Backup Schedules

Set up automatic backup schedules to keep your data protected around the clock. Configure when and how often backups run to balance protection with system resources.

Why Schedule Backups?

Scheduled backups ensure your data is always protected:

Automatic Protection - No need to remember to run backups manually
Consistent Recovery Points - Regular backups mean less data loss in case of emergency
Off-Hours Running - Schedule during low-usage times to minimize impact
Peace of Mind - Know your data is being backed up regularly

Schedule Types

DataRunsClouds supports several schedule types:

Type	Description	Best For
Hourly	Runs every hour	Frequently changing files, critical data
Daily	Runs once per day at specified time	Most users, general protection
Weekly	Runs on selected days	Infrequently changing data
Custom	Define specific times	Special requirements

Creating a Schedule

To set up a backup schedule:

Open the backup agent on your computer
Go to Settings > Schedule
Select your schedule type (Hourly, Daily, Weekly, or Custom)
Configure the specific times
Click Save Schedule

Time Zone

Schedules use your computer's local time zone. If you travel, the backup time adjusts to your current time zone.

Schedule Options

Daily Schedule

For daily backups, you can configure:

Backup Time - What time to run (e.g., 2:00 AM)
Run When Missed - If computer was off at scheduled time, run when it wakes up

Weekly Schedule

For weekly backups:

Days of Week - Select which days to run (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Backup Time - What time on those days

Hourly Schedule

For hourly backups:

Start Time - When hourly backups begin (e.g., 8:00 AM)
End Time - When hourly backups stop (e.g., 6:00 PM)
Interval - How often (every 1, 2, or 4 hours)

Recommended Schedules

For Personal Users

Daily at 2:00 AM - Runs while you sleep, minimal impact on computer use.

For Business Users

Hourly during work hours (8 AM - 6 PM) - Protects work in progress throughout the day.

For Servers

Every 4 hours - Balances protection with server resources.

Incremental Backups

Remember: after the first full backup, subsequent backups are incremental and only upload changed files. This means frequent backups don't use excessive bandwidth or storage.

Managing Schedules

Viewing Schedule Status

Check your schedule status from:

Agent - Shows next scheduled backup time
Dashboard - View last and next backup times for each agent

Modifying a Schedule

Open agent settings
Navigate to Schedule
Make your changes
Click Save

Disabling Schedules

To temporarily disable scheduled backups:

Open agent settings
Toggle Scheduled Backups to Off

You can still run manual backups when schedules are disabled.

Missed Backups

If your computer is off or asleep during a scheduled backup:

By default, the backup runs when the computer wakes up
This is called "Run When Missed" mode
Ensures you don't miss protection due to computer sleep/shutdown

Configuring Missed Backup Behavior

Run When Missed (default) - Run the backup as soon as the computer wakes
Skip Until Next - Wait for the next scheduled time

Schedule and Sleep/Power

How schedules interact with power management:

Computer Sleep

Backups do not wake the computer from sleep
If asleep at scheduled time, backup runs when computer wakes
Consider scheduling backups when you typically use the computer

Computer Shutdown

Scheduled backups won't run when computer is shut down
Backup runs when computer is next turned on (if "Run When Missed" is enabled)

Laptop on Battery

Backups run normally on battery power
May impact battery life slightly during backup
Consider scheduling when laptop is typically plugged in

Multiple Schedules

You can set up multiple schedules for different needs:

Primary Schedule - Daily full backup of all paths
Frequent Schedule - Hourly backup of critical folders only

Contact support if you need to configure multiple schedules for advanced use cases.

Schedule Best Practices

Choose Off-Peak Times

Schedule backups when you're not actively using the computer to avoid slowdowns.

Consider Your Work Patterns

If you do critical work at certain times, schedule more frequent backups during those periods.

Balance Frequency and Resources

More frequent backups provide better protection but use more resources. Find the right balance for your needs.

Test Your Schedule

After setting up a schedule, verify it runs correctly by checking backup history after the scheduled time.