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The Windows File History software is a backup and sync tool that safeguards files that are stored within particular folders, such as the library, the desktop, favourites, and contacts. It makes copies of these files so that they may be easily restored in the event that there are problems with the system, such as a restart, a refresh, or a crash. Although Windows File History is a popular option, there are over 50 other choices available across a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, online/web-based, and Android.
These options may be found in the file management section of the Control Panel. The free and open-source program known as Duplicati is an option worth considering as an alternative. TimeShift, Déjà Dup, BackBlaze, and Time Machine are some of the additional options that come highly recommended. These various options provide functions that are comparable in terms of backing up and synchronizing data.
Why Look for Windows File History Alternatives?
Even though Windows File History can back up files in a basic way, users may look for other options for a number of reasons:
- Advanced Features: Windows File History might not have important advanced features like system picture backups, encryption, cloud storage integration, and remote backup.
- Customization options: Alternative backup solutions often offer more freedom in terms of backup schedules, file selection, retention rules, and backup methods, so users can make the backup process fit their needs.
- Additional Backup Types: Windows File History mostly focuses on file-level backups, but alternatives may offer choices for disc imaging, partition backups, and application-specific backups, making for a more complete backup solution.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Windows File History Alternatives
When choosing options for Windows File History, think about the following: Backup Features: Look for backup solutions with full features like automatic backups, incremental or differential backups, encryption, compression, versioning, and flexible restore choices.
- Ease of Use: Choose backup software that is easy to use and has intuitive interfaces and simple setup processes to make the backup and recovery processes easier.
- Options for Storage: Think about backup programs that work with a wide variety of storage devices, such as external hard drives, network drives, cloud storage, and faraway servers.
- Compatibility: Make sure that the option backup software works with your version of Windows and any other needs you may have, like support for Windows Server or a certain file system.
Top Windows File History Alternatives
Windows File History is a built-in backup tool in Windows that backs up your files automatically to a storage device outside of your computer. But if you don’t want to use Windows File History, here are some good alternatives:
EaseUS Todo Backup
Features:
EaseUS Todo Backup is a robust piece of backup software that offers a variety of capabilities for the purpose of providing all-encompassing data protection. It provides versatile backup options, such as full, incremental, and differential backups, for users to choose from. EaseUS Todo Backup can clone full discs or partitions, in addition to supporting file-level backups, system image backups, and disk/partition backups. It can also back up individual files. In addition to that, it comes with features like as regularly scheduled backups, encryption, compression, and connectivity with cloud storage.
The Good
- Comprehensive backup features for different backup types
- User-friendly interface with straightforward setup
- Support for scheduled and event-triggered backups
The Bad
- Limited support for backup to network drives
Duplicati
Features:
The open-source backup program known as Duplicati provides robust encryption capabilities in addition to deduplication tools. It is compatible with a wide variety of backup targets, including local storage, network drives, and cloud storage services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. A number of useful tools, including scheduled backups, automated backups on file changes, compression, and email notifications, are included in the Duplicati package. Users are also given the ability to set their own unique retention policies and perform backups using a robust encryption method called AES-256.
The Good
- Open-source software with strong encryption capabilities
- Wide range of backup storage options
- Flexibility in scheduling and automation
The Bad
- Requires some technical knowledge for advanced configuration
Perfect Backup
Features:
The backup program known as Perfect Backup is packed with a wide variety of features and provides extensive data security. It is compatible with a variety of backup methods, including backups at the file level, backups of discs and partitions, and copies of the entire system. Users have the ability to maximize backup speed and storage efficiency by taking use of the full, incremental, and differential backup options that are provided by Perfect Backup. In addition, it provides tools for encrypting data, compressing data, scheduling backups, and verifying backups in order to protect the integrity of data.
The Good
- Support for different backup types
- Options for full, incremental, and differential backups
- Encryption and compression features
- Scheduling and backup verification options
The Bad
- User interface can be overwhelming for beginners
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
Features:
A comprehensive backup and cybersecurity solution, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is ideal for small businesses. It provides comprehensive picture backups, file-level backups, and the ability to clone discs in addition to its other advanced backup features. Additionally, ransomware protection, safe cloud storage, and antivirus and anti-malware protection are incorporated into the software. Encryption, authentication based on blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence-based protection from new threats are some of the features that Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office offers to secure the integrity of your data.
The Good
- All-in-one backup and cybersecurity solution
- Advanced backup features for different backup types
- Antivirus and anti-malware protection
- Ransomware protection to safeguard data
The Bad
- Higher cost compared to some other alternatives
- Some advanced features may require additional configuration
Macrium Reflect
Features:
Macrium Reflect is a well-known piece of backup software that is well-known for the imaging and cloning features that it possesses. It provides functionality such as complete image backups, differential and incremental backups, backup scheduling, and the ability to clone discs and partitions. Macrium Reflect also includes features for encrypting backups, compressing them, and verifying their authenticity. It is compatible with a variety of storage destinations, including as drives located locally, drives located on a network, and cloud storage services.
The Good
- Robust disk imaging and cloning capabilities
- Options for full, differential, and incremental backups
- Support for backup scheduling
- Encryption and compression for data security
The Bad
- User interface may be less intuitive for beginners
- Advanced features may require additional configuration
AOMEI Backupper
Features:
AOMEI Backupper is an all-encompassing backup and recovery program that offers a wide variety of sophisticated capabilities and supports a wide variety of backup formats. Users are given the ability to create full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups with this software.
Clone operations, disc imaging, backups of individual files and folders, as well as backups of the entire system, are all supported by AOMEI Backupper. Encryption, compression, regularly scheduled backups, and backup verification are some of the features that are included in the software.
The Good
- Comprehensive backup and recovery features
- Support for various backup types and clone operations
- Encryption and compression for data security
- Scheduling options for automated backups
The Bad
- Free version has limitations on certain advanced features
Veeam Agent for Windows
Features:
The Veeam Agent for Windows is a robust backup program that was developed specifically for both physical and virtual settings. It provides capabilities like as backups at the file level, backups of the entire system, and backups based on images. Veeam Agent features encryption and scheduling, in addition to providing a wide variety of backup options, such as full, incremental, and differential backups. In addition to that, it provides more advanced capabilities such as quick recovery, recovery at a granular file level, and backup to cloud storage.
The Good
- Comprehensive backup features for physical and virtual environments
- Support for various backup types and backup methods
- Scheduling and encryption for data protection
The Bad
- Advanced features may require a higher-priced edition
Backblaze
Features:
Backblaze is a well-known cloud backup service that provides users with an infinite amount of storage space for the purpose of storing up their information. It offers continuous real-time backup, which guarantees that your files are always at the most recent version possible. Encryption and two-factor authentication are only two of the powerful security measures that are available from Backblaze. The software is simple to use and gives you the ability to recover files from any location by using their web interface or their mobile app on your mobile device.
The Good
- Continuous real-time backup ensures up-to-date file backups.
- Unlimited cloud storage for all your files.
- Easy file restoration from any location.
The Bad
- No option for local or external drive backups.
- Requires an internet connection for backup and restoration.
Carbonite
Features:
A cloud-based system that provides automatic and ongoing backups of your files, Carbonite is a cloud backup solution. Because it has an infinite capacity for storage, it is an excellent choice for protecting massive amounts of data. File versioning, remote access to files, and mobile apps are some of the capabilities that are included with Carbonite, which allow for convenient file restoration while on the move. In addition to this, it offers robust encryption to safeguard the confidentiality of your files.
The Good
- Automatic and continuous backups for peace of mind.
- Unlimited cloud storage for backing up large amounts of data.
- File versioning allows retrieval of previous file versions.
The Bad
- No local or external drive backup option.
- Higher pricing plans for additional features.
Questions and Answers
Yes, most of the alternatives mentioned in this piece, like EaseUS Todo Backup, AOMEI Backupper, and Veeam Agent for Windows, have options for setting up automatic backups at set times.
Yes, many of the choices listed, like EaseUS Todo Backup, Duplicati, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, and AOMEI Backupper, give you the option to encrypt your backup data to make sure it stays safe.
Yes, alternatives like Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, Macrium Reflect, AOMEI Backupper, and Veeam Agent for Windows support full system backups, so you can back up your entire operating system, apps, and files.