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Backup · head to head

MSP360 Backup vs Windows Backup

MSP360 Backup logo

MSP360 Backup

Backup

Cross-platform backup for MSPs and IT teams

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: MSP360 Backup pricing can be expensive when scaling up to large deployments; Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
  • They diverge on capability: MSP360 Backup covers Cross-platform support, Windows Backup covers File History.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MSP360 Backup and Windows Backup actually diverge.

Attributes where MSP360 Backup and Windows Backup differ
AttributeMSP360 BackupWindows Backup
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows
Founded20081975

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 MSP360 Backup

  • Cross-platform support
  • Any cloud storage
  • Image-based backup
  • SQL backup
  • Centralized management
  • Ransomware protection
  • AWS S3
  • Azure

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.

MSP360 Backup

  • 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 MSP360 Backup
  • Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot MSP360 Backup

Where each one falls short

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

MSP360 Backup

  • Pricing can be expensive when scaling up to large deployments

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

MSP360 Backup

Free
  • Desktop$4/month
    • Cross-platform backup
    • Any cloud storage
    • Centralized console

Windows Backup

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

Which should you pick?

Choose MSP360 Backup if

  • You need cross-platform support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want any cloud storage.
MSP360 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 MSP360 Backup or Windows Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. MSP360 Backup 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, MSP360 Backup or Windows Backup?
MSP360 Backup starts at Free and Windows Backup at Free.
Does MSP360 Backup or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
MSP360 Backup runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Windows Backup runs on Windows.
Can I use MSP360 Backup for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MSP360 Backup best used for?
MSP360 Backup 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 MSP360 Backup do that Windows Backup cannot?
MSP360 Backup covers Cross-platform support, Any cloud storage, Image-based backup, SQL backup. Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MSP360 Backup: What cloud storage providers does MSP360 Backup support?

MSP360 Backup integrates with leading cloud storage providers including AWS S3, Backblaze B2, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Wasabi, and on-premises storage solutions, providing flexibility in storage destination selection.

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
MSP360 Backup: What platforms does MSP360 Backup support?

MSP360 Backup is cross-platform software supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, allowing organizations to protect diverse IT infrastructure.

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
MSP360 Backup: Does MSP360 Backup offer encryption?

Yes, MSP360 Backup includes encryption features for data protection, role-based permissions, and ransomware protection capabilities to ensure data security during backup and recovery.

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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