--- title: Windows Backup (built into Windows) canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/windows-backup/ category: Backup Software points: 48 rank: 8 of 9 facts_checked: 2026-10-08 --- # Windows Backup (built into Windows) The free backup tools in Windows 11: Windows Backup to OneDrive, File History to an external drive, and a recovery drive. 48 points out of 100. #8 of 9 backup tools. Vendor: Microsoft Corporation. Website: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-your-windows-pc-87a81f8a-78fa-456e-b521-ac0560e32338 - Windows Backup syncs Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music to OneDrive and saves apps and settings to your Microsoft account [1]. - A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage; more must be bought [1]. - File History backs up your libraries and Desktop to an external drive or a network location [2]. - The legacy system image tool, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), is deprecated, and Microsoft points to third-party products for full-disk backup [4]. - A recovery drive can reinstall Windows from USB, but it does not include your personal files [3]. Verdict: The tools built into Windows suit people who only need their files backed up and already use OneDrive or an external drive [1][2]. They cost nothing and need no install [1]. The catch: Microsoft has deprecated its system image tool and documents no encryption or retention settings for these backups, so a full-system backup needs another product [4][2]. Best for: People who want free file backup without installing anything. ## Points | Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note | |---|---|---|---|---| | What it backs up | Full system image | No | 0/8 | Microsoft deprecated the system image tool, points to third-party products, and lists image recovery as Server-only [4][5]. | | What it backs up | File and folder backup | Yes | 4/4 | File History backs up libraries and the Desktop; Windows Backup syncs chosen folders to OneDrive [1][2]. | | What it backs up | Incremental backups | Not published | 0/6 | | | What it backs up | Scheduled backups | Yes | 4/4 | File History watches files and makes regular backups automatically [2]. | | What it backs up | Bootable rescue media | No | 0/8 | The recovery drive reinstalls Windows but holds no personal files, so it does not restore a backup [3]. | | Where backups go | Destinations | Local or USB drive, Network share or NAS, Vendor's own cloud | 15/20 | File History to an external drive or network location; Windows Backup to Microsoft's OneDrive [1][2]. | | Safety and recovery | Encrypted backups | Not published | 0/7 | | | Safety and recovery | Backups shielded from ransomware | Not published | 0/6 | | | Safety and recovery | Restore to different hardware | Not published | 0/6 | | | Safety and recovery | Versions and retention rules | Not published | 0/6 | File History keeps earlier versions to restore, but the help page does not describe a retention setting [2]. | | Price | Free edition | Yes | 10/10 | Built into Windows at no cost [1]. | | Price | First-year price, one PC | $0 | 8/8 | Included with Windows; OneDrive gives 5 GB free [1]. | | Price | One-time licence | Yes | 7/7 | Entirely free with Windows, with no subscription needed for File History [1][2]. | ## Plans | Plan | Price | Per month (USD) | |---|---|---| | Built into Windows | Free [1] | $0 | OneDrive storage beyond the free 5 GB costs extra [1]. ## Strengths - Included with Windows at no extra cost [1]. - File History runs on its own and keeps earlier versions you can restore [2]. - Backs up to OneDrive, an external drive or a network location [1][2]. - Windows Backup also saves installed apps, Wi-Fi networks and Windows settings to your Microsoft account [1]. ## Limits - Microsoft deprecated the system image tool and says to look for a third-party product for full-disk backup [4]. - Microsoft lists system image recovery in WinRE for Windows Server editions only [5]. - Only 5 GB of OneDrive storage is free [1]. - The recovery drive restores Windows to factory state and holds no personal files [3]. - File History backs up libraries and the Desktop; other folders must be added to a library first [2]. ## Sources 1. [Back up and restore with Windows Backup](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-your-windows-pc-87a81f8a-78fa-456e-b521-ac0560e32338), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 2. [Backup and restore with File History](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/backup-and-restore-with-file-history-7bf065bf-f1ea-0a78-c1cf-7dcf51cc8bfc), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 3. [Recovery Drive](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-a-recovery-drive-abb4691b-5324-6d4a-8766-73fab304c246), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 4. [Deprecated features in the Windows client](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/deprecated-features), Microsoft Learn, accessed 2026-10-08 5. [Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-recovery-environment--windows-re--technical-reference), Microsoft Learn, accessed 2026-10-08