Hidden SSD + Backup W11

Hiding a Secondary SSD and Setting Up Real-Time Backups in Windows 11

In today’s digital age, data security is paramount. Many users seek to protect sensitive information by hiding storage devices or setting up effective backup solutions. In this article, we will explore the process of hiding a secondary SSD and configuring it to serve as a real-time backup for your primary storage, focusing on Windows 11.

Hiding the Secondary SSD Partition

When it comes to hiding a partition on your computer, BIOS settings typically do not provide the specific feature needed for this task. However, you can achieve your goal through Windows Disk Management, which allows you to modify the visibility of disk partitions.

1. Access Disk Management:

• Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Disk Management.”
• Locate the secondary SSD in the list of disks.

1. Remove the Drive Letter:

• Right-click on the partition of the secondary SSD and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”
• Click on the drive letter and select “Remove.” Confirm your decision. This action will hide the SSD from File Explorer while still keeping data accessible to backup programs.

1. Considerations:

• Hiding a drive in this manner will prevent casual users from accessing it through File Explorer but won’t hide it from system tools or administrative access. For more advanced protection, consider encrypting the SSD using BitLocker.

Setting Up Real-Time Backup with Cobian Backup

Cobian Backup is a versatile and free backup software that allows you to set up automatic, scheduled, and even real-time backups. Here’s how to configure Cobian Backup to use your hidden SSD as a backup destination.

1. Download and Install Cobian Backup:

• First, download Cobian Backup from its official website and install it.

1. Create a New Backup Task:

• Open Cobian Backup and click “Tasks” > “Add”. Here, you can define a new backup task.
• Select the source folder (your primary SSD) that you wish to back up.

1. Set Destination:

• In the destination settings, choose your secondary SSD that you’ve hidden earlier. Since it doesn’t have a drive letter assigned, you may need to navigate to it by browsing and providing the correct path, typically using something like D:\Backup depending on your system configuration.

1. Select Backup Options:

• Under the “Backup” tab, you can choose the type of backup you want (full, differential, or incremental).
• For real-time backup, select the “Real Time” option in the schedule settings, which monitors changes to the source directory and updates the backup accordingly.

1. Run and Monitor Your Backup:

• After configuring your preferences, run the backup task. Cobian Backup will now continuously monitor your primary SSD for changes and backup these changes to your secondary SSD in real-time.

Conclusion

By removing the drive letter from your secondary SSD in Windows 11, you effectively hide it from casual access, while Cobian Backup allows for a secure and efficient means of creating real-time backups. This method not only enhances your data security but also ensures that your precious data is safeguarded without requiring manual intervention. Remember to regularly check the backup status and verify the integrity of your stored data to ensure everything is functioning as expected.