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Backup · head to head

Duplicacy vs Windows Backup

Duplicacy logo

Duplicacy

Backup

Lock-free deduplication cloud backup

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Backup

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Duplicacy web GUI pricing tier not specified on product page; Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
  • They diverge on capability: Duplicacy covers Lock-free deduplication, Windows Backup covers File History.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Duplicacy and Windows Backup differ
AttributeDuplicacyWindows Backup
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, WindowsWindows
Founded20161975

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Duplicacy

  • Lock-free deduplication
  • Client-side encryption
  • Multiple computers
  • Erasure coding
  • Variable-size chunking
  • RSA encryption
  • AWS S3
  • Azure

Only in Windows Backup

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

Both cover

  • OneDrive
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Duplicacy

  • Client-side encrypted cloud backupsnot Windows Backup
  • Lock-free deduplication for efficient backup storagenot Windows Backup
  • Multi-destination backup supportnot Windows Backup

Windows Backup

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

Where each one falls short

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

Duplicacy

  • Web GUI pricing tier not specified on product page

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

Duplicacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Duplicacy review.

Windows Backup

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Duplicacy if

  • You need lock-free deduplication.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Linux, Windows.
  • You also want client-side encryption.
Duplicacy 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 Duplicacy or Windows Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Duplicacy 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, Duplicacy or Windows Backup?
Duplicacy starts at Free and Windows Backup at Free.
Does Duplicacy or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
Duplicacy runs on macOS, Linux, Windows. Windows Backup runs on Windows.
Can I use Duplicacy for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Duplicacy best used for?
Duplicacy is most often used for client-side encrypted cloud backups, lock-free deduplication for efficient backup storage, multi-destination backup support. Of those, client-side encrypted cloud backups and lock-free deduplication for efficient backup storage are not what Windows Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Duplicacy do that Windows Backup cannot?
Duplicacy covers Lock-free deduplication, Client-side encryption, Multiple computers, Erasure coding. Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Both handle OneDrive, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Duplicacy: What is the cost of the Duplicacy command line version for commercial use?

The commercial license for Duplicacy's command line version costs $50 per machine per year. The CLI version is free for individual users.

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
Duplicacy: Is pricing available for the Duplicacy Web GUI edition?

No pricing information is provided for the Web Edition (GUI) on the Duplicacy website. You would need to contact [email protected] for Web Edition pricing details.

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
Duplicacy: Are volume discounts available for IT service providers?

Yes, volume discounts are available for IT service providers and resellers. Contact [email protected] to discuss volume pricing options.

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
Duplicacy: What backup modes and features are included in the free version?

The free version includes file, disk, partition, and system backup with full, incremental, and differential backup modes. It also offers scheduled backups, encryption, and emergency disk creation.

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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