Azivault

Guide

Network drive backup for macOS

A network drive can be a practical Azivault destination when you want encrypted backups on storage already available on your local network.

How Azivault sees network storage

Azivault's folder destination works with folders macOS can access. That can include a mounted network share, NAS folder, or server volume. The important requirement is simple: the destination must be reachable when the backup run needs to write repository data.

Set up the destination

  1. Mount the network drive in Finder.
  2. Create or choose a folder for the Azivault repository.
  3. Open Azivault and choose Create New Plan.
  4. Choose the source folder to back up.
  5. In Storage, choose Folder and select the network folder.
  6. Choose schedule, recovery password, and Keychain settings.
  7. Add the plan and run it while the network drive is mounted.

Keep availability realistic

Network drives can sleep, disconnect, change addresses, or require login. If the repository destination is unavailable, Azivault cannot write a new completed run and restore browsing may need the destination reconnected.

For scheduled backups, choose a schedule that matches when the Mac and network storage are likely to be available. Use Run Now after setup to confirm the destination works before relying on automation.

Test restore through Finder

After a successful run, switch to Restore, use Open in Finder or Reveal in Finder, and copy one test file to a temporary folder. This confirms that the repository is reachable, unlockable, and useful for recovery.

Add an offsite layer

A network drive is often in the same building as the Mac. That helps with convenience and fast local recovery, but it does not protect against theft, fire, or site-wide failure. Pair it with an S3-compatible or other offsite destination for important files.

See also S3-compatible backup for macOS and a practical Mac backup strategy.

FAQs

Can Azivault back up to a network drive?

Yes. If macOS exposes the network destination as a folder, Azivault can use it as a folder destination for an encrypted repository.

Should the network drive stay mounted?

Yes. The destination must be available while a backup run is active, and restore browsing works best when the repository destination is reachable.

Is a network drive the same as offsite backup?

Not by itself. A network drive on the same site is useful local redundancy, but important files should also have an offsite copy.