Frequently Asked Questions

What is Backup for Claude in IDrive?

Backup for Claude in IDrive helps protect supported Claude data stored locally on your computer by Claude Desktop and Claude Code. It backs up Claude Code conversation history and session data, desktop app settings and preferences, Claude Code configurations, instruction files, and local MCP server settings, so you can restore your Claude data if it is lost.

What data is backed up?

IDrive backs up supported Claude data stored locally on your computer, including:

• Claude Code conversation history (terminal and desktop app), including session data
• Desktop app settings and preferences
• Claude Code configurations, instruction files, and local MCP server settings

Is Claude Code data included in the backup?

Yes. The backup includes supported Claude Code data, such as conversation history and session data, configuration files, instruction files, and local MCP server settings.

Are my regular Claude chats included?

No. Regular conversations in Claude (on the web, desktop app, or mobile app) and Cowork sessions that run in the cloud are stored in your Claude account, not on your computer, so they are not included. IDrive backs up supported Claude Code conversation history and other supported data stored locally on your computer.

Does IDrive back up Claude Cowork scheduled tasks?

It depends on your Claude subscription plan. On Team and Enterprise plans, Cowork scheduled tasks can remain stored locally when the Only on this computer setting is enabled. IDrive backs up the supported locally stored scheduled task configurations. On Pro, Max, and Ultra plans, scheduled tasks are cloud-based and are not included in the backup.

Are my project files included in the backup?

No. Backup for Claude protects supported Claude application data, including Claude Code conversation history, desktop app settings and preferences, and Claude Code configurations. It does not include your working project directories, repositories, or source files. To protect these, set up a separate backup using IDrive's regular file and folder backup.

Which files are excluded from the backup?

Temporary files, cache data, crash reports, diagnostic information, downloaded application binaries, and other temporary working files are excluded to keep backups efficient.

How do I back up my Claude data?

To back up your Claude data using the IDrive application,

1. Sign in to the IDrive application using your Username and Password.
2. Click AI Agents Backup.
3. Select Claude from the list of AI agents. The Backup tab opens by default.
   
4. Click Backup Now to initiate an immediate backup. To configure automatic backups, click Schedule and set your preferred backup schedule.
   

Why can't I schedule a backup?

IDrive must detect Claude-related files or folders on your computer before you can schedule a backup. Make sure Claude Desktop is installed and has been used at least once.

How do I restore my Backup for Claude?

To restore your Claude data using the IDrive application,

1. Sign in to the IDrive application using your Username and Password.
2. Click AI Agents Backup.
3. Select Claude from the list of AI agents.
4. Click the Restore tab.
5. Select the computer from which you want to restore the backup.
   
6. Select the backup profile you want to restore.

   Note: Make sure the Claude Desktop application is completely closed before proceeding with the restoration. The backed-up files are restored to their original locations and will replace any existing Claude data at those locations.

7. Click Restore Now.

Do I need to close Claude Desktop before restoring my backup?

Yes. Close Claude Desktop completely on the restore destination device before starting the restore process. Restoring files while Claude Desktop is running may prevent the restoration from completing successfully.

Can I restore my Claude data to another computer?

Yes. You can restore your Claude data to another computer running the same operating system. Cross-platform restoration (such as Windows to macOS) is not supported. Make sure you sign in to Claude on the destination computer using the same account as on the source computer.