• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Techbout

Technology Simplified.

  • Windows
  • iOS
  • Mac
  • Android
  • Office
Home » Mac » How to Exclude Files from Time Machine Backup

How to Exclude Files from Time Machine Backup

By: Waseem Patwegar

By default, Time Machine saves all the files on Mac to designated Hard Drive. However, you can also exclude Files and Folders from Time Machine Backup.

Exclude Files from Time Machine Backup

Exclude Files and Folders From Time Machine Backup

As mentioned above, a typical Time Machine Backup includes all your Documents, Photos, Music, Emails and installed Apps.

Going with this default setting should help in restoring all the files on your Mac from a Time Machine Backup, if something goes wrong with its Hard Disk.

However, if you do not want Time Machine to back up a lot of data on a daily basis, you can easily exclude specific files or entire folders from Time Machine Backup.

If you change your mind, you can easily remove any file or folder from the exclusion list.

How to Exclude Files From Time Machine Backup?

You can exclude any File or Folder on your Mac from Time Machine Backup by following the steps below.

1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select System Preferences in the drop-down menu.

Open System Preferences on Mac

2. On System Preferences screen, click on Time Machine Icon.

Time Machine Icon on System Preferences Screen

3. On the next screen, click on the Options button located at lower-right corner.

Time Machine Backup Options on Mac

4. On Exclude Items screen, click on the + Plus button.

Exclude From Time Machine Backup Option on Mac

5. On the next screen, select the Folder that you want to exclude from Time Machine Backups and click on Exclude.

Select Files or Folders to be Excluded From Time Machine Backups

Note: You can exclude entire Desktop, Documents, Applications, Downloads and also User Folders.

6. Click on the Save button to save the List of Files/Folders excluded from Time Machine Backup.

Exclude Files, Folders From Time Machine Backups On Mac
After this, the items that you added to the exclusion list will not be included in Time Machine Backups.

Remove Files from Exclusion List in Time Machine

If you change your mind, you can remove items from Time Machine Exclusion list by following the steps below.

1. Click on Apple Logo > System Preferences > Time Machine > Options.

Time Machine Backup Options on Mac

2. On the next screen, select the Items that you want to remove from the Exclusion List and click on the – Plus button.

Remove Excluded Items from Time Machine Backup

3. Click on Save to implement this Time Machine Setting on your computer.

The removed items will now be included in Time Machine Backups.

Related
  • How to Restore Mac from Time Machine Backup
  • How to Speed Up Slow Safari Browser on Mac

You May Also Like
    • Format USB Drive on Mac
      How to Format USB Drive on Mac
      • Show and Hide the Dock on Mac
        How to Show and Hide the Dock on Mac
        • Resize Dock on Mac
          How to Resize the Dock on Your Mac

Primary Sidebar



Recent Posts

  • Your SIM Sent a Text Message Notification on iPhone
  • Fix: iPhone Camera Black Screen Problem
  • How to Clear Your Activity History In Windows 11
  • How to Find WiFi Password in Windows 11
  • How to Enable Touch Keyboard in Windows 11/10




About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure | Terms | Contact
© 2023 Techbout.com · All Rights Reserved