Download Cobian Backup for Windows 10: How to Use & Free Alternative

Are you wondering how to get and make a Cobian backup for Windows 10 or 11? This page shows a comprehensive step-by-step guide on Cobian Backup introduction, operations and setup download.

By @Rosie Last Updated January 8, 2025

“Hi everybody, I was wondering if there is a newer product than Cobian backup that supports backup as a service, speculation, sending logs via email, windows server os, and the removal of older backup. of course, it must be a free product like Cobian. I want to change the product because Cobian gives me an error randomly after a few days of backup it worked like a charm. Many thanks to those who wanna help!”

– Spiceworks Community

When it comes to backing up files on Windows 10, Cobian Backup software has long been a popular choice. But what if you're looking for something that offers more features, is easier to use, or just a better fit for your needs? Don’t worry—there are plenty of alternatives out there, and some of them are even better than Cobian backup for Windows 10!

Best Free Cobian Backup Alternative for Windows Users

A better alternative to Cobian backup for more practical functions and a more complete and secure backup process. Learn More>>

How to Use Cobian Backup for Windows 10 in 5 Steps

Cobian Backup has been a trusted software for many users over the years, known for its flexibility and robustness. For those who may still be interested in using Cobian Backup, let’s quickly summarize how you can back up your Windows 10 files with Cobian Backup in five simple steps:

You should have the Cobian Backup download ahead, the latest version is Cobian Backup 11(Gravity).

1. Create a new backup task: Click the New Task button located on the main ribbon of the program. Enter a name for your task in the Task Name field, and leave the other options on this page as they are, except for the Backup Type.

2. Choose Archive settings: In the left-hand menu of the New Task dialog, click on the Archive option (as shown in the image below).

3. Select files to back up: Once you've configured your archive settings, click the Add button under the Source category to choose the files and folders you want to back up.

4. Choose a backup destination: Next, click the Add button in the Destination section to select the folder or FTP site where you want to store your backup.

5. Start the backup: To begin your backup task, click the Start Job button located on the toolbar.

While Cobian Backup is a solid option, AOMEI Backupper Standard tends to be a more user-friendly choice, particularly for those who want a smoother backup experience.

Why Consider an Alternative to Cobian Backup?

While Cobian Backup is a good option for backup, it may not suit everyone's needs. Here are a few reasons why you might consider an alternative:

  • Ease of Use: Some users find Cobian Backup’s interface to be a bit technical and cluttered.
  • Missing Features: Certain features, such as cloud backup integration or file versioning, aren’t available out-of-the-box in Cobian Backup.
  • Support and Updates: Cobian Backup hasn’t been actively updated in recent years, which means you might miss out on improvements or new features.
  • Frequent Problems: Many users have encountered different degrees of problems during use, such as Cobian Backup doesn’t delete old backups error, Cobian Backup cannot access the network drive. Some users are troubled with the reported errors such as "The Engine Is Not Found", and "Volume Shadow Copy" service errors in Cobian backup Windows 10, etc.

If any of these concerns resonate with you, don’t worry—AOMEI Backupper is an excellent free backup software that might just be the perfect fit.

Alternative to Cobian Backup for Windows 10

If you're looking for a reliable, feature-packed, and free backup solution for your Windows 10 PC, AOMEI Backupper Standard is an excellent choice. While it offers many of the same advanced features as Cobian Backup, it makes a way easier to understand, even for beginners. AOMEI Backupper helps you back up your files quickly and efficiently, without any complex configurations.

Plus, the free version provides more than enough tools for regular users, with no hidden fees behind a paywall. Download it right now. For users who want to seek an alternative to Cobian backup Windows Server, the AOMEI Backupper also provides a Server version.

AOMEI Backupper
Best Free Cobian Backup Alternative
  • Various backup types such as system, disk, partition, and file backup.

  • Creating reliable system backups ensures that your entire operating system, including system files, applications, and settings, can be completely backed up.

  • Supports scheduling, incremental backups, and real-time file protection to keep your data safe.

  • You can create bootable media to recover your system even if your computer fails to boot.

  • Supports flexible backup destinations, including NAS devices, cloud storage, and external drives, which best suit users' needs.

  • It offers event-triggered backups, which automatically run when specific events occur.

Simple Steps to Backup System with AOMEI Backupper

Now, let's dive into the simple process of backing up your system on Windows 10 with AOMEI Backupper. Don't worry if you’re new to backups—this guide will walk you through each step.

Step 1: On the Home screen, click Backup and select File Backup.

Tips: If you wish to back up the whole system or all the data on your hard drive, select System Backup/Disk Backup instead.

Step 2: Choose the files/folders you want to back up by tabbing “Add File" or “Add Folder".

Step 3: Then, choose the location you want to store your file as the destination path.

Step 4: Once you've selected the destination, click Start Backup to begin the backup process. 

★Tips:
Options: Here, you can add comments to your backup and adjust the compression level. 
 Schedule Backup: Set up automatic backups to run regularly. You can schedule backups to occur daily, weekly, monthly, or based on event triggers like a specific USB plug-in.
 Backup Scheme: Choose your preferred backup method here. Differential backup is generally a better option than incremental backup because it only saves changes since the last full backup, making it easier to restore. 

Finally, once the backup is complete, it’s a good idea to verify the backup to ensure everything was saved correctly. AOMEI Backupper offers an easy verification option that checks the integrity of your backup. Moreover, AOMEI Backupper and the above operations also work on Windows 11 if you’re looking for an alternative to Cobian Backup on Windows 11.

Cobian Backup Download for Windows 10: What You Need to Know

Next Let’s explore what makes Cobian Backup stand out, its safety features, and how it compares to its successor, Cobian Reflector.

What is Cobian Backup?

Cobian Backup is a feature-rich file-backup program designed to help users create automatic backups of their files and directories. Known for its versatility and ease of use, the program can run as a background service or a regular application, depending on user preferences.

One of the standout features of Cobian Backup is its flexibility in backup destinations. Users can back up files to:

  • Another location on the same computer
  • A network drive
  • An FTP server

In addition, Cobian Backup offers advanced functionalities such as compression to save storage space and encryption to protect sensitive data.

Is Cobian Backup Safe?

When it comes to its safety, many users are concerned about it. However, its built-in encryption and support for local and remote backups, such as FTP servers and network drives, minimize data loss risks and protect sensitive data. Trusted worldwide for years, it is essential to download Cobian Backup from official or verified sources to ensure security.

Version Overview of Cobian Backup

Over the years, Cobian Backup has released several versions, each improving on its predecessor. The most popular versions include Cobian Backup 9 (Amanita), Cobian Backup 10 (Boletus), and Cobian Backup 11 (Gravity), and for more older versions like: Cobian Backup 8 (Black Moon), and Cobian Backup 7 (Luz de Luna).

These updates have introduced new features, enhanced performance, and fixed bugs, making it a reliable tool for Windows users. While the program has ceased official development after Cobian Backup 11, it remains a highly effective solution for file backups on Windows 10.

For users seeking newer technology and more advanced features, the release of the Cobian Reflector marks a significant evolution of the Cobian Backup family.

Cobian Reflector vs. Cobian Backup

In the Cobian Backup family, the Cobian Reflector represents the latest advancement. While it builds on the legacy of Cobian Backup, Reflector is not just an upgrade—it’s a completely new program developed using modern technology. Here’s how they compare:

Feature Cobian Backup Cobian Reflector
Base Technology Traditional architecture .NET-based framework
Transfer Protocols FTP FTP + SFTP
Compatibility Runs as 32-bit or 64-bit Dynamically adapts to 32-bit or 64-bit systems
Graphics Support DPI limitations DPI-independent with vector graphics

Cobian Reflector retains all the core features of Cobian Backup—such as automatic scheduling, compression, and encryption—while introducing enhancements like SFTP support for secure file transfers and compatibility with high-resolution displays through vector graphics.

For users of Windows 10, Cobian Backup remains a dependable and straightforward choice. However, those seeking more advanced functionality and modern features may find the Cobian Reflector to be the better option.

FAQs about Cobian Backup for Windows 10

1. How do schedule backups in Cobian Backup?
 
Cobian Backup includes a built-in scheduler where users can define when and how often backups occur, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or at specific times.
2. Can Cobian Backup handle open or locked files?
 
Cobian Backup relies on the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to handle open or locked files, ensuring reliable backups even for in-use files.
3. Is Cobian Backup still being actively developed?
 
The development of Cobian Backup was discontinued by its original creator, but the final version (Cobian Backup 11 "Gravity") remains available for use. Some forks or alternatives may continue development.
4. Does Cobian Backup support backup to cloud storage or external services?
 
Cobian Backup does not natively support direct backups to popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. However, you can use AOMEI Backupper for it.
5. How do I check the backup logs in Cobian Backup on Windows 10?
 
To view backup logs: Open Cobian Backup and go to the Log tab, then review the logs for task status, success/failure messages, and errors.

Final Words 

When it comes to backing up your Windows 10 data, AOMEI Backupper stands out as one of the best free alternatives to Cobian backup for Windows 10. It offers a user-friendly interface, multiple backup types, and reliable features, all in one free package. While Cobian Backup is still a solid tool, AOMEI Backupper shines in terms of ease of use, especially for beginners.

If you're looking for an efficient and stress-free way to back up your data, give AOMEI Backupper a try—it’s free, easy to use, and powerful enough to meet all your backup needs.