Backup drive: Is disabling the drive in Windows safe enough?

[isaaccit]

I only backup my data to an external HDD, which I then physically turn off. In a new system build I'm thinking of installing the backup HDD in the case and leaving it "offline" via Windows' disk management.

Is that safe enough? Can viruses and the like still get past that and corrupt my backup? Should I stay with a physically disconnected backup HDD with Windows 10? Thanks.

 

[ArtPog]

As a general proposition a backup drive that's both physically & electronically isolated from the PC is the safest type of backup. So a USB external drive (as an example) would meet this requirement.

If you're working with a desktop PC and you have an available vacant 5 1/4" bay you might want to consider installing a mobile rack designed to contain a removable HDD/SSD. Virtually every PC we build is equipped with one or more mobile racks. It gives you the best of worlds in our opinion.