Backup Software suggestions

mrmatt · Apr 14, 2026

Although I have not done so yet, the time is going to come when I am going to need to do a disk image or backup.

I don't know anything really about them. However, I found a download of Macrium Reflect 8, which is apparently the last free one they released.

What do people think ? Is it any good ? What other alternatives are there, please ?

I think I would prefer an actual copy to an external hard drive, rather than 'in the cloud'.

Thanks, if anyone can provide any suggestions please.

OAT · Apr 14, 2026

mrmatt said:
Although I have not done so yet, the time is going to come when I am going to need to do a disk image or backup.

I don't know anything really about them. However, I found a download of Macrium Reflect 8, which is apparently the last free one they released.

What do people think ? Is it any good ? What other alternatives are there, please ?

I think I would prefer an actual copy to an external hard drive, rather than 'in the cloud'.

Thanks, if anyone can provide any suggestions please.

This question has been asked and answered many times.
Please use the search at the top of the page for backup software.
Here is one of many:

help me decide on best pc backup software

according to online sources relying on restore points isnt 100% reliable so iam thinking about trying backup software but i want to save it via a USB device thus freeing up space on my pc. never bothered with backing up...and restore points takes up space that i need. macrium, acronis true...

www.elevenforum.com

mrmatt · Apr 14, 2026

What about Windows features - is there anything part of W11 for either cloning / imaging, or individual file backup, please ?

What about other software for individual file / folder backup, please ?

Thanks.

MitchInHome · Apr 14, 2026

I've used Reflect for years with no issues except $'s - Haselo Backup is free Windows Backup & Restore (Windows 7) had so many issues and MS even says don't use it.

HTA · Apr 14, 2026

Been a Macrium user for years and have been very satisfied. We are getting a good deal on a four license Macrium X package. I don't mind paying a fair price for a superior product like this one, everyone has to make a living. Also, Macrium is based in the UK and not China or Russia.

Fishmill · Apr 14, 2026

Windows has built in capabilities, but they can be finicky. Microsoft encourages you to look elsewhere.

"Backup" is a rather vague term.

As you've hinted at, I'd try to divide it into 2 categories: backup of individual personal files and backup of your "system" (Windows and installed applications).

Macrium can do both, but some think separate programs for each category is more flexible.

For individual file backup, you can consider SyncBackFree or Free File Sync, among others. They don't use "imaging", but simply make duplicates of your files in their standard format.

Nowadays, I'd guess Hasleo is the primary competitor to Macrium for system backup.

I have used SyncBackFree for nearly 10 years without issues. I run it once or twice a day. It makes duplicate copies of the 150,000 personal files I have. Each run takes a minute or less.

I used Macrium for 10 years, but recently switched to Hasleo because Macrium has gone to a subscription model.

Steve C · Apr 15, 2026

The free version of Reflect is fine but no longer supported. I still use an old Reflect 8 licence on my laptop but decided to buy Reflect X for my main desktop PC. Bold decision to select Chines backup software despite good reports.

mrmatt · Apr 15, 2026

Fishmill said:
Windows has built in capabilities, but they can be finicky. Microsoft encourages you to look elsewhere.

"Backup" is a rather vague term.

As you've hinted at, I'd try to divide it into 2 categories: backup of individual personal files and backup of your "system" (Windows and installed applications).

Macrium can do both, but some think separate programs for each category is more flexible.

For individual file backup, you can consider SyncBackFree or Free File Sync, among others. They don't use "imaging", but simply make duplicates of your files in their standard format.

Nowadays, I'd guess Hasleo is the primary competitor to Macrium for system backup.

I have used SyncBackFree for nearly 10 years without issues. I run it once or twice a day. It makes duplicate copies of the 150,000 personal files I have. Each run takes a minute or less.

I used Macrium for 10 years, but recently switched to Hasleo because Macrium has gone to a subscription model.

I'd need both (one for 'imaging', one for file backup).

I'll try Macrium for imaging, and I'll have a look at SyncBackFree.

SgtStanko · Apr 15, 2026

mrmatt said:
Although I have not done so yet, the time is going to come when I am going to need to do a disk image or backup.

Ugggh, I have seen this question sooooo many times in sooooo many forums .

1.) If you own a pc and have not yet backed it up , any catastrophe that may happen would be your own fault , because the time should have come and went already , one of the first pieces of software anyone should install on their system is backup software , and after installed the first thing they should do is run a backup or image of a "clean state" so you have a last resort fallback.

2.) Backup software is a matter of personal choice , Macrium being the best but since they changed their licensing model a yearly subscription may be a little steep for some.

3.) There are also plenty of good free backup options ..... Google is your friend

gunrunnerjohn · Apr 15, 2026

Hasleo is worth a look. The Hasleo Free Backup works well for my secondary machine.

mrmatt · Apr 15, 2026

SgtStanko said:
Ugggh, I have seen this question sooooo many times in sooooo many forums .

1.) If you own a pc and have not yet backed it up , any catastrophe that may happen would be your own fault , because the time should have come and went already , one of the first pieces of software anyone should install on their system is backup software , and after installed the first thing they should do is run a backup or image of a "clean state" so you have a last resort fallback.

2.) Backup software is a matter of personal choice , Macrium being the best but since they changed their licensing model a yearly subscription may be a little steep for some.

3.) There are also plenty of good free backup options ..... Google is your friend

It's something I know very little about, although I am trying to learn. Obviously I recognise the necessity to do so, and sooner than later.

I need something that's easy to use, although paid-for software isn't really an option. Yes, I am aware of the phrase 'you get what you pay for', but..........

As long as I can 'clone' or 'image' (?) when needed to as a precaution, relatively quickly, before doing something important. Also, the facility to back up Pictures, Documents, and other necessary important files and folders. We have an external HD.

We have OneDrive as part of Windows, but only the free version (5gb), and there just isn't room. It's showing that the storage estimate for the stuff we should back up is 65.78gb currently.

Fishmill · Apr 15, 2026

You might consider making a new full image file just BEFORE accepting Windows Updates.

If not more often.

mrmatt · Apr 15, 2026

Fishmill said:
You might consider making a new full image file just BEFORE accepting Windows Updates.

If not more often.

Well, yes.

Terence · Apr 16, 2026

New here.

I use Macrium Reflect Home X 10.0.8843. Great backup software. It cost me CA$ 77.37 per year.

TraderGary · Apr 16, 2026

I use Macrium Reflect X. It's considered the gold standard. My data and my photos are priceless to me, so I don't mind paying a fair price for a superior product.

SgtStanko · Apr 16, 2026

TraderGary said:
I use Macrium Reflect X. It's considered the gold standard. My data and my photos are priceless to me, so I don't mind paying a fair price for a superior product.

Fair price? I don't think so , do the math, amount of subscriptions x user base = an amount that would make your head spin. It's greed and nothing but. They could have kept their old licensing model and STILL made money. For the amount of work and updates they put into Macrium a year doesn't warrant what they charge yearly for it.

While it is GOOD backup software , better than most , I wouldn't go so far as to call it superior, Macrium has had it's fair share of headaches in the past.

Bree · Apr 16, 2026

mrmatt said:
However, I found a download of Macrium Reflect 8, which is apparently the last free one they released.

What do people think ? Is it any good ?

Reflect Free v8.0 is the last version before Reflect Free was retired. I first used Macrium Reflect as Reflect Free v7.0. I liked it so much I bought a 4-pack of v7 licences shortly after. Those got upgraded to v8, and I also now have a Reflect X subscription.

But I have more PCs than licences, so all the rest use Reflect Free v8.0, which still works with the latest Win11 builds. I have found it to be 100% reliable. The only risk is that one day MS may make changes to the OS that breaks Reflect v8. If so, neither the free or paid versions should expect to get a patch from Macrium. That has happened once before to my knowledge, but as Reflect v8 continues to work in the latest Insider Canary builds it seems unlikely to happen again any time soon.

Others who'd prefer a currently supported product speak well of Hasleo.

badrobot · Apr 16, 2026

mrmatt said:
Although I have not done so yet, the time is going to come when I am going to need to do a disk image or backup.

I don't know anything really about them. However, I found a download of Macrium Reflect 8, which is apparently the last free one they released.

What do people think ? Is it any good ? What other alternatives are there, please ?

I think I would prefer an actual copy to an external hard drive, rather than 'in the cloud'.

Thanks, if anyone can provide any suggestions please.

Been using it for the past decade, Macrium is the best. I just use it for OS backups.

mrmatt · Apr 16, 2026

Thank you all for your recommendations and advice.

TraderGary · Apr 16, 2026

SgtStanko said:
Fair price? I don't think so , do the math, amount of subscriptions x user base = an amount that would make your head spin. It's greed and nothing but. They could have kept their old licensing model and STILL made money. For the amount of work and updates they put into Macrium a year doesn't warrant what they charge yearly for it.

While it is GOOD backup software , better than most , I wouldn't go so far as to call it superior, Macrium has had it's fair share of headaches in the past.

I'm quite satisfied with the quality of Macrium Reflect X and the subscription price I pay. Your value system obviously differs from mine.

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