KeyRoutines
FilesWorks on Free

How to back up a folder to a dated zip file every day

Make a KeyRoutines routine with an At a time trigger, Format date for today's date, Zip files to create a zip such as Notes 2026-11-01.zip, and Move or copy file to put it on your backup drive. Show banner confirms it.

Steps

  1. 1

    Pick the time

    Add At a time, for example 18:00 every day, with missed runs set to run once.

  2. 2

    Get the date

    Add Format date with the format yyyy-MM-dd.

  3. 3

    Zip the folder

    Add Zip files with your folder as the source and a zip name that includes the date.

  4. 4

    Move it to the backup drive

    Add Move or copy file to move the zip to your backup folder, then Show banner "Backup done".

Tips

  • Add Delete to Recycle Bin on the backup folder with Older than 30 days to keep only a month of zips.
  • This is a simple copy, not a full backup tool with versioning; keep a proper backup for important data.

Questions

Can it back up to OneDrive?
Yes, if OneDrive syncs a folder on your PC: move the zip into it and OneDrive uploads it.
What if the PC is off at 18:00?
With missed runs set to run once, the routine runs when the PC is next on.

Blocks this routine uses

Trigger · ScheduleFree

At a time

At a time starts a routine at a time of day, every day or only on the days you pick. Classic uses are a work setup at 09:00 on weekdays and an end-of-day routine in the evening.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Format date

Format date writes a date as text in the layout you choose. It's the step behind dated file names, readable times in messages and timestamps in log files.

Step · FilesFree

Zip files

Zip files puts several files and folders into a single zip archive. It suits quick backups, sharing a batch of files, or archiving a finished project.

Step · FilesFree

Move or copy file

Move or copy file puts a file or folder somewhere else, either moving it or leaving the original and making a copy. It is the workhorse behind download sorting, archiving and backup routines.

Step · NotificationsFree

Show banner

Show banner puts a large text message on screen for a set time. Unlike a Windows notification, it still shows when a borderless full-screen app is in front, and it never takes the mouse or keyboard.

More how-to guides

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

Get KeyRoutines freeFree vs Pro