You may ask why someone would want to back up SharePoint online in local storage. Well, there are quite a number of reasons for doing it; maybe they want speedier access or have some extra safety for the files. However, keeping a copy on a local drive does help. Even if your server has problems or simple errors, the data stays safe. So, if you want to know how this can be done, you're in the right place. Here, we will explore the procedure to backup SharePoint Online to local storage.

Reasons to backup SharePoint Online to local storage

Understanding the common reasons for backing up SharePoint Online to local storage is also important.

• We can access our SharePoint data directly without requiring a web browser.
• If you desire offline access, just save it to your local drive.
• Local backup provides extra safety for our files. If there are problems with the server, we still have our files.
• Also, restoring from local storage can be faster than restoring from a cloud backup.

Methods for backing up SharePoint Online to Local storage.

The first method we will discuss is the manual method. To use this method, just follow the steps given.

Manual Method to backing up SharePoint Online to local storage

1. Open SharePoint in your internet browser.
2. Find the file or folder you need & click it.
3. Right-click that item and select "download" to save that.

This method is very easy. But if you want another way, here are those steps:

1. Log in to SharePoint using your Microsoft account.
2. Search for the Document Library & Click on it.
3. After choosing it, tap Sync.
4. Then, there will be a new window displayed. Click on Sync Now.
5. Then, the SharePoint file will sync with OneDrive.
6. After that, open File Explorer and navigate to OneDrive.
7. Then, find that synced SharePoint folder inside your OneDrive folder. Here, you can view, edit & save files.

Are these methods good enough to backup SharePoint Online to local storage?

Well, in my opinion, there is a more secure way of doing this task and these methods have some downsides too, like:

• First of all, you cannot back up everything at once with these methods; you have to repeat the process.
• Also, these methods may involve a lengthy process with good tech skills.
• This has no schedule option and often worries regular backups.
• Data may lost in the process. So be careful and use them as a precaution with a backup.

Secure way to backup SharePoint Online to local storage

The most reliable and secure way to back up SharePoint Online to local storage is by using the automated tool. So, for that, I have a great tool: the Shoviv SharePoint backup tool. This tool is the ideal option for many reasons, such as it is very user-friendly and has all the necessary features packed into it to smooth the backup process.

Features of this SharePoint backup tool

• In this software, users can import the entire library of documents, including templates and site pages, all at once.
• Websites can, of course, be added with no size limitation.
• Moreover, users get filtering and scheduling capabilities.
• The application has an Incremental backup facility to avoid duplication.
• SharePoint and Windows OS support all the versions.
• Also, the software allows users to test it on all the parameters in the free version.

How to use Shoviv’s SharePoint backup tool?

1. Open the Shoviv SharePoint Backup Tool.
2. Then, create a connection by adding your SharePoint.
3. After that, create a Backup job and use the filter option if needed.
4. Also, use the schedule job feature to back up data periodically.
5. Finally, review the backup job settings and click Finish.

Conclusion

Backing up SharePoint Online to Local storage is complex, but it has many benefits. However, manually backing up may cause various problems because of many downsides, so instead of using manual methods, automated tools like the Shoviv SharePoint tool are way more beneficial because they provide many handy features and are easy to use.