If your device is running slowly, or you're upgrading your PC or Windows, or sending it in for repairs, it's important to keep your data safe. That's where backups come in.
While an online backup will work, an offline one ensures that you can restore your computer even without an internet connection. Plus, it's immediately available. You can save the backup data to another system or external device like a USB, CD, DVD, or similar.
So, if you're wondering what the top 10 offline backup software recommendations for 2022 are, we've got you covered!
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Users employ both offline and online backup. These days, many people prefer to use only online backup services, which even offer some of the features that were once exclusive to offline backup software. What are the key differences between them? Which one is better? If you're pondering these questions, we have the answers!
Offline backups are preferable to online ones because they don't send your data to any external location, thus ensuring its safety. Plus, since the file isn't stored in any secondary location, you can access and retrieve it more quickly. You can save your data on any folder on your device, another device, or your preferred external drive. The coolest part is that you don't have to put in much effort to set up and configure the process. Most software can save all your data with default settings.
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While offline backup programs offer cloud storage options, you would need an internet connection if you choose to do so. If you have a lot of data to back up and not enough device storage, you could opt for a cloud drive, so the process is online too!
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Online backup, also referred to as network backup software, supplements the shortcomings of offline backup. It does require an internet connection, but many people store their data on cloud drives for easy access to files and programs. The process is more time-consuming but more reliable. For this, you would need to set up a wizard and initiate the backup process.
This is cost-effective because your system doesn't need much memory or external drives to back up data, saving you money. Online backup software offers better support and gives you more control over your data. The backup process may be slightly slower due to the need for internet access, but it's more convenient to restore backed-up data this way.
Also read: Cloud Backup vs Local Backup
Be it a crashed operating system, a Windows crash, or any such issue, backups always come to the rescue. An offline backup allows you to save all your data to an external drive or a secondary folder without any internet connection to your computer. You can retrieve your backed-up files even without access to the internet on your computer. Here, we list the best offline software for the job!
The figures for testing the best local backup programs are:
Number of backup software tested | 25 |
Duration of testing | 45 days |
Testing devices | A Lenovo desktop with Windows 10 and an HP laptop with Windows 11 |
Backup sources | Files, folders, system, disks, partitions |
Backup speed | 10MB/s - 120MB/s |
Recommended offline backup software | Todo Backup tool |
Price range | 40 USD - 220 USD |
They are as follows:
Let's learn about their properties!
How can an online backup tool not only back up files but also applications and their configurations?
If so, we highly recommend using Todo Backup, one of the best Windows backup software tools on the market!
With just one click, you can achieve swift, efficient, and reliable backups, with all your data securely stored. The process is seamless, ensuring no loss of any kind. It doesn't matter whether you're tech-savvy or not! Its interface is even simpler than Windows, making it user-friendly for both novices and tech enthusiasts alike! Whether you want to clone your hard drive or back up programs and files, it's all effortlessly done. If you use Adobe and Figma software, this tool also backs up their configurations.
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System Requirements
Your Windows operating system should have a processor of at least 500 MHz or faster. Additionally, for Windows 10/11 or earlier versions, your device should have a minimum of 2 GB of RAM.
How about an updated, yet stylish, offline backup utility?
If so, then FileFort Backup, a file-level backup tool, can do the job! Its trendy interface provides for a great backup experience. The good part is that it's fashionable and easy to use. However, since the utility doesn't create a system image, you can back up to another disk all your system resources, so it can't be recommended as a full backup solution. You can copy the copies to external drives like USB, CD, DVD, or similar devices.
It's one of the best free Windows 11 backup software. After downloading the software, you get a wizard to configure and run the backup process. You can back up all your files and folders to an external disk drive, or even to a remote FTP server if you know how to. You can even encrypt the backups. If you prefer to back up data offline, the tool can schedule backups at fixed intervals. This best backup software for Windows and Mac can automate your backups. It saves files as ZIP or BKF types, making it a good choice for Windows File History backups.
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The software works with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, and Vista. If you have a Mac, it's compatible with macOS 10.5 through 10.14.
?Related reading: The best solution to backup files in Windows 11 | How to backup a file
What about a full offline backup?
R-Drive Image can help you with that! You can back up your images and files to an image and restore them to an external drive when needed. It's an efficient utility software to store all your data on an external hard drive. Additionally, you can restore backed-up files and images to removable devices. When your system fails, you can use this software to retrieve your files from the created backup.
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System Requirements
This offline software is compatible with various operating system versions, ranging from Windows 2000 to Windows 11. Additionally, you need to have administrative privileges on your device to access and use the software.
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How about a utility that makes backups faster?
Well, watch out for those Ivy League rejects!
The software creates backups rather quickly. With its user-friendly GUI, users, from novices to pros, can grasp the backup process rapidly. If you don't want to back up all your files, you can choose specific ones, and the software will only back up those files. This helps save time, especially if you want to back up only important files and folders or some critical data or all of it. There's one significant downside, though. Since it uses cloud technology to store backups, you need an active internet connection to access these files. Hence, it's not a genuinely offline backup!
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Your system needs to have 4GB of available RAM. This can be used for Windows 8 or later versions, such as 10/11.
Are there any completely free local backup tools?
If so, you should consider using the Paragon Backup and Recovery Free software!
This free backup software offers you plenty of options to back up your local drives and go offline, making it one of the best hard disk backup software out there. You can even automate the backup process. The free version is for personal use only. As an offline software, it doesn't use cloud computing technology. The backup is secure, reliable, and suitable for personal use. In case of a system failure, crash, or something similar, you have a backup to keep you safe. You can save it on any external drive. Additionally, it supports partition backup options.
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Your computer needs to have a processor speed of 300 MHz or higher. It should also have at least 256 MB of RAM. In addition, you need a WinPE recovery disc with at least 512 MB of space. An external hard drive must be BIOS-compatible.
How about an offline backup software that automatically backs up to a specified directory and external drive?
Cobian Backup 11 can do this if needed!
You can automate the backup of your catalogs to external drives and additional folders. However, to back up files to an FTP server, you need an active Internet connection, so the backup software isn't entirely offline. The process is as straightforward as with other backup tools. You can compress and encrypt backup data for added security.
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It runs on all versions of Windows, from Windows 2003 through XP, Vista, 7, 8 to Windows 10.
How can you set up an offline backup system that lets you choose specific files to back up?
If that's what you need, then Areca Backup is the tool for you! It allows you to back up your files and folders, choose where to save your backups, either by creating file copies or zip archives. You can store and retrieve your data offline, and it's very straightforward for beginners, running with no advanced setup required. Plus, the cloned files will appear on your device with an XML extension, which you can edit.
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The program is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 2002, and 10 operating systems. In addition, it works with all 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
What about free backup programs for personal or business use?
FBackup is an excellent example of such backup software, available for both personal and commercial use, entirely for free. You can configure it to perform automatic backups at specified dates and times and schedule the backup process. Whenever you opt for a full offline backup, it creates a standard ZIP compression file. Since it employs ZIP64 compression technology, you can back up data up to 2 GB in size. If you prefer an uncompressed backup, you can opt for cloud backup services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, among others; however, you would need an internet connection to retrieve your files.
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To run this program, you need a copy of Windows Server in version 2003, 7, 2008, 8, 8.1, 2012, 10, 2017, or 2019. Additionally, your system needs at least 200 MB of free disk space. If your crucial backup data exceeds 200 MB, you'll require additional storage.
How can I look for an offline backup software that automatically backs up data when it detects changes on the device?
If it does, then Bvckup 2 will cope with it just fine!
This automated backup software keeps an eye on source files so your data is backed up whenever necessary. You can perform a complete backup all at once or in batches. The offline software enables you to back up at your preferred frequency. Additionally, you can choose not to run the program under certain circumstances.
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The software runs on Windows 10, 11, and earlier versions of the operating system.
Is there any custom offline backup software? Backup Maker could be your choice.
Database backup software enables you to customize the data backup process as per your requirements. Whether you prefer to automate backups to an external drive or perform manual backups, it caters to your needs. However, an internet connection is necessary if you're saving the backups to a cloud storage space and retrieving them later. You can even securely back up your data via FTP or FTPS. Furthermore, you have the option to back up only altered data or new files. It also allows you to distribute the backup process across different devices.
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It works on all versions of Windows from Vista through Windows 11, as well as on Windows server editions starting with Windows 2003. It's available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
When it comes to offline backup tools, we have to ask – why recommend them?
Out of these ten backup software, Todo Backup stands out with its features. Some offline software may not guarantee the safety of your data. Its free version comes with a lot of useful features and is entirely free of cost. The tool backs up all your data, including programs, files, photos, videos, media, and even application configurations. It makes a full offline backup in the form of an image that you can then move to an external drive or computer.
This software saves your data faster and allows you to access it quickly. It's the ideal choice if you want to clone a hard drive or external drive. The tool ensures that all your data is safe and secure. You won't lose any data throughout the process. You can set up a schedule to back up your data on a weekly basis.
It's also a bootable backup software that can create partitions and help you make bootable backups in Windows. While some people think its enterprise plans are a bit pricy, the difference is worth it. If your company is on a tight budget, you can opt for the online process with cloud storage.
Here are the steps to use the Todo Backup tool:
Step 1: Tap Choose Backup to start the backup process.
Step 2. There are four backup types: Files, Disk, System, and Mail. Click on Files.
Step 3: The left pane displays the files on your computer and those on the network. Expand the folders and select the files you want to back up.
Step 4: Choose where you want to save your backup, following the on-screen instructions.
Clicking “Options” lets you set a backup password, schedule backups, and create backup profiles that run when specific events occur. There are many other options you can customize during the backup process, too.
Step 5: You can save the backup to your local drive, the tool's online service, or a NAS.
Step 6: Todo Backup lets users back up their data to third-party cloud drives as well as their own.
If you want to back up to a third-party cloud, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add a cloud device, signing in with your account.
You can also save the backup to the tool's cloud storage service. Click Tool Cloud, sign up for a tool account, and log in.
Step 7. Click “Backup Now” to start the backup process. When it's done, it will appear as a card on the left panel. You can right-click on it to manage the backup job.
You might have some questions about backup software! We'll answer some common ones here.
Backup software creates copies of your data, which you can then transfer to any other device, typically an external one.
When choosing an offline backup software, several criteria should be met. The tool should be secure, reliable, within your budget, and capable of performing a full data backup. Crucially, it should not lose any backed-up data before you can restore it. The backup copies should be easily accessible. For businesses, consider your budget or opt for online backup services that support cloud backup drives. Additionally, timely technical support should be available.
Full backups make it easier and faster to clone your data. They store all the information in a single file, which makes for quicker restoration.
When looking at the top 10 offline backup software for 2022, you'll find your answer. Offline software allows you to back up and restore files faster and with more security. Our experts have picked out a few select backup software, but you should consider their features before choosing!
We recommend using Todo Backup, which can meet all your needs. The process is simple, fast, secure, and reliable! Most importantly, it allows for a full backup and supports partition backup.