Solved Macrium Reflect Replacement


Jamis

The Nut In The Cellar
Member
Local time
3:34 PM
Posts
81
Location
Northwest Ohio, USA
OS
W11 Home v. 22H2 bld. 22621.2506
I am about to replace my 14 year old tower running W10 with a new W11 Home edition system. I have been running MR for backups and system images. I tried MS File History, but it doesn't seem to work well and I read it's being "sunsetted". I also just received notice that MR free is also on the way out. Is there any Free to use replacement for backing up a W11 system? Don't want to use the cloud and would rather utilize my internal and external HDDs for backups. As soon as I get a new system, I'll fill in the system specs. section.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W11 Home v. 22H2 bld. 22621.2506
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY/TE01-3254
    CPU
    Intel i7 12700, @ 2.1-4.9 ghz, 12 core
    Motherboard
    The Mother Of All Boards
    Memory
    16GB, DDR4, 3200 mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 770
    Sound Card
    internal, 5.1 Surround Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 22", mdl: 2269W
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 internal- 1 TB SSD, 1 internal-1 TB SATA HDD, 1 USB external- 256GB SATA HDD, 2 USB external- 1 TB SATA HDD
    PSU
    310 watts
    Case
    HP ENVY
    Cooling
    Air, three internal fans
    Keyboard
    HP wireless
    Mouse
    HP wireless
    Internet Speed
    200+ Mb/sec Local Cable Gateway, Netgear R6400 bridged router, PC ethernet connection to Modem/Route
    Browser
    FireFox v.113.0.2, Chrome v.112.0.5615.121
    Antivirus
    Norton360 w/LifeLock
    Other Info
    4 USB 2.0 Type A Ports, 2 USB 3.0 Type A Ports, 2 USB 3.1 Type A Ports, 1 USB 3.0 Type C Port, 2 M.2 Slots
    Macrium Reflect v.8.0.7279
Welcome to the forum. Just because Macrium free will no longer be offered or supported, the free version you have should still work for some time to come. That being said, many of those here who are long time Macrium users believe in supporting Macrium and have bought their product. Of course there are other free backup applications out there. But purchasing backup software that you know works is a small price to pay to feel secure. Macrium usually offers deep discounts toward the end of the year around Black Friday and the holidays
Other free ones that come to mind are Backupper, Paragon, and ToDo but there are more. I can't personally recommend one because I haven't used them.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
I am about to replace my 14 year old tower running W10 with a new W11 Home edition system. I have been running MR for backups and system images. I tried MS File History, but it doesn't seem to work well and I read it's being "sunsetted". I also just received notice that MR free is also on the way out. Is there any Free to use replacement for backing up a W11 system? Don't want to use the cloud and would rather utilize my internal and external HDDs for backups. As soon as I get a new system, I'll fill in the system specs. section.




AOMEI Backupper guides...
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
For system images, I use this file on a USB flash drive that has first been formatted with Ventoy and that contains the official Windows 11 Installation ISO file from Microsoft and a copy of my WinRE.wim file (you can grab it after running reagentc /disable in a command prompt, then reagentc /enable and, optionally, delete your Recovery partition after that), along with the Wimboot Plugin for Ventoy.
Personally, I, don't do scheduled automatic/unattended imaging jobs, but I know that it's possible to do with some extras, also via remote (LAN/WAN) if you really need/want to.

Choosing to create an image file of your Windows partition on this same Windows partition works, as does choosing to specify what files/folders you want to be excluded from image. While image creation is still in progress, I highly recommend to check the Verify image checkbox that appears at the bottom of the window.

For copying files/folders to external HDD (or internal HDD hooked up to my laptop via USB3), I use only FastCopy. Copying eliminates the dependency on backup software and backup file formats, and, the ability to store MD5 hash codes for later (re)use is a nice bonus, but I also love the fact that it can log errors on a per file basis, and can do so with full Unicode support. Last but not least, when copying very large amounts of data, TeraCopy and Robocopy both tend to flurb where FastCopy just puts that ultra-wide, can't be wiped off grin on your face. :D
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus TUF Gaming (2024)
    CPU
    i7 13650HX
    Memory
    16GB DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Cooling
    2× Arc Flow Fans, 4× exhaust vents, 5× heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Internet Speed
    20Mbit/s up, 250Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
  • Operating System
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Medion S15450
    CPU
    i5 1135G7
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    2TB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Internet Speed
    20Mbit/s up, 250Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
This is a bit of a long post, but worth reading (imo) as choosing an alternative can be more complicated than you think.

I have been on a mission to find the "best" alternative for me for Macrium Reflect. I stress it is for me as everbody's needs differ.

See Restore Comparisons using Macrium Easeus, Aoemei & Hasleo for more details.

In context, this is my disk setup, with five partitions:

1 - EFI, 2 - MSR, 3 - C Drive (OS + progs), 4 - Recovery Partition, 5 - D Drive (data)

When I make an image backup, I only backup partitions 1 to 4. The data drive is backed up separately by other methods. The reason for this is to keep the image backup lean and mean, and very fast to do.

With Macrium Reflect, you just tick partitions you want to backup, and you tick partitions you want to restore.
Not only that, you can change order, resize etc very easily using drag and drop.

Same for other tools?

First none have the drag and drop capabilities (admittededly that is advanced usage).

So in my case, I can select to do system backup as I do not want to back up drive D (several 100's of GBS). C Drive is around 40 GB.

Sound simple?

Macrium Reflect
Backup - Select partitions 1 to 4, and you backup to image file. You can select Backup Windows in menu and it ticks partitions 1 - 4 for you if you wish.
Restore - Select which partitions you want to restore, and restore them.
Perfect!

What about the others?


This is where it get complicated.

Most of the others have 2 or 3 modes:

System Mode - backs up files needed to restore Windows
Drive Mode - backs up all partitions
Partition Mode - backs up selected partitions (some times Drive and Partition mode are just 1 mode and you can select which partitions to initially backup)


System Mode
The key problem with them is most have a different idea what consists a system backup.

Nearly all (AOMEI, Easeus, Veeam) ignore the MSR partition. Not a big deal, but on restores, it often gets deleted causing partitions to be "renumbered" which can upset any batch files you have made.

Hasleo does backup the MSR but bizarrely does not backup the Recovery Partition!

None of tools I tested simply choose the 4 standard partitions that are the official Windows layout.

Drive Mode
The key problem here is everything gets backed up which is very inflexible and in my case totally unwanted.

Partition Mode
This is more flexible and allows you to select Partitions 1 - 4 to backup. Great more like I wanted!
However ALL of the are a total PITA, as on Restore, you can only select one partition at a time to restore.


Another minor issue is that some Hasleo, Veeam require a service to be automatically running all the time even from start up to work - you cannot disable service, or even put it on manual.

Summary
1) None of the well known Macrium Reflect alternatives allow you to backup the 1st 4 partitions in one go, and restore them all in one go.

2) They either exclude partitions, or only allow you to restore one partition at a time.

3) Worse, on system restore, some may change your partition layout!

If these alternatives allowed you to restore more than one partition at a time in Partition mode, that would be much better. Of course, none of the alternatives have Reflect's drag and drop flexibility and easy resizing, especially when cloning/restoring to different sized drives.

My advice of tool to use
I cannot advise a specific tool - everybody's needs are different.
You have to evaluate each alternative to check it does what you need.

Do not just select one because somebody says so, or it looks nice.

You have to test restores to make sure it restores exactly how you want it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


For happy Reflect Free users, you have 3 choices:

1) continue to use it after EOL - many still use V6 or V7 even. Frankly, it will probably work for many years to come if it works now. A crucial point to remember is V8.0 has been out for 2 years and is very well debugged. It will continue to work with minimal risk until MS do something to Windows that breaks it.

2) go to an alternative but follow my adice above about testing whichever you choose thoroughly.

3) Splash the cash and pay for Reflect Home - no need to rush - wait till Black Friday in hope of major 50% discount. They also offer 20% off periodically.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
Thanks folks. I don't feel buying a MR License is out of the question. Given what we are going to spend on this new machine and what it holds, the license fee is pretty small potatoes. I like what MR can do and it did a good job restoring the old system when things got corrupted. To be honest, I owe them. More later when the new hardware arrives.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W11 Home v. 22H2 bld. 22621.2506
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY/TE01-3254
    CPU
    Intel i7 12700, @ 2.1-4.9 ghz, 12 core
    Motherboard
    The Mother Of All Boards
    Memory
    16GB, DDR4, 3200 mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 770
    Sound Card
    internal, 5.1 Surround Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 22", mdl: 2269W
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 internal- 1 TB SSD, 1 internal-1 TB SATA HDD, 1 USB external- 256GB SATA HDD, 2 USB external- 1 TB SATA HDD
    PSU
    310 watts
    Case
    HP ENVY
    Cooling
    Air, three internal fans
    Keyboard
    HP wireless
    Mouse
    HP wireless
    Internet Speed
    200+ Mb/sec Local Cable Gateway, Netgear R6400 bridged router, PC ethernet connection to Modem/Route
    Browser
    FireFox v.113.0.2, Chrome v.112.0.5615.121
    Antivirus
    Norton360 w/LifeLock
    Other Info
    4 USB 2.0 Type A Ports, 2 USB 3.0 Type A Ports, 2 USB 3.1 Type A Ports, 1 USB 3.0 Type C Port, 2 M.2 Slots
    Macrium Reflect v.8.0.7279
Thanks folks. I don't feel buying a MR License is out of the question. Given what we are going to spend on this new machine and what it holds, the license fee is pretty small potatoes. I like what MR can do and it did a good job restoring the old system when things got corrupted. To be honest, I owe them. More later when the new hardware arrives.
Macrium usually offers 50% licenses from time to time. Maybe use the version you have now until they run their next promo. I bought mine back in Sept of 2021, and did the 4 pack for $69.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
Macrium usually offers 50% licenses from time to time. Maybe use the version you have now until they run their next promo. I bought mine back in Sept of 2021, and did the 4 pack for $69.
They certainly offer 20% deals periodically. The 50% deal is normally only Black Friday but was offered on some special day (something like a special company anniversary). Let's hope they offer the traditional 50% off on Black Friday.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
Thanks folks. I don't feel buying a MR License is out of the question. Given what we are going to spend on this new machine and what it holds, the license fee is pretty small potatoes. I like what MR can do and it did a good job restoring the old system when things got corrupted. To be honest, I owe them. More later when the new hardware arrives.
Great attitude - as my dear old Gran use to say:

1) You get what you pay for
2) Buy cheap, pay dear.

Most of my key software is paid for - a whole culture has unfortunately built up expecting free software.

Equally, many unrealistically expect free updates and free upgrades in perpetuity for a one off fee. For decent software, a company would go bust eventually.

Macrium Reflect offer free updates to a purchased licence UNTIL the next version comes out, but give a 50% discount if you upgrade.

However, there is a liitle trick you can play - I do not bother with a 50% upgrade - I just wait till Black Friday and buy 4 new licences at 50% off. I have 4 V7 and 4 V8 licences. The V7 licences remain valid as I did not upgrade them to V8 but bought 4 new V8 for same price.

Of course, there is no guarantee of 50% of on Black Friday - if not, I would just pay to upgrade (assuming 50% off is offered for upgrades - there would be a lot of unhappy bunnies if this changed for the worse).

Naturally, the V7 licences are no longer supported but I still sometimes use them inside virtual machines for the convenience of Rapid Delta Restore. I am less concerned about V& not working, as I back up vhds from host using V8 anyway.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0

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