backup tool · Microsoft Corporation

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.

48/100

#8 of 9 backup tools
Facts checked 8 Oct 2026

In short

Windows Backup syncs Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music to OneDrive and saves apps and settings to your Microsoft account¹.
A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage; more must be bought¹.
File History backs up your libraries and Desktop to an external drive or a network location².
The legacy system image tool, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), is deprecated, and Microsoft points to third-party products for full-disk backup⁴.
A recovery drive can reinstall Windows from USB, but it does not include your personal files³.

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 install¹. 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.

Where the points come from

What it backs up8 of 30

Where backups go15 of 20

Safety and recovery0 of 25

Price25 of 25

What it backs up 8 of 30 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Full system image	NoMicrosoft deprecated the system image tool, points to third-party products, and lists image recovery as Server-only^4,5.	0 / 8
File and folder backup	YesFile History backs up libraries and the Desktop; Windows Backup syncs chosen folders to OneDrive^1,2.	4 / 4
Incremental backups	Not published	0 / 6
Scheduled backups	YesFile History watches files and makes regular backups automatically².	4 / 4
Bootable rescue media	NoThe recovery drive reinstalls Windows but holds no personal files, so it does not restore a backup³.	0 / 8

Where backups go 15 of 20 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Destinations	Local or USB drive, Network share or NAS, Vendor's own cloudFile History to an external drive or network location; Windows Backup to Microsoft's OneDrive^1,2.	15 / 20

Safety and recovery 0 of 25 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Encrypted backups	Not published	0 / 7
Backups shielded from ransomware	Not published	0 / 6
Restore to different hardware	Not published	0 / 6
Versions and retention rules	Not publishedFile History keeps earlier versions to restore, but the help page does not describe a retention setting².	0 / 6

Price 25 of 25 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Free edition	YesBuilt into Windows at no cost¹.	10 / 10
First-year price, one PC	$0Included with Windows; OneDrive gives 5 GB free¹.	8 / 8
One-time licence	YesEntirely free with Windows, with no subscription needed for File History^1,2.	7 / 7

The rule behind each line: how we score backup tools.

Plans and prices

As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.

Plan	Price as listed	Per month	Notes
Built into WindowsWindows 10 and Windows 11 PCs	Free¹	$0	Includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage with a free Microsoft account

OneDrive storage beyond the free 5 GB costs extra¹.

Strengths

Included with Windows at no extra cost¹.
File History runs on its own and keeps earlier versions you can restore².
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 account¹.

Limits

Microsoft deprecated the system image tool and says to look for a third-party product for full-disk backup⁴.
Microsoft lists system image recovery in WinRE for Windows Server editions only⁵.
Only 5 GB of OneDrive storage is free¹.
The recovery drive restores Windows to factory state and holds no personal files³.
File History backs up libraries and the Desktop; other folders must be added to a library first².

Other backup tools

1
EaseUS Todo BackupHome users who want a free edition with schedules and encryption
100/100
$39.95/yrfirst-year price, one PC
2
DuplicatiPeople who want free encrypted backups to cloud storage they already pay for
86/100
$24/yrfirst-year price, one PC
3
Paragon Backup & Recovery Community EditionHome users who want a free system image backup to a local or external drive
84/100
$19.95/yrfirst-year price, one PC
4
IDriveHouseholds backing up several PCs who also want a full system image
82/100
$3/yrfirst-year price, one PC

All 9 backup tools

Sources

Back up and restore with Windows Backup, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Backup and restore with File History, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Recovery Drive, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Deprecated features in the Windows client, Microsoft Learn. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), Microsoft Learn. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.

Website: support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-your-windows-pc-87a81f8a-78fa-456e-b521-ac0560e32338 · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.