Solved Backup Software suggestions other than ACRONIS


Thanks. I tried Macrium (free) some time ago, but since it didn't do file backup I went back to Acronis. I'll look into Macrium Premium.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
I make image copies of my drives with MR7. When Restore is selected, click on a backup image, select Browse Image, select the file, and then it can be mounted as a virtual drive. You then have access to the files and folders.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 ProIntel Core Ultra16GBIntel(R) Arc Graphics
OS
Windows 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
CPU
Intel Core Ultra
Memory
16GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) Arc Graphics
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
Screen Resolution
2880 x 1800
Hard Drives
500 GB NVMe SSD
Internet Speed
1,500Mbps
Browser
Firefox, Edge
Antivirus
Windows Defender
Quandary,
Thanks. I'll try that.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
EaseUS has worked well for my computers over the years. I've preformed many backup and restores with it, my computers are all encrypted with Veracrypt, previously I was using Bitlocker, never a problem with EaseUS.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro12th Gen i5-1240016gb Crucial 3200MHz DDR4Geforce RTX 3050
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 1760 UA92
    CPU
    12th Gen i5-12400
    Memory
    16gb Crucial 3200MHz DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 3050
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Amazon Omni Fire tv 4K 55"
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    Kingston NVME M.2 1tb
    Samsung 850 1tb sata
    PSU
    300 Watts
    Cooling
    1 Internal Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech
    Internet Speed
    300Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro10th Gen i-7, 4-core 8-threads, turbo to 3.9GHz16gbIntel Iris Plus
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    10th Gen i-7, 4-core 8-threads, turbo to 3.9GHz
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus
    Hard Drives
    500gb M.2
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
Thanks. I tried Macrium (free) some time ago, but since it didn't do file backup I went back to Acronis. I'll look into Macrium Premium.

Just to be clear, the Home Edition includes files and other good things like encryption.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
Just to be clear, the Home Edition includes files and other good things like encryption.
No it does not have encryption.

Its main features are

1) Incremental Backups

2) Macrium Image Guardian which prevents hackers tampering with online backups

3) File and Folder Backup

4) Rapid Delta Restore (instead of restoring full image, it restores by difference). This is very fast.

5) Rapid Delta Cloning - similar to Rapid Delta Restore i.e. you can update an existing clone by difference.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
No it does not have encryption.

Its main features are

1) Incremental Backups

2) Macrium Image Guardian which prevents hackers tampering with online backups

3) File and Folder Backup

4) Rapid Delta Restore (instead of restoring full image, it restores by difference). This is very fast.

5) Rapid Delta Cloning - similar to Rapid Delta Restore i.e. you can update an existing clone by difference.

OH Yes it does. I am encrypting my backups and I have home. That is the major reason I bought it.

Just look here:


Do you have even the home edition?
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    I've now clean installed 25H2 and used Garlin's scripts to update Secure Boot to CA 2023 and revoke the PCA 2011 certificates. It's new role is to test secure boot issues.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
I stand corrected. Looking at it, it is not obvious to me if the whole backup is encrypted or just the password to access backip is protected. It seems to me like the password only is encrypted?

edit: looked at help text, and it is clearly only the password that is encrypted. I guess there is no point in encrypting image backup of you get round password encryption.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
I stand corrected. Looking at it, it is not obvious to me if the whole backup is encrypted or just the password to access backip is protected. It seems to me like the password only is encrypted?

edit: looked at help text, and it is clearly only the password that is encrypted. I guess there is no point in encrypting image backup of you get round password encryption.

How can a file be protected by a password if it is not encrypted? There has to be something for the password to unlock, right? The whole backup file is encrypted in Macrium with the passowrd. The password is the encryption key and it is also stored encrypted using your windows credentials. All encryption has some form of key or password that you use to decrypt.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
How can a file be protected by a password if it is not encrypted? There has to be something for the password to unlock, right? The whole backup file is encrypted in Macrium with the passowrd. The password is the encryption key and it is also stored encrypted using your windows credentials. All encryption has some form of key or password that you use to decrypt.
You miss the point I am making - the password is stored along with the file and is obviously encrypted so a hacker cannot use a bit editor to see the password as as plain text. The file is already compressed and hence not directly readable.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
You miss the point I am making - the password is stored along with the file and is obviously encrypted so a hacker cannot use a bit editor to see the password as as plain text. The file is already compressed and hence not directly readable.

So is the file itself encrypted as well?
It would seem that it's just the password.

AES 256 bit encryption is the highest level of encryption available.
OptionDescription
Enable password protectionEnables protection of your image files.
Encrypt stored passwordsPasswords saved in your backup definition will be encrypted.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    I've now clean installed 25H2 and used Garlin's scripts to update Secure Boot to CA 2023 and revoke the PCA 2011 certificates. It's new role is to test secure boot issues.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
Seriously guys, you are both dead wrong. I am surprised you do not understand this, though Macrium doesn't explain this in great depth, and I believe you can use a password protected image without encrypting it as an option, which is not that useful and muddies the waters.

Enable Password protection does encrypt the data as it is being written to the backup image.

PasswordAdd password protection to the resulting backup files. Choose between standard, medium, and high encryption. Each increasing level of encryption will require a stronger password.

and


and


You choose the level of encryption that macrium will use to encrypt the backup file. This determines the length requirement of the password, since stronger encryption requires a longer key.

Encrypting the password is something entirely different. If you don't choose to encrypt the password you use to encrypt the backup. macrium will store that password in plain text in the xml definintion files for anyone to see. Encrypting the password stores it encrypted and you use your windows credentials (key or password) to reveal the password if you forget it.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
Seriously guys, you are both dead wrong. I am surprised you do not understand this, though Macrium doesn't explain this in great depth, and I believe you can use a password protected image without encrypting it as an option, which is not that useful and muddies the waters.

Enable Password protection does encrypt the data as it is being written to the backup image.

PasswordAdd password protection to the resulting backup files. Choose between standard, medium, and high encryption. Each increasing level of encryption will require a stronger password.

and


and


You choose the level of encryption that macrium will use to encrypt the backup file. This determines the length requirement of the password, since stronger encryption requires a longer key.

Encrypting the password is something entirely different. If you don't choose to encrypt the password you use to encrypt the backup. macrium will store that password in plain text in the xml definintion files for anyone to see. Encrypting the password stores it encrypted and you use your windows credentials (key or password) to reveal the password if you forget it.
Ok fair enough but the knowledge base article does not actually say the file is encrypted but it is clear from the post threads it is. In the end, the knowledge base article is not well written, and can easily be misinterpreted.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
As for why you would want to encrypt your backup, it protects against:

1. Theft of removable media with offline backups on it
2. theft of backups stored on an online system that has been compromised.

In either case the thief could mount the image and hack away at your system at their leisure.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
Ok fair enough but the knowledge base article does not actually say the file is encrypted but it is clear from the post threads it is. In the end, the knowledge base article is not well written, and can easily be misinterpreted.

Yes, I realize now it is not clear I agree, I just have been using it for a long while and was not aware of the sparse information available about it. And, there is apparently also the case you mentioned: password protected without image encryption, in which the password is encrypted and stored in the unencrypted image file and macrium software doesn't grant access to it unless you enter the password. This protection can be circumvented by macrium software that has been hacked to bypass the check for instance.

EDIT: I should add that the encryption is pretty fast. With it enabled I get about 200+ MB/s between SSD (128 bit encryption, I should go to 192). Modern processors include AES encryption instructions that help speed encryption up - another reason you might want a more modern processor for security performance.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900K 5800/4500 P/E all core
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768, i1 Display Pro calibration puck
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    575 Mb/s down | 25 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect X
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • At a glance

    Apple M1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
Well, everyone has convinced me to give Macrium Reflect a whirl. I bought the perpetual license. Acronis is just frustrating me recently. It seems to never do what I tell it to do - like back up my dadgummed hard disks. :(

In any event, I am over it. It has frustrated me for the last time. I figured you are all greater minds, so I'll make a switch.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 RP channelRyzen 9 5900XCorsair Vengeance RGB PRO 64GB (2x32GB) DDR4 ...ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 Super OC 12GB DDR6 / ZO...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 RP channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900X
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG X570S Edge Max WiFi
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 64GB (2x32GB) DDR4 3600 (PC4-28800) C18
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 Super OC 12GB DDR6 / ZOTAC RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC 12GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Proprietary on MB / FiiO K5Pro DAC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic XG2530 25"/Benq XL2411P 24"/ ASUS VA24DQSB) 23.8"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 240Hz/144Hz/60Hz (based on monitor setup above)
    Hard Drives
    SK hynix Gold P31 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen3 M.2 2280 Internal SSD
    ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
    PSU
    Corsair RM1000e
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower Chassis with Window
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H60i RGB PRO XT Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    ~950Mb/s download / ~700Mb/s upload
    Browser
    Edge (Chromium)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProRyzen 7 3700X32MB DDR4I forget, but it's old. I can't see the need ...
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 Gaming Motherboard
    Memory
    32MB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    I forget, but it's old. I can't see the need to upgrade it.
    Sound Card
    Propietary
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER LED 24" (dual monitor setup)
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung SSD 3.5"
    Case
    Corsair
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    ~750Mb/s download / ~750Mb/s upload
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender and Malware Bytes
  • ASUS Vivobook 16X, 16" WUXGA(1920x1200) Business Laptop Computer, AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, Full-Sized Keyboard, Webcam, HDMI
There is only one choice in my opinion which would be Macrium Reflect v 8.0.6161 , it has never failed me.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows11 Pro 26200.8894Intel Core i9 14900F (24 -Core, 68 MB Total C...32GB DDR5RTX 4080 Super w/610.74
    OS
    Windows11 Pro 26200.8894
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware Aurora R16
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 14900F (24 -Core, 68 MB Total Cache)
    Motherboard
    Dell Alienware
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4080 Super w/610.74
    Sound Card
    Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Corsair XENEON 32QHD165
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1440
    Hard Drives
    1-2TB Samsung 990 Pro PCIe NVMe M2 SSD
    1-4TB Samsung 990 Pro PCIe NVMe M2 SSD
    PSU
    1000 Watt Platinum Dell
    Case
    Alienware
    Cooling
    Liquid Closed Loop
    Keyboard
    Corsair Strafe RGB
    Mouse
    Logitech MK270 Wireless
    Internet Speed
    100Gb's Down-20 Up
    Browser
    Firefox 152.0.6
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Very Quiet And Fast
    CyberPower UPS CP1500PFCLCD
  • At a glance

    PClinuxOS Mate (2025.7)13th Gen Inter(R) Core(TM) i3-1315U64 GB DDR4 @3200 MHz.Internal
    Operating System
    PClinuxOS Mate (2025.7)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Intel
    CPU
    13th Gen Inter(R) Core(TM) i3-1315U
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 @3200 MHz.
    Graphics card(s)
    Internal
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 2419HGCF
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280
    PSU
    Chicony 30 Watt
    Case
    Small
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    Razor
    Internet Speed
    1GB
    Browser
    Slimjet

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