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Backup & Disaster Recovery · head to head

Datto Backup vs Windows Backup

D

Datto Backup

Backup & Disaster Recovery

Business continuity without compromise

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Backup & Disaster Recovery

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Windows Backup has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Datto Backup no pricing figures are shown on the product page; buyers must request a demo or contact sales, with a separate FLEXspend for Datto Backup consumption option referenced but not priced, per datto.com, August 2026; Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Datto Backup and Windows Backup actually diverge.

Attributes where Datto Backup and Windows Backup differ
AttributeDatto BackupWindows Backup
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWindows
FoundedUnknown1975

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Backup & Disaster Recovery).

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 Datto Backup

Nothing recorded that Windows Backup does not also cover.

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.

Datto Backup

No use cases recorded yet. See the Datto Backup review.

Windows Backup

  • Moving folders, settings and app list to a new Windows PCnot Datto Backup
  • Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Datto Backup

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Datto Backup

  • No pricing figures are shown on the product page; buyers must request a demo or contact sales, with a separate FLEXspend for Datto Backup consumption option referenced but not priced, per datto.com, August 2026

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

Datto Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto Backup review.

Windows Backup

Free
  • Built-inFree
    • File History
    • System image
    • OneDrive sync

Which should you pick?

Choose Datto Backup if

Nothing in the data separates Datto Backup from Windows Backup on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Datto Backup review

Choose Windows Backup if

  • You need file history.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want system image backup.
Windows Backup review

Questions people ask

Is Datto Backup or Windows Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Datto Backup starts at On request and Windows Backup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Datto Backup or Windows Backup?
Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Datto Backup and Free for Windows Backup.
Does Datto Backup or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
Datto Backup runs on Web. Windows Backup runs on Windows.
Can I use Windows Backup for free?
Yes. Windows Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto Backup starts at On request.
What can Datto Backup do that Windows Backup cannot?
Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points.
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Related pages

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