Windows 10 offers several backup tools to help protect your data from loss or damage. This article will introduce the backup utilities available in Windows 10, describe their respective features, and provide guidance on choosing the right backup tool for your needs.

What backup tools are available in Windows 10?

Manual Backup - Using Windows Built-in Tools:

    • File History: Backs up copies of the Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop folders, as well as any OneDrive files that are available offline on your PC.
    • Backup and Restore: Create backups of files, folders, and a system image.

Automatic Backup - Free Backup Software for Windows:

    • Todo Backup Free: Back up anything you want, such as the operating system, files, hard drives (internal and external disks), and Outlook emails.
    • Cobian Backup: Back up your directories and files.
    • Fbackup: Back up files and folders.
    • IDrive Mirror: Backup your entire operating system and all data files to the cloud.
    • Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office: Create an image of your entire PC, including the operating system, applications, settings, folders, and configurations to the cloud, NAS, and external drives.

?RELATED READING: [99% Choose] How to Backup Entire Hard Drive Windows 10

Comparing Built-in Windows Tools with Reliable Backup Software

Backup all folders and files - all software.
Backup system and disks: with Todo Backup tools, Windows Backup and Restore.
Cloud backup: using Todo Backup tools, IDrive Mirror, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office.

See the supported operating systems and fees.

Comparison Operating System Free (?)
Todo Backup Free Tool Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista
File History Windows 8.1/10/11
Backup and Restore Windows 8/10/11
Fbackup Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008 (32/64-bit)

Free

Advanced version: $49.99

Cobian Backup Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
IDrive Mirror Online

30-day free trial

Max cost: $52.12

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11/Server 2011

Free

Advanced version: $49.99

#1. (Recommended) Free Windows 10 Backup Tool - Todo Backup

is a free backup software that helps you protect your crucial data. It offers various features to ensure the safety of your data, including file backup, system backup, and disk backup. With Todo Backup Free, you can schedule automatic backups and even encrypt your backups for added security.

Tool Todo Backup Free

Whether you're worried about losing important files or just want to have your data backed up in case of an emergency, Todo Backup Free is a great option.

Of course, more can and should be done.

Pros Cons

1. Unlimited file/system/disk/partition backup and restore.

2. 250GB cloud storage is offered for free.

3. Support disaster recovery when computer fails to boot.

4. Get different types of backups: full backup/differential backup/incremental backup.

You may upgrade to Todo Backup Home for more cloud storage space and clone feature.

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Backing Up Files with File History

#2. File History - Windows 10 File Backup Utility

File History is a feature in Windows that automatically saves copies of your files to an external drive. If you lose a file or accidentally delete it, or if you make changes to a file and then decide you don't want them, File History can help you restore your files.

How to enable File History: Enable File History in Windows 10.

1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer, then open the File History window from the Control Panel.

View file history

From here, you can select which folders you want File History to watch, and how often you want it to save copies of your files. Once File History is set up, it will automatically save new versions of your files every hour by default.

How to Recover Files from File History:

To restore a file, you just open the File History panel and browse the available versions of the file. When you find the version you want, select it and click “Restore.” Then, File History copies that file back to its original location on your hard drive.

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#3. Backup and Restore - Disk Backup Tools for Windows 10

Backup and Restore in Windows 10 is a feature that allows you to create backups of your files and restore them when needed. You can use this feature to back up files on your computer to an external hard drive or a network location.

How to Use the Windows 10 Backup Tool

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security. Under Backup and Restore, click the Backup and Restore link.

Step 2: On the Backup and Restore page, click the Create a system image link.

Create system image to USB Create system image to USB

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions.

    • On the next page, the system will ask where you want to save your backup.
    • You can choose to save it to an external hard drive or a network location.
    • After selecting the location, click "Next" to proceed.
    • On the following page, you'll be asked what content you want to include in the backup. You can choose everything or select specific files and folders.
    • After making your selection, click "Next" to continue.
    • On the next screen, you'll be asked when you want to create the backup. You can choose to create it immediately or schedule it for a later time.
    • Once you've made your choice, click "Next" to proceed further.

Step 4: Before creating the backup, you'll get a final screen to review your choices. When you're ready, tap "Finish" to start the backup.

To restore files using Windows Backup and Restore, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and click on "Backup and Restore."

2. Click “Recover my files.”

3. Select the drive for your backup file, then click “Next.”

4. Choose the folder for your backup file, then click “Next.”

5. Choose the date you want to restore to, then click “Next.”

6. Select the files you want to recover and click “Recover”.

7. When the restore is complete, tap Done.

#4. Windows 10 Backup Tool - Cobian Backup

The software download didn't take too long – it was only 18.8MB. When I started the backup, I was a little confused because everything was white and I didn't know where to add new tasks.

Cobian Backup

Cobian Backup is a free Windows 10 backup tool that can be used to schedule and create backups of files and folders on Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/11. It offers basic options to create scheduled backups and encrypt and compress them.

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Pros Cons

1. Absolutely free Windows backup software.

2. Highly flexible: allows setting up scheduled backups and choosing backup types.

3. Intuitive interface.

1. Lacks clear instructions.

2. No cloning feature compared to other software.

#5. FBackup - A Backup Tool for Windows 10

When looking for free Windows backup software, you should check another Windows backup tool – Fbackup. Fbackup is a free backup software that helps you back up important files on a schedule. It's easy to use and has four factors that make it very powerful.

Fbackup

Experience seamless flow:

    • Where - Specify the destination location to save the backup files.
    • What to backup - Select the source data that needs to be backed up.
    • How to backup - Choose the backup type (full backup or incremental backup).
    • When to backup - Schedule the backup times (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).

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Advantages Disadvantages

1. Intuitive interface with links to operation guides.

2. Regular updates on new features.

3. Sufficient functionality for daily backup needs.

Multiple pages need to be navigated through for the download process.

#6. Automatic Backup Tool - IDrive Mirror

If offline backup isn't your goal, you might consider using a cloud-based disk imaging backup software. IDrive Mirror is an online backup service that helps protect your important files from loss or damage.

IDrive Mirror

With IDrive Mirror, you can choose to store your backups on the cloud or on a local drive. You can also schedule backups and set up automatic backups to ensure your files are always protected. Create an account and start downloading the app now.

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Pros Cons

1. Free 30-day trial with no credit card required.

2. Protects your data with high-standard backup technology.

3. Check your backup schedule and target machine online anytime.

4. Flexibly back up multiple computers under one account.

1. Cannot selectively back up individual files or folders.

2. The "Modify" button in the backup interface is not prominent.

3. Offers 1 TB of free storage. Additional space requires purchasing an upgrade plan ($52.12 for the first year).

#7. Acronis True Image Cyber Protection Home Edition

When it comes to cloud backup tools, you can't go wrong with Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that helps you protect your data and devices, back up your files and applications to the cloud or external drives, and recover from ransomware or malware attacks. Offering the most extensive set of features to defend against sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware, viruses, spyware, and other malware, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office ensures comprehensive protection for your digital life.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Note: It is used as a toolkit for setting the data.

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Advantages Disadvantages

1. Offers cloud backup service with 1 TB of free storage.

2. Allows cloning of old hard drives to larger disks.

3. Provides malware protection for your devices and backups.

4. Enables recovery of cloud backup files from any device.

1. Longer download times (e.g., for an 805 MB file).

2. Requires creating an Acronis account before backing up data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 10 Backup Tools

1. Does Windows 10 have a backup tool? Yes, Windows 10 includes a built-in tool called "Backup and Restore." You can find it in the Settings app by clicking on "Update & Security" and then selecting the "Backup" option. Additionally, Windows 10 offers a "File History" feature that can regularly back up your personal files.

Yes, File History, and Backup and Restore.

What is the best way to back up a Windows 10 computer?

To recover all data without losing any, we recommend using the Todo Backup Free tool. It possesses powerful features that allow you to create backups for your device.

3. How do you upgrade a hard drive in Windows 10? - Quora.com

Step one: back up your data. This is important, because installing a new drive will wipe everything from your existing one. With your new drive in hand, you can begin the installation.

Step Two: If you're upgrading an older drive, you'll need to format the new one before you can use it. Once that's done, you can copy your data over and use the drive as normal.

4. How do I backup software in Windows 10? - Quora.com

You can use the built-in backup feature of your operating system. To access this, go to Control Panel and select "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)." From here, you can create a backup schedule and specify which files and folders you want to include in the backup.