How do you check a backup before you rely on it?

I wrote up the check I use before wiping a laptop or deleting originals: compare the original folder with its backup in Diff Anything and read what is missing, changed, only in the backup, or moved.

The part people miss: a copy can differ in content while its name, size, and date still match. For an exact copy check, turn on Compare hashes, turn off data-aware comparison of JSON and YAML and archive-content comparison, and check hidden files and ignore patterns.

Guide with a 2:30 walkthrough: https://martingruner.com/blog/check-backup-matches-original-folder

How do you verify your backups today: spot checks, a backup app's own report, or a full comparison?