Please state your disk imaging/backup tool preference

In my short time here, I have noted many members seem to like Macrium Reflect, but I know there are other tools out there for disk imaging and backup. I currently use the disk image creator available in Control Panel -> System and Security -> Backup and Restore, but I understand the changes to Windows 10 keep coming, and want to investigate options for the future if this 'native' tool disappears. I also use SyncBackSE v5.20 for my data backups (I am old and cheap, and it still works...)

Please share your preferences, advice and wisdom! and be nice...

mta3006 said:

I currently use the disk image creator available in Control Panel -> System and Security -> Backup and Restore, but I understand the changes to Windows 10 keep coming, and want to investigate options for the future if this 'native' tool disappears.

I think the question is not 'if' but 'when'. This has been a deprecated feature for over a year...

Microsoft said:

System Image Backup (SIB) Solution
We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.

Features removed or Deprecated in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update


For my part, I've been a long-standing user of the built in Windows system imaging. I had to find something else when Microsoft broke system imaging in the 32-bit version of 1803. That was never fixed in 1803, though it's working again in 32-bit 1809.

I'll give you one guess what I use now

Macrium Reflect Free +1

I use 2 systems for backup and 2 USB HDs Backup software I use is Macrium Reflect and Aomei Backupper. Both are excellent and reliable programs.

I have used Macrium Reflex Free for a few years on 2 desktops and 1 laptop.

I make images of the C: drive SSD which has the OS and all my programs.

I have 2 HDD for storage and use MS SyncToy2.1 to backup to 2 ext USB drives.

In SyncToy I use the Echo setting so any changes to the Source files (Add, Delete, Rename or Move) is reflected on the Target.

Jim

Macrium is highly regarded, but also has the impression lately of going down the rabbit hole of adding more and more features which not all users need or want. Constant updates, while a good thing in many ways, are also a nuisance in others.

My personal choice at the moment is AOMEI, very small download and installation footprint, offers incremental backup for free and has a more user friendly interface. Also goes without saying that (in my experience) it works extremely well.

@All,

Thanks to all of you who have responded so far! @Bree - I never had read the entire deprecated/removed list before; I mean, Screen Saver? Such a small thing, yet so useful; put up a slide show for while your system is not in use, leave a message when you leave your desk/cube/office ...

I keep my OS on one physical drive, and my primary (production) data on another, and back that up 2-3 deep with external USB drives (only connected for backups) using SyncBack. I like having backups that do not require restore software - regular files that can be read/copied with regular OS commands. The disk imaging capability is a great thing for fast restoration of productivity, and I don't see why MS wants to offload that to other vendors; although I am getting so used to clean OS installs, I haven't used a disk image for its intended purpose in a long time.

Does anyone give any weight/value to O&O's status as a 'Microsoft Gold Partner'?

Thanks again to anyone who shares their wisdom!