How to Automate Windows File Backup to Cloud with rclone and FreeFileSync

Why Automatic Backup Matters

For workers the most important file is the one you cannot open, so automatic backup is essential.

Overall Architecture

Use ZhiHui Cloud OBS object storage as a bucket mounted on a Windows PC, then sync files with FreeFileSync.

Step 1: Create a Bucket

Log in to the OBS console, create a bucket and note its endpoint URL.

Step 2: Create AK/SK

Generate an Access Key and Secret Key in the console and grant it object‑storage permissions.

Step 3: Install Required Tools

Winfsp – installation steps omitted.

rclone – download, unzip and add to the system PATH.

FreeFileSync – for file synchronization.

Step 4: Mount the Bucket with rclone

Configure rclone:

rclone config

Enter a name (e.g., mys3) and the bucket name, leave Region empty, provide the endpoint and the AK/SK.

Mount command:

rclone mount mys3:/omg Z: --cache-dir D:RemoteDir --vfs-cache-mode writes

After mounting, a new drive appears in Windows Explorer.

Step 5: Sync Files with FreeFileSync

Set the source folder on the local PC and the destination as the mounted drive, then start synchronization. Save the sync job and enable Real‑Time Sync for automatic backup.

Final Note

Add RealTimeSync and rclone to startup to ensure continuous, automatic backup of important files.