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Backup · head to head

Datto SIRIS vs Windows Backup

Datto SIRIS logo

Datto SIRIS

Backup

All-in-one business continuity and disaster recovery

From
$1095/one-time + recurring
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Backup

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 SIRIS requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native; Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
  • They diverge on capability: Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization, Windows Backup covers File History.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Datto SIRIS and Windows Backup differ
AttributeDatto SIRISWindows Backup
Starting price$1095/one-time + recurringFree
Pricing modelUnknownfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsLinux, Virtual EnvironmentsWindows
Founded20111975

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

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 SIRIS

  • Instant virtualization
  • Screenshot verification
  • Ransomware detection
  • Inverse chain technology
  • Cloud-first architecture
  • Automated DR testing
  • VMware
  • Hyper-V

Only in Windows Backup

  • File History
  • System image backup
  • OneDrive integration
  • System restore points
  • Reset this PC
  • Recovery drive
  • OneDrive
  • Network shares

Both cover

  • Windows Server
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Datto SIRIS

  • Data protectionnot Windows Backup
  • Disaster recoverynot Windows Backup
  • Business continuitynot Windows Backup
  • Ransomware protectionnot Windows Backup
  • Compliancenot Windows Backup

Windows Backup

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

Where each one falls short

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

Datto SIRIS

  • Requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native
  • Initial setup and hardware costs can be substantial for smaller MSPs

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 SIRIS

$1095/one-time + recurring

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto SIRIS review.

Windows Backup

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Datto SIRIS if

  • You need instant virtualization.
  • You work on Linux, Virtual Environments.
  • You also want screenshot verification.
Datto SIRIS 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 SIRIS or Windows Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Datto SIRIS starts at $1095/one-time + recurring and Windows Backup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Datto SIRIS or Windows Backup?
Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1095/one-time + recurring for Datto SIRIS and Free for Windows Backup.
Does Datto SIRIS or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
Datto SIRIS runs on Linux, Virtual Environments. 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 SIRIS starts at $1095/one-time + recurring.
What is Datto SIRIS best used for?
Datto SIRIS is most often used for data protection, disaster recovery, business continuity, ransomware protection. Of those, data protection and disaster recovery are not what Windows Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Datto SIRIS do that Windows Backup cannot?
Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization, Screenshot verification, Ransomware detection, Inverse chain technology. Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Both handle Windows Server, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Datto SIRIS: What does SIRIS protect against?

Datto SIRIS includes immutable cloud backups, automated recovery verification, and integrated ransomware detection through Cloud Deletion Defense which undoes accidental or malicious backup deletion.

Source
Windows Backup: How much cloud storage do I get with Windows Backup?

Your Microsoft account includes 5 GB of free OneDrive cloud storage. "More storage is available to purchase if you need it" for users requiring additional capacity.

Source
Datto SIRIS: What's the pricing model?

Datto SIRIS uses flat-rate pricing starting at $1,095, which includes installation, storage, VIP support, recoveries, two annual DR tests, and five-year warranty.

Source
Windows Backup: What types of Microsoft accounts are supported by Windows Backup?

Windows Backup works exclusively with personal Microsoft accounts (such as those ending in @outlook.com or @live.com). The service explicitly does not support work or school accounts at this time.

Source
Datto SIRIS: What integrations does SIRIS have?

Datto SIRIS integrates natively with Autotask PSA, Datto RMM, ConnectWise Automate, and ConnectWise PSA. It also supports virtualization platforms like vSphere and CentOS Linux.

Source
Windows Backup: Can I restore my backup to a different PC?

Yes. When setting up a new device, simply sign in with the same Microsoft account used to create the original backup. "If you have more than one PC backed up, you can select More options and select the backup you wish to restore from."

Source
Datto SIRIS: Is SIRIS cloud-only or appliance-based?

Datto SIRIS is an on-premises appliance that backs up data to Datto's cloud. You do not need to maintain your own physical server infrastructure for the core SIRIS functionality.

Source
Windows Backup: How do I delete my backed-up data if I no longer want it stored?

Visit your Microsoft Account Devices page, locate the Cloud synced settings section at the bottom, and select 'Clear stored settings' to delete previously backed-up data from your account.

Source
Windows Backup: Which folders and settings can I choose to back up?

You can selectively back up Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders, plus settings including apps, accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, personalization, and language preferences.

Source
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