Windows 11 best backup and restore option including image creation


A

anant1001

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windows 11
hello please tell me what are best backup and restore options in Windows 11, i never done one on any windows yet and plan to create a backup one on current machine and one image file too. Prefer not to do download any other software for this image creation.

1. If i can get a restore so in i dont like a software behavior i can have it restored to earlier state ?

2. A image i can keep so i need to restore my system if needed ?

Any other better suggestions are welcome and please tell how to restore too ty

I am just having just a Win USB pen drive,
 

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windows 11
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MAG B650 TOMAHAWK
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Logitech Wireless USB
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Dr Web
If you don't want third-party software, in this video i will guide you on how to create and restore an image backup of Windows operating system.

 

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Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 5700GMicron Technology DDR4-3200 16GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Pavilion
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Motherboard
Erica6
Memory
Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
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NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
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Realtek ALC671
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Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
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3840 x 2160
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SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Even Microsoft recommend using a 3rd-party backup solution these days.
There are several debates on this forum over which is 'best' but it's subjective.
Personally I use Macrium Reflect and it's unlikely I'll ever change to anything else.
 

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Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
OS
Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
MSI
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core
Motherboard
MEG X870E Godlike
Memory
64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
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Soundblaster AE-9
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
Screen Resolution
3840x2160
Hard Drives
Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB (gen 5 x4, system drive/games)
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
Samsung 870 Evo 4TB
Samsung 870 Evo 2TB
Samsung T9 4TB
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Seasonic PX-2200
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Bequiet! Dark Base Pro 901
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Noctua NH-D15S Chromax black
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Logitech G915 X (wired)
Mouse
Logitech G903 with PowerPlay charger
Internet Speed
900Mb/sec
Browser
Microsoft Edge
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Windows Defender
After using Acronis True Image for many years, when the moved to a subscription model I switched to Macrium Reflect. It's every bit as good as True Image, if not better. Probably the best imaging utility available for Windows.
 

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W11
OS
W11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
2 HP Desktops, 1 Dell Desktop, 2 Dell XPS Laptops, 1 HP Laptop
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4 & 3
Internet Speed
500 mps
Browser
Firefox
Antivirus
Bitdefender
Since Macrium REFLECT seems to be moving toward a SUBSCRIPTION model... it may be time to start looking elsewhere.
 

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Windows 10, Linux MINT (V-guests 7, 11, ZorinOS)Intel Core i7-1070032gB (DDR4)Intel UHD Graphics 630
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Windows 10, Linux MINT (V-guests 7, 11, ZorinOS)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Z2 G5 Workstation
CPU
Intel Core i7-10700
Motherboard
HP Model# 8751
Memory
32gB (DDR4)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Sound Card
Realtek basic audio
Monitor(s) Displays
32" (Viewsonic) UHD
Screen Resolution
3840 x 2160
Hard Drives
2-NvME (mainboard), 1-NvME (PCIe), 1-SATA3 SSD
allan said:
After using Acronis True Image for many years, when the moved to a subscription model I switched to Macrium Reflect. It's every bit as good as True Image, if not better. Probably the best imaging utility available for Windows.
Click to expand...
Uh... Macrium no longer supports FREE editions. Even their support forum is unavailable if you don't have a key you had to pay for
 

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Win11
OS
Win11
I use Macrium Reflect 8.1.7847 That I paid for and I can use it for as long as I want. I just do not get support from MR.
 

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System One System Two

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    Windows11 Pro 26200.8728Intel Core i9 14900F (24 -Core, 68 MB Total C...32GB DDR5RTX 4080 Super w/581.95
    OS
    Windows11 Pro 26200.8728
    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/581.95
    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 152.0.1
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    Defender
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    Very Quiet And Fast
    CyberPower UPS CP1500PFCLCD

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    PClinuxOS Mate (2025.7)13th Gen Inter(R) Core(TM) i3-1315U64 GB DDR4 @3200 MHz.Internal
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    PClinuxOS Mate (2025.7)
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    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Intel
    CPU
    13th Gen Inter(R) Core(TM) i3-1315U
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 @3200 MHz.
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    Internal
    Sound Card
    None
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    Dell 2419HGCF
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    1920 X 1080
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    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
Froggie said:
Since Macrium REFLECT seems to be moving toward a SUBSCRIPTION model... it may be time to start looking elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Nah - free version is still available and works fine. Also you can still buy a perpetual licence.
 

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Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
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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
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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
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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
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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)
CSharpDev said:
Uh... Macrium no longer supports FREE editions. Even their support forum is unavailable if you don't have a key you had to pay for
Click to expand...
You are comparing apples and bananas.

Acronis never supported free versions unless bundled with hard drive.
 

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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)
1. the in house Microsoft Image and restore point should be good enough ? is there anything wrong with MS image creation? i only looking to backup OS + Software's installed not files as such in my documents as i already have backup for it.

2. Also does restore point take take the computer back to a place where a software was not installed or installed.

3. I am actually trying to see if MS office 2021 will work on my laptop properly for couple of days before i let go of 2007 edition i am having which works good i think. Any inputs on 2021 and 2007 MS office worth upgrade would be good too ty.

4. Also on PC i have Win 11 and wanting to have backup of OS + Software's for safe keeping.
 

My Computer My Computer

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windows 11AMD 7800x3d16GB1650 super GPU
OS
windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
16GB ddr5,
CPU
AMD 7800x3d
Motherboard
MAG B650 TOMAHAWK
Memory
16GB
Graphics Card(s)
1650 super GPU
Sound Card
Creative sound blaster play 3
Monitor(s) Displays
LG 4k DVI input
Screen Resolution
4k
Hard Drives
Samsung SSD 990 Pro
PSU
MSI 1000W
Case
Corsair 5000D
Cooling
Noctua U12A
Keyboard
Logitech Wireless USB
Mouse
Logitech Wireless USB
Browser
Chrome
Antivirus
Dr Web
"good enough".???? I think MS itself has used the word "deprecated". Try it if you must. It is convoluted. Like many things, it "works" if you know its quirks.

System Restore restores certain portions of the registry. It often helps. It sometimes doesn't. It is not a "backup" unless you have your own definition of that word.

I have seen reports of Office 2007 and newer all installing and activating on Windows 11.

I don't think you'll have much luck with a "backup" of applications that does not also include Windows.

That pretty much limits you to imaging, although "cloning" meets some people's definition. Not mine.
 

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Windows 11 ProIntel 265KG Skill DDR5 2 x 16 kit 6000/36none
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Windows 11 Pro
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Manufacturer/Model
Fishmill Special
CPU
Intel 265K
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MSI Pro Z890-A
Memory
G Skill DDR5 2 x 16 kit 6000/36
Graphics Card(s)
none
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none
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Dell 2316H
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
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WD SN770 NVME 500 GB boot; Intel 660p NVME 2 TB and WD Green 3 TB storage
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Be Quiet 13M 750 ATX 3.1
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Lancool PC-K65
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Noctua U12S
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Logitech K120 Wired
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Dell MS-116
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Chrome
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Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes
Fishmill said:
"good enough".???? I think MS itself has used the word "deprecated". Try it if you must. It is convoluted. Like many things, it "works" if you know its quirks.
Click to expand...

I’ve been using it (Backup & Restore) since Windows 7, literally made well over a hundred images. The one time it ever failed on me, was due to a hard drive issue not Backup and Restore. I am aware there are naysayers here, and that’s personal opinion which I appreciate, but my personal opinion is that it’s great. It isn’t at all ”Convoluted” in my opinion, a couple of clicks and you’re done.
Yes, Microsoft has stated it is or is to be deprecated. It’s said that for years. I am still using it.

I also use Acronis sorry, AOMEI Backupper
 
Last edited:

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  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    ROG SupremeFX Formula 8-Channel High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list. OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
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    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
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    All sorts
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    Kaspersky Premium
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    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Process...16GB LPDDR5-52001x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - Type 82YL
    CPU
    13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Processor(Core™ i5-1340P)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5-5200
    Graphics card(s)
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512 GB SSD PCIe
    Mouse
    Logiteck MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    2000/500
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.


    Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above
    Ports: 1x 1 Novo button; 2 in 1 Audio Combo jack; Micro SD Card Reader; HDMI 1.4b; 2 x USB Type-C (TBT4)
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 DP 1.4a
    PD 3.0); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A
    Camera
    1x 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid with Privacy Shutter and Dual Array Microphone
    Graphics
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Monitor
    14" WUXGA
    Form Factor
    Convertible Notebook
  • Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)

    Yoga 7 2-in-1 14IML9 - Type 83DJ

    Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H Processor(Core™ Ultra 7 155H)

    Memory: 32GB LPD5X-7467

    Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD PCIe

    Wireless Network: 1x Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above

    Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS; 1 x Novo Button; 1 x Combo Audio Jack
    2 x USB-C (USB 4.0)
    1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

    Camera: 1080P FHD IR Hybrid with Dual Microphone

    Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics

    Monitor: 14" 2.8K

    ...Where's my horse?
If you don't want to use the built in Windows 7 imaging program then you probably will need to instal a program to do images. EaseUs is a free one that's quite simple to use.

I've recently started using idrive though. Not instead of a system image, but as a belt and braces. It's not free. It costs about £70 a year, but I really like it. The initial back up takes ages, but after that it just backs up anything new once a day - and that's easier than doing a system image regularly - especially if you forget. The main reason I like it is I've twice had external hard drives fail on me and either lost images or lost files (managed to retrieve them though). I just find it quicker and simpler now. It doesn't make system images though - just backs up all personal files.
 

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  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2Core i5-1035G132gb
    OS
    Windows 11 Home 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3606sa
    CPU
    Core i5-1035G1
    Memory
    32gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870 evo sata ssd
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally came installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeIntel Core i5-1035G116gb
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion ce3606sa
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-1035G1
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Hynix Gold P31 2TB
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
CSharpDev said:
Uh... Macrium no longer supports FREE editions. Even their support forum is unavailable if you don't have a key you had to pay for
Click to expand...

1) I don't understand your point. Acronis was never a free product. The issue is they switched from a perpetual license to subscription pricing.

2) While Macrium Reflect isn't cheap, it isn't any more expensive than its major competitors. And it IS a one-time payment for a perpetual license.

3) If you have a free version of Macrium Reflect, it will continue to work - just no updates or support.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

W11
OS
W11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
2 HP Desktops, 1 Dell Desktop, 2 Dell XPS Laptops, 1 HP Laptop
Keyboard
Logitech
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4 & 3
Internet Speed
500 mps
Browser
Firefox
Antivirus
Bitdefender
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