Carbonite Slow Backup Speeds: How to Speed Up Your Backups

Many users of Carbonite notice that backups can sometimes take a long time to complete, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. Slow backup speeds can be frustrating, particularly if you rely on Carbonite for continuous data protection.

This guide explains common reasons for slow backup speeds and provides actionable solutions to speed up your backups on both Windows and Mac.

Common Causes of Slow Carbonite Backups

1. Large Initial Backup

   • The first backup uploads all selected files and can take hours or days depending on data size and internet speed.

2. Slow Internet Connection

   • Upload speed is often the limiting factor for cloud backups.

3. Network Congestion

   • Heavy internet usage, multiple devices, or throttling by your ISP can slow backups.

4. Antivirus or Firewall Interference

   • Security software can scan files during upload, slowing the process.

5. Outdated Software

   • Running older versions of Carbonite may have bugs or inefficiencies.

6. Backup of Large or Many Small Files

   • Thousands of small files can take longer to upload than fewer large files.

7. Temporary Disk Space Shortages

   • Carbonite uses local disk space as a staging area before uploading files.

How to Speed Up Carbonite Backups

1️⃣ Check Internet Speed

• Test your upload speed using online tools like Speedtest.net.

• Consider upgrading your internet plan if upload speed is very low.

• Schedule backups during off-peak hours to reduce network congestion.

2️⃣ Update Carbonite Software

• Open Carbonite → Settings → Check for Updates

• Install the latest version to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements.

3️⃣ Pause and Resume Backup

• Pausing and resuming backup can clear temporary stalls.

• Windows: Right-click the Carbonite tray icon → Pause Backup → Resume Backup

• Mac: Use the menu bar icon → Pause → Resume

4️⃣ Limit the Number of Files Being Backed Up

• Avoid backing up thousands of tiny files at once.

• Combine smaller files into compressed folders (.zip) before backup.

• Focus on critical folders first, then add additional files later.

5️⃣ Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

• Add Carbonite to exceptions or whitelist in your security software.

• Temporarily disable antivirus scanning during large backups to increase speed.

6️⃣ Free Up Local Disk Space

• Ensure sufficient temporary disk space for file staging.

• Delete unnecessary files or move them to another drive if needed.

7️⃣ Use Wired Internet Instead of Wi-Fi

• Wired connections are generally faster and more stable than wireless.

• Reduces interruptions and improves upload consistency.

8️⃣ Restart Carbonite Service

Windows:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Services

2. Find Carbonite Backup Service → Restart

Mac:

1. Open Activity Monitor → Quit Carbonite processes

2. Relaunch the app

Restarting services can resolve slow performance caused by stuck processes.

9️⃣ Adjust Backup Schedule and Speed Settings

• Some Carbonite plans allow bandwidth throttling.

• Check Settings → Performance or Bandwidth to ensure it’s not limited.

• Schedule large backups during times when network usage is low.

10️⃣ Contact Carbonite Support

• If backup speeds remain unusually slow after trying all fixes, contact support for help.

• Provide your system information, internet speed, and backup size for faster assistance.

Business Users: Improving Backup Speeds

• Ensure all endpoints have sufficient bandwidth.

• Use incremental backups to avoid full uploads every time.

• Verify server and NAS devices are online and connected.

• Prioritize critical folders for faster backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long should a Carbonite backup take?
It depends on the amount of data and your upload speed. Initial backups can take hours or days.

Q2: Why is my backup faster on some days and slower on others?
Network congestion, ISP throttling, and heavy local usage can affect speeds.

Q3: Can I pause backups to speed up my computer temporarily?
Yes, pausing backup reduces CPU and disk usage, but files won’t be protected during the pause.

Q4: Does Carbonite backup speed depend on file type?
Yes, smaller files and large quantities of files may slow down backup compared to fewer, larger files.

Final Thoughts

Slow Carbonite backup speeds are often caused by large initial backups, network issues, or software conflicts. By following these steps — checking internet speed, updating software, optimizing file selection, and adjusting settings — you can significantly improve backup performance.

Regular monitoring, proper scheduling, and preventive maintenance help ensure your backups run smoothly and efficiently, keeping your data safe without unnecessary delays.