Time Machine is macOS's built-in backup solution. It automatically backs up your entire Mac to an external drive or a network location.

Connect a Backup Drive

Connect an external drive with enough space (at least the same size as your Mac's storage).

Configure Time Machine

Go to System Settings > General > Time Machine, click Add Backup Disk, and select your drive.

Manual Backup

tmutil startbackup

Exclude Folders

tmutil addexclusion ~/Downloads