Quick Start
5 minutes from install to your first successful restore
The biggest risk with backup software is "installed but never tested a restore." This guide walks you through the full loop: install → add source → first backup → restore one file to verify. Only when you've confirmed you can get data back is backup truly set up.
Download and install
Grab the Windows installer (~30 MB) from the website, double-click to run through the wizard. The installer writes to Program Files and optionally adds the app to PATH; you'll be prompted for admin consent once. Supports Windows 10/11 64-bit.
Launch and activate
Start Ginkgo Backup after install. On first launch you'll be asked to enter an activation code. The code binds your installation to a distributor and loads branding configuration. After activation, the app is ready to use.
Add a backup source
Open Ginkgo Backup, click "Add Source," pick the folder you want to protect — Documents, Photos, code projects all work. You can add multiple sources.
Run the first backup
Click "Backup Now." The first run scans and backs up everything, which may take a few minutes for large folders. Subsequent runs only process changes and are very fast.
Restore a file to verify
Go to the Snapshots browser, right-click any file, view version history, pick a version and "Restore" to a new location. Confirm you can retrieve it — that's the whole point of backup.
Why verify a restore?
An untested backup is no backup. Many users discover corruption or misconfiguration only when disaster strikes. Spend 30 seconds restoring one file to be truly confident.