Best Free Backup Software For Windows 10 & 11 in 2026

An operating system enables software and hardware to run, so if it crashes or if the hard drive malfunctions, stored files and folders might get wiped out from a computer’s memory. Tools for restoring lost files and data are available, and they can come without cost. Free Windows backup software duplicates files, folders, and computer settings for the purpose 0f restoring them in the event of a disaster. It can cover individual computers and the devices covered by an office network. Picking free backup software for Windows can be challenging, given the number of notable products on the market, so you can start your search with our category leader, BDRSuite, along with our other recommendations.

The best free backup software for Windows 10 ensure that important files and data are preserved following a computer crash or hard drive failure. As such, some software companies charge high for the service, especially for the coverage of multiple workstations. To entice buyers to try their products, these firms offer free trials and free plans that carry the platform’s core features. Free trials let you try all the features of a software system. Meanwhile, Windows backup software free plans offer limited access and features but can be used permanently. Users can upgrade to a paid plan if they want more coverage. The best Windows backup software free plans are furnished by BDRSuite, EaseUS Todo Backup, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, AOMEI Cyber Backup, and ManageEngine OS Deployer.

• Individual users looking to protect their files and folders. Individual users leverage free Windows backup software for Windows 10 & 11 to set and update restore points. Restore points are previous versions or states of your desktop that will be restored following a system crash.
• Businesses planning to back up their files. Businesses of all scales require comprehensive backup solutions to protect the files of every workstation in the event of a disaster. The systems they typically use can be set to automatically schedule and perform system backups.

• BDRSuite: A comprehensive backup and recovery system that deploys cloud-based and on-premise solutions to guarantee backups for Microsoft and Google Workspace users. It unifies backup management for multiple workstations in one platform, backs up critical apps, furnishes granular file recovery, and offers encryption and compression.
• EaseUS Todo Backup: A robust backup and recovery system for Windows, macOS, databases, and office servers. It automates and schedules backups. The platform also has a memory capacity of 16 TB, covers Outlook data, and supports backups to and recovery from the cloud.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: An end-to-end file recovery system that enables users to recover more than 550 file types. In addition, the platform can recover data from different storage devices, thoroughly scan computer systems for lost files, and retrieve accidentally deleted files.
• AOMEI Cyber Backup: A free backup software Windows 10 systems are compatible with, the software can perform backups and recoveries for multiple devices. Backup operations can be automated and scheduled as the system protects the data stored in SQL, VMWare, and Hyper-V servers. It also has solutions for task management and log management.
• ManageEngine OS Deployer: A feature-rich OS deployment system that automatically deploys operating systems on networks, computers, and servers. It offers comprehensive solutions for disk imaging, remote office management, disk image customization, deployment scheduling, and post-deployment task management.

Free Windows backup software for Windows 10 & 11 can be categorized into four general types:

• File-based data backup: This is the most common free backup software Windows edition as software solutions specialize in backing up and recovering files and data across all covered devices.
• Disk imaging: This type backs up physical devices like hard disks and plug-in hard drives along with their partitions. It is also known as “bare metal backup.”
• File synchronization: Applications in this category duplicate files in multiple locations and run them concurrently, as backups can be performed in real-time.
• Backup as a Service (BaaS): Some backup software platforms perform all backup operations as well as some of the tasks surrounding the process. The service offers options for versioning, automation, and encryption.

• Backup: Free Windows backup software systems store and duplicate files, folders, settings, and sometimes applications. The stored files are placed in restore points, which reflect a computer’s condition when restored. Backup platforms have multiple restore points so you can recover various versions of your desktop and its files.
• Backup Scheduling: Backing up computers manually can be tedious. As such, advanced Windows free backup software lets you automate and schedule the backup process. The platform can also be set to routinely back up your desktop so you can restore it with the latest files, data, and settings in the event of a computer crash.
• Data Compression: Backing up and replicating files consumes a lot of storage space, so the best free Windows backup software compresses files and data to decrease their size without damaging or corrupting their content and framework.
• Backup Security: Security features like encryption, access controls, and layered authentication can be applied to backup directories and the backup software. These prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing files.
• Verification Mode: To ensure that backed up files are not corrupted, Windows free backup software utilize checksum-based functionalities, verifying the condition of each file. These features monitor the health of stored files and data before and after backup operations.
• Remote Backup: Some free backup Windows software can perform and schedule backups remotely. This works best with companies that conduct remote operations or implement work-from-home schemes.

• File and data protection. Businesses lose a lot of money from downtime and data loss. After all, events like hard drive failure, operating system corruption, and natural disasters can occur anytime. Free Windows backup software for Windows 10 & 11 ensure the recovery of lost files, folders, and data after a disaster.
• Convenient backups. Free backup software for PC and other operating systems allows you to schedule routine backups. This eliminates the tedious process of manually duplicating files on different storage apps and devices. The platform can also automatically send notifications after a backup has been completed.
• Backup away from the office. With free backup software Win 10 operating systems can run, you can perform backups for the computers in your network even if you’re not in the office. Advanced platforms enable remote backups.
• Secure storage. Free PC backup software systems come with expansive storage space that can fit all duplicated files, data, and apps in a restore point. The platforms also have security features like encryption and layered authentication to prevent unauthorized people from accessing them.
• Compact duplicate files. Since free Windows backup software systems compress backed-up files, they take up less space in a hard drive. Computers with large storage space can still function optimally after a backup.

Automated storage tiering is gaining traction. Some advanced systems have taken the next step in backup and recovery solutions by adopting automated storage tiering. With it, users can have the application automatically categorize backed-up files according to business value based on the frequency of use or the rules set by organizations.

The growth of deduplication. Although many backup systems compress files and have dedicated storage space, backup operations can occupy too much space in the hard drive. As such, organizations have started adopting deduplication to reduce the sizes of backed-up files. The process cuts duplicate copies of repeated data to free up storage space.

Service protection gets a boost. The popularity of cloud computing, virtualization, and remote operations has led to the expansion of backup policies. Some organizations have taken a service-level approach to backup operations, which extends the coverage of backup strategies to products and services. Backup and recovery systems are seen to adopt this approach in the foreseeable future.

Backup errors. There are instances when files and data that are being backed up become corrupted, rendering them unusable. Sometimes backup operations also fail to copy all the critical files and data. As such, going with top-tier backup software is essential to reduce the occurrence of errors.

Outdated technology. As applications advance, the file types stored increase. If an organization leverages old technology or does not update its backup program, it may not support all the files stored in a computer. This can also lead to corrupted files and data during backup operations.

Tedious process. It’s advisable to pick solutions that automatically perform backup operations since these take time and can distract employees from their official tasks. Software systems that enable backup scheduling and verify the conditions of backed-up files and data streamline the process.

Windows 10 backup software free packages are forever costless but customers who need more coverage and increased accessibility are prompted to upgrade to a range of paid plans. The subscription terms of these plans can be monthly, annually, one-time (for on-premise software), or by quotation. Since backup operations are critical and utilized by large enterprises, an annual payment for premium services can go as high as $10,000 a year. But solutions for small businesses and mid-sized companies are much more affordable, with some going as low as a little over a dollar per month.

The latest figures imply the growing usage and the sheer importance of backup software solutions. After all, a disastrous incident can occur anytime. A business that’s not prepared will experience significant losses.

• According to The Business Research Company, the size of the storage and backup software market will reach $19.33 billion in 2023.
• 93% of organizations that lack a data recovery plan go out of business in a year following a major data loss.
• In the US, over 140,000 hard drives fail every week.
• Around 75% of small businesses lack a data recovery plan.
• 80% of users backed up their computer data once.