What makes Time Machine necessary if using iCloud?

Does make sense to use Time Machine with external drive if I already have all my files stored in iCloud? What laptop information is Time Machine keeping that cannot be stored in iCloud?

Solution 1:

Time Machine can, in theory, restore the exact state of your Mac at any time. All apps, prefs, settings, documents.

iCloud will restore only your documents. Everything else would need to be re-installed from scratch.

Whether or not you consider that 'necessary' is your call.

Solution 2:

Yes Time Machine is needed even if you have iCloud. iCloud is not a backup system it is synchronisation.

Time Machine makes a copy of your file so it is in two places and if you delete one then the other is still there

iCloud makes the file available in several places but if you delete it in one then it is deleted in all places.

Also Time Machine copies all files on your disk and iCloud only syncs a few folders.