Solved Macrium Reflect Ends free version

ish4d0w · Nov 27, 2022

All-time favorite Macrium Reflect backup software seems to be cancelling their free version as reported here:

https://www.ghacks.net/2022/11/27/backup-software-macrium-reflect-free-is-being-retired/

Product Support Policy

It appears current version, version 8, is the last free version, still supported for a year from now, then support is over. Sad day to see, but time to migrate to other backup software that still offer free versions such as Paragon or AOMEI.

fireberd · Nov 27, 2022

I have a paid version 8 installed and one free version.
I support paid versions and if enough do not usually the free versions go away.

dbartenstein · Nov 27, 2022

fireberd said:
I have a paid version 8 installed and one free version.
I support paid versions and if enough do not usually the free versions go away.

Aye. I will evaluate with a free version and purchase if/when it fits my needs. I have a purchased version of Macrium 8

cereberus · Nov 27, 2022

Actually, I have paid versions, so if the free version is no longer supported (not actually same as not available - time will tell).

My bigger concern is if that Macrium Reflect is going to move to an annual lease basis with Version 9 like Acronis have. This is becoming a trend across all software. Perpetual licence models are dying out regrettably. By no longer offering a free version, I have a horrible feeling.....

BrianInEngland · Nov 27, 2022

I've used the paid version since V6 and will continue to use the next version.

dbartenstein · Nov 27, 2022

cereberus said:
Actually, I have paid versions, so if the free version is no longer supported (not actually same as not available - time will tell).

My bigger concern is if that Macrium Reflect is going to move to an annual lease basis with Version 9 like Acronis have. This is becoming a trend across all software. Perpetual licence models are dying out regrettably. By no longer offering a free version, I have a horrible feeling.....

Yeah, this. I _do_ have a grandfathered lifetime license for Malwarebytes that was obtained back in the day...

ish4d0w · Nov 27, 2022

It's great to hear you all have the paid version, but don't forget that so many users (including many casual, home users) are using the free version. They are the majority, not you. Don't forget that.

I understand that, quite possibly, it is not feasible to offer this software for free anymore. But still, this is a big loss and a sad day.

clam1952 · Nov 27, 2022

Could be a sign that they are about to be swallowed up by another company that doesn't do "Free".

Ed Tittel · Nov 28, 2022

Yes, ouch! I use paid-for Macrium Reflect licenses on all 3 of my production PCs. But having access to a free version for VMs and test PCs (of which I have many more than 3 of each kind) is a literal lifesaver. This is a potential problem, and will have me looking at other free and currently supported options from vendors like MiniTool, Paragon, EaseUS, and others. All of a suddent this recent TechRadar story makes a whole lot more sense: Best free backup software of 2022. Sigh.
--Ed--

pparks1 · Nov 28, 2022

I'm also a paid user of Macrium. It was always what I would recommend to people, the free version that is. Maybe they will change their mind rebrand the name for version 9 and still offer a free option. Time will tell.

At least it will continue to work and people will be able to use it with Windows 10 and Windows 11 just as they are today.

clam1952 · Nov 28, 2022

Not having a free version could loose them future potential purchasers of the paid version.

OldMainframeGuy · Nov 28, 2022

I used the free version for a while and was so impressed that Macrium would offer it that way I decided to buy two licenses just out of gratitude. Considering the quality of the product, it's not that expensive.

OldMainframeGuy · Nov 28, 2022

clam1952 said:
Not having a free version could loose them future potential purchasers of the paid version.

It does offer a nice "try before you buy" opportunity. It's how I ended up buying it.

Winuser · Nov 28, 2022

Ed Tittel said:
Yes, ouch! I use paid-for Macrium Reflect licenses on all 3 of my production PCs. But having access to a free version for VMs and test PCs (of which I have many more than 3 of each kind) is a literal lifesaver. This is a potential problem, and will have me looking at other free and currently supported options from vendors like MiniTool, Paragon, EaseUS, and others. All of a suddent this recent TechRadar story makes a whole lot more sense: Best free backup software of 2022. Sigh.
--Ed--

I think you're right. I did wonder why Macrium wasn't listed.

BrianInEngland · Nov 28, 2022

clam1952 said:
Not having a free version could loose them future potential purchasers of the paid version.

They haven't said there won't be a trial version like there is now - instead of having features removed after 30 days it will need a licence instead of being useable for free

fixer · Nov 28, 2022

Well at least it should bring a little more variety to the Backup and Restore forum

clam1952 · Nov 28, 2022

BrianInEngland said:
They haven't said there won't be a trial version like there is now - instead of having features removed after 30 days it will need a licence instead of being useable for free

I've never thought a 30 day trial was long enough to test software properly, how many times are 99% of PC users likely to need to restore an OS in 30 days?

To add I do have the 4 device licence anyway.

Bree · Nov 28, 2022

BrianInEngland said:
They haven't said there won't be a trial version like there is now - instead of having features removed after 30 days it will need a licence instead of being useable for free

I'm sure there will continue to be a Trial version, it makes no sense to discontinue it. Currently at the end of the trial it reverts to Free if you don't purchase. I'm wondering if it will continue to do that.

Also, you are supposed to change the installed key for Trial to a key you have purchased, but if you put in the Free key it becomes the Free version. I'm keeping a note of the Free key and will see if that continues to work after Free is withdrawn.

trevo · Nov 28, 2022

Macrium Reflect for Home Use

High performance backups combined with easy to configure backup plans, complete with ransomware protection and email support.

www.macrium.com

50% off until December 1st...the obsession with "free" software is frankly ridiculous in my opinion, they are a commercial business and need to generate a profit. I don't expect free hardware or beer, don't be cheap.

cereberus · Nov 28, 2022

trevo said:
Macrium Reflect for Home Use

High performance backups combined with easy to configure backup plans, complete with ransomware protection and email support.

www.macrium.com

50% off until December 1st...the obsession with "free" software is frankly ridiculous in my opinion, they are a commercial business and need to generate a profit. I don't expect free hardware or beer, don't be cheap.

That is not the case. Most of the paid users here started with free version and realised how good it was and many bought it to support the company not just for extra features.

Many here have unashamedly recommended it to users not familiar with imaging to get them "in the loop".

However, I will struggle to recommend it to new persons as a paid version when I know there are free versions that would meet most users needs e.g. AOMEI, Easeus etc.

We do not yet know the primary reason for this but it will be about revenue of course.

Nobody can blame then for making a commercial decision if they think it is good for owners/shareholders - they are not a charity.

However, as I asked earlier, are they going to go one step further i.e. follow Acronis and move to annual lease?

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