File Backup and Restoration Time Frames

The time it takes to complete your initial backup with Backblaze Computer Backup and to restore a backup using a web download depends on the speed of your internet connection. You can test your connection to the service using the Backblaze speed test.

Backup Time Frame

Backblaze recommends that you keep your computer on at night and prevent it from sleeping while Backblaze Computer Backup completes the initial backup. Your first backup may take a substantial amount of time because it needs to upload all of your initial files. After the initial backup is complete, subsequent backups should be much quicker because Backblaze Computer Backup only uploads new or changed files.

Restoration Time Frame

Typical home internet speeds let you download approximately 1 GB per hour. Backblaze prepares your download by compressing your data into a ZIP file. The speed of this process depends on the number of individual files and file sizes. You can monitor this process on the My Restores page. For downloads that are larger than 1 GB, you should use the Backblaze Downloader app for Mac or Windows.

You can also have your backup shipped to you on a USB hard drive. Backblaze ships your USB hard drive using FedEx within 3 to 10 days of your request, depending on the size of your restore. Restores over 1 TB may take several days due to the large amount of data that needs to be prepared. All USB restores are prepared and shipped from the United States, even if your data is stored in a non-U.S. data center. You can monitor the progress of your shipment on the My Restores page.