Software · head to head
Apple Time Machine vs Windows Backup
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Apple Time Machine apple states the Time Machine backup disk should be used only for Time Machine backups and not for storing other files, unless you split it into a separate APFS volume; Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
- They diverge on capability: Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Windows Backup covers File History.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Time Machine and Windows Backup actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Time Machine | Windows Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac | Windows |
| Founded | 1976 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apple Time Machine
- Automatic backup
- Hourly snapshots
- Visual restore interface
- Network backup
- Encryption
- System restore
- macOS
- AirPort Time Capsule
Only in Windows Backup
- File History
- System image backup
- OneDrive integration
- System restore points
- Reset this PC
- Recovery drive
- OneDrive
- Windows Server
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Time Machine
- Automatic versioned local backups of a Mac to an external drivenot Windows Backup
- Restoring a Mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup historynot Windows Backup
Windows Backup
- Moving folders, settings and app list to a new Windows PCnot Apple Time Machine
- Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Apple Time Machine
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apple Time Machine
- Apple states the Time Machine backup disk should be used only for Time Machine backups and not for storing other files, unless you split it into a separate APFS volume
- Apple recommends the Time Machine volume be twice the storage capacity of the Mac being backed up
- It requires an attached external storage device or network disk; there is no built-in cloud destination
- It backs up Macs only
Windows Backup
- Folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
- It requires signing in with a Microsoft account rather than a local Windows account
- Personalization preferences are not backed up if OneDrive storage is insufficient
- OneDrive folder syncing through Windows Backup is not available for work or school accounts, and Windows does not remember apps for those accounts
- Device settings sync for a work or school account only if the organization allows it
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Time Machine
Free- Built-inFree
- Automatic backup
- Visual restore
- Network backup
Windows Backup
Free- Built-inFree
- File History
- System image
- OneDrive sync
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Time Machine if
- You need automatic backup.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Mac.
- You also want hourly snapshots.
Choose Windows Backup if
- You need file history.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want system image backup.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Time Machine or Windows Backup better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Time Machine starts at Free and Windows Backup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Time Machine or Windows Backup?
- Apple Time Machine starts at Free and Windows Backup at Free.
- Does Apple Time Machine or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
- Apple Time Machine runs on Mac. Windows Backup runs on Windows.
- Can I use Apple Time Machine for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Apple Time Machine best used for?
- Apple Time Machine is most often used for automatic versioned local backups of a mac to an external drive, restoring a mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup history. Of those, automatic versioned local backups of a mac to an external drive and restoring a mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup history are not what Windows Backup is typically brought in for.
- What can Apple Time Machine do that Windows Backup cannot?
- Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Hourly snapshots, Visual restore interface, Network backup. Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points.