Best Free Backup and Sync Software for Windows 11, 10, 8, 7

Looking for the best backup and sync software to help you backup and sync files in Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7? AOMEI Backupper can be your ideal choice. You can read on to learn detailed information.

Lily

By Lily Updated on October 31, 2024

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The case: looking for Windows backup and sync software

Best backup software for Windows

I need to install backup software on a Windows 10 laptop and on a Windows 7 laptop. The software needs to: 1. Backup to a USB external HDD. 2. Automatically backup on a set schedule, once a week. 3. Delete old backups when space runs out on the HDD. Which software is recommended there?

File sync software suggestions?

Hello, I need a free program that checks folder A (and all subfolders) and copies changes across to folder B (and subfolders). It should be reliable (i.e not crash in the middle of a sync job), do the job accurately and have a relatively simple interface.
I have been using FreeFileSync for a while now which does this well but with the amount of adware being bundled of late. I am looking for an alternative. Any suggestions?

- Question from Tenforums.com

Nowadays, more and more people realize the importance of backup and would like to have a backup for their crucial data. If you have suffered from data loss caused by human error, hard drive crash, virus attack and the like, you may be eager to find a reliable backup program as well.

What’s more, there is a great demand for file sync software that can help copy files between two folders, two drives, or even two computers. Shall we use two tools - one for backup and one for sync, or one tool is enough? Please read on.

👉 Best backup and sync software for Windows 11/10/8/7
👉 How to backup or sync files in Windows 10 easily🔥
👉 Bonus: How to pick a backup and sync software
👉 FAQs about Windows backup and sync

Best backup and sync software for Windows 11/10/8/7

It would be great if there is a program that combines the backup and sync functions. AOMEI Backupper Standard, the best free Windows backup and sync software, is such a tool you are looking for.

💜 Backup features

  • It allows you to backup the operating system, an HDD/SSD, a specified partition or individual files/folders. You can backup files/folders to AOMEI Cloud if you have an AOMEI account.

  • It is embedded with the Schedule feature that enables you to perform daily/weekly/monthly backup.

  • It offers various backup options, including email notification, image compression, and backup priority, etc.

💜 Sync features

  • It supports syncing files between various locations, such as sync a laptop and a desktop, sync two external hard drives and so on.

  • It allows you to sync PC files to NAS devices or cloud service and vice versa. All kinds of NAS devices (WD, Seagate, Synology, etc.) and various cloud drives (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, SugarSync, hubiC and Cloudme) are supported.

  • It can sync changed files from the source directory to the destination directory automatically if you enable sync schedule.

You don’t need to worry about your computer know-how, because AOMEI Backupper has a user-friendly interface. Download and install it on your PC right now!

AOMEI Backupper

Best free Windows backup and sync software for personal use.

How to backup or sync files in Windows 10 easily

In this part, I’ll show you how to do file backup and file sync in Windows 10 separately:

Backup files to USB on Windows 10

1. Connect the target USB drive to your computer. Run this free backup software for Windows 10, click Backup > File Backup.

File Backup

2. Edit the task name based on your need. Then, click Add Folder or Add File to choose the folders or files you want to backup.

Add Folders/Files

3. Choose the USB drive as the destination path to store image files. You are also allowed to backup to a local disk, an external hard drive, and a network location, etc.

Select Destination

4. Confirm your settings and click Start Backup to proceed.

Start Backup

✎ Tips:
● You may click Schedule Backup (Daily/Weekly/Monthly to set up an automatic backup to keep the backup version up-to-date. Its Backup Scheme feature allows you to choose different backup methods (Full/Incremental/Differential backup) and enable automatical backup cleanup function to save disk space. To enjoy the differential backup method and cleanup feature, you need to upgrade to the advanced version.
● If you want to restore to a previous version or recover lost files, just click Restore > Select Task/Select Image File and follow the wizard to finish the process.

Sync files to another folder on Windows 10

1. Launch the free sync software for Windows 10, click Sync and select Basic Sync.

Basic Sync

✎ Tip: Basic Sync is one-way sync actually. If you want changes to be synced from the source folder to the destination folder and vice versa, you may perform Two-Way Sync in higher editions.

2. Name the sync task if needed. Then, click Add Folder to select the folder to be synchronized. You are able to select multiple folders as source folders in one sync task.

Add Folder

3. Select another folder to keep the synced files. The destination folder can be located on a local/external disk, an NAS device or a cloud drive.

Select Sync Destination

4. Click Schedule Sync to run automatic sync if necessary. Review your settings and click Start Sync.

Start Sync

Bonus: How to pick a backup and sync software

Choosing the right backup and sync software can be crucial for protecting your data and ensuring seamless access across devices. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Determine Your Needs:

  • Type of Backup: Decide whether you need full backups, incremental backups, or continuous backup.
  • Sync vs. Backup: Understand the difference. Sync software keeps files up-to-date across devices, while backup software focuses on creating copies of your files.

2. Storage Options: Check if the software supports local backups, cloud storage, or both. Some solutions may offer hybrid options, allowing flexibility.

3. Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly interfaces and clear setup processes. A software that’s easy to navigate can save time and reduce the chance of errors.

4. Compatibility: Ensure the software works with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Compatibility with external drives and network locations is also essential.

5. Features:

  • Versioning: Some software keeps multiple versions of files, allowing you to restore previous versions if needed.
  • Encryption: Look for encryption options to protect your data, especially if using cloud storage.
  • Scheduling: Automatic backup scheduling can ensure your files are regularly backed up without manual intervention.

6. Performance: Check reviews or conduct tests to see how well the software performs in terms of speed and resource usage.

FAQs about Windows backup and sync

1. Does Windows 10 have built-in backup software?
 

Yes, Windows 10 includes built-in backup software. It offers two primary features:

  • File History: This allows users to automatically back up files in selected folders, providing version history for easy restoration of previous file versions.
  • Backup and Restore (Windows 7): This feature can create system images and back up files to an external drive or network location. It allows users to schedule regular backups and restore files as needed.

However, if you want a program that combines the backup and sync functions, AOMEI Backupper is the top choice.

2. Does Windows 10 have a sync program?
 
Yes, OneDrive is integrated into Windows 10 and later. It can help users sync files between computer and the cloud.
3. How often should backups be scheduled?
 
Backup frequency should match the importance and change rate of your data: daily for critical files, weekly for moderate use, and monthly for rarely changed files. Combining incremental and full backups, along with automation, ensures consistency.
4. What happens if my backup drive fails?
 
If your backup drive fails, you may lose your backups unless you have additional copies elsewhere (e.g., cloud storage). It's good practice to have multiple backup locations.

Verdict

If you are in need of free backup and sync software for Windows 11/10/8/7, AOMEI Backupper is the best choice. It can meet all your needs with respect to backup and sync, such as create system image on USB and sync local folders to OneDrive. Why not give it a shot?

Lily
Lily · Editor
Lily Green joined AOMEI in 2018 and has since become a professional in the areas of data protection and data transfer. She is committed to helping users protect their precious computer data and troubleshoot Windows system errors. She consistently stays vigilant about the latest trends in technology, guaranteeing that the given information aligned with the ongoing advancements in the field.