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Backup · head to head

Micro Focus Data Protector vs Windows Backup

Micro Focus Data Protector logo

Micro Focus Data Protector

Backup

Enterprise backup for multi-platform environments

From
$75/month
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: Micro Focus Data Protector micro Focus Data Protector was rebranded to OpenText Data Protector following the OpenText acquisition of Micro Focus; the vendor's own product pages carry no published pricing at either name (Internet Archive capture, 10 January 2022, and live site check); Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
  • They diverge on capability: Micro Focus Data Protector covers Zero downtime backup, Windows Backup covers File History.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Micro Focus Data Protector and Windows Backup actually diverge.

Attributes where Micro Focus Data Protector and Windows Backup differ
AttributeMicro Focus Data ProtectorWindows Backup
Starting price$75/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Linux, WebWindows
Founded19761975

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 Micro Focus Data Protector

  • Zero downtime backup
  • Instant recovery
  • Application integration
  • Synthetic full backup
  • Granular recovery
  • Centralized management
  • VMware
  • Hyper-V

Only in Windows Backup

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

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Micro Focus Data Protector

  • 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 Micro Focus Data Protector
  • Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Micro Focus Data Protector

Where each one falls short

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

Micro Focus Data Protector

  • Micro Focus Data Protector was rebranded to OpenText Data Protector following the OpenText acquisition of Micro Focus; the vendor's own product pages carry no published pricing at either name (Internet Archive capture, 10 January 2022, and live site check)

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

Micro Focus Data Protector

$75/month
  • Data Protector$75/month
    • Zero downtime backup
    • Instant recovery
    • Multi-platform

Windows Backup

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Micro Focus Data Protector if

  • You need zero downtime backup.
  • You work on Windows, Linux, Web.
  • You also want instant recovery.
Micro Focus Data Protector 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 Micro Focus Data Protector or Windows Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Micro Focus Data Protector starts at $75/month and Windows Backup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Micro Focus Data Protector or Windows Backup?
Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $75/month for Micro Focus Data Protector and Free for Windows Backup.
Does Micro Focus Data Protector or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
Micro Focus Data Protector runs on Windows, Linux, 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. Micro Focus Data Protector starts at $75/month.
What is Micro Focus Data Protector best used for?
Micro Focus Data Protector 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 Micro Focus Data Protector do that Windows Backup cannot?
Micro Focus Data Protector covers Zero downtime backup, Instant recovery, Application integration, Synthetic full backup. Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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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Related pages

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