Abstract: A system and method is provided for selecting a backup plan based on sampled metadata. An exemplary method includes sampling metadata of files on a computer during a predetermined time interval, wherein the files are backed up to a storage server in accordance with a first backup plan. The method includes predicting file usage dynamics for a time interval subsequent to the predetermined time interval, based on a combination of the derivative features and the attributes of the metadata, and comparing the predicted file usage dynamics for the time interval with file usage dynamics of the predetermined time interval. In response to determining that a difference between the predicted file usage dynamics and the file usage dynamics of the predetermined time interval exceeds a threshold difference, the method includes selecting a second backup plan for the files, and backing up the files to the storage server accordingly.