How to Test Your Backups

Why test?

A backup job showing success does not prove you can restore. Jobs can skip data, systems change and people forget how to restore. The only way to know is to try.

What to test

• A single file: the everyday restore
• A folder or mailbox: checks a larger recovery works
• A full server or virtual machine: checks you could rebuild a system
• Your cloud accounts: such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace

How to run a test

1. Choose what to restore and a point in time
2. Restore it to a safe location, not over live data
3. Time how long it takes
4. Check the data opens and is complete
5. Record the result

How often

At least twice a year, and after any big change to your systems. Put the dates in the diary.

What to record

• What you restored and when from
• How long it took
• Whether it was complete and usable
• What you would change

Compare to your targets

If a full restore takes longer than your business can be without a system, you have found something to fix before a real incident.

Also see how to write a disaster recovery plan.