud” is not involved at all!

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