Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
What types of volumes can Time Machine back up to?
Only the startup volume of a Mac
Any locally connected Mac OS Extended volume
Digital cloud storage only
Only external SSDs
The correct answer is: Any locally connected Mac OS Extended volume
Time Machine can back up to any locally connected Mac OS Extended volume, which includes external hard drives, USB drives, and network-attached storage that is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). This flexibility allows for a variety of storage solutions to be used, making it a robust option for users looking to secure their data. By supporting not just the startup volume but also any other compatible volumes, Time Machine provides users with the ability to select their preferred backup destination, whether it be an external drive or another local disk. This is particularly useful for users with larger amounts of data or those who prefer to keep backups on separate devices for additional security. Other options are limited in scope; for example, the startup volume option overlooks the multiple backup destinations Time Machine can utilize. Meanwhile, the cloud storage and external SSD options restrict the diverse capabilities Time Machine offers, as it is designed to work with various storage types beyond just one specific kind.