Backup & Disaster Recovery · head to head
Windows Backup vs Apple Time Machine
Windows Backup
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Built-in backup and recovery for Windows
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Apple Time Machine
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Built-in backup for every Mac
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage; Apple Time Machine apple states the Time Machine backup disk should be used only for Time Machine backups and not for storing other files, unless you split it into a separate APFS volume
- They diverge on capability: Windows Backup covers File History, Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Windows Backup and Apple Time Machine actually diverge.
| Attribute | Windows Backup | Apple Time Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows | Mac |
| Founded | 1975 | 1976 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), 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 Windows Backup
- File History
- System image backup
- OneDrive integration
- System restore points
- Reset this PC
- Recovery drive
- OneDrive
- Windows Server
Only in Apple Time Machine
- Automatic backup
- Hourly snapshots
- Visual restore interface
- Network backup
- Encryption
- System restore
- macOS
- AirPort Time Capsule
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Windows Backup
- Moving folders, settings and app list to a new Windows PCnot Apple Time Machine
- Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Apple Time Machine
Apple Time Machine
- Automatic versioned local backups of a Mac to an external drivenot Windows Backup
- Restoring a Mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup historynot Windows Backup
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Apple Time Machine
- Apple states the Time Machine backup disk should be used only for Time Machine backups and not for storing other files, unless you split it into a separate APFS volume
- Apple recommends the Time Machine volume be twice the storage capacity of the Mac being backed up
- It requires an attached external storage device or network disk; there is no built-in cloud destination
- It backs up Macs only
Pricing, plan by plan
Windows Backup
Free- Built-inFree
- File History
- System image
- OneDrive sync
Apple Time Machine
Free- Built-inFree
- Automatic backup
- Visual restore
- Network backup
Which should you pick?
Choose Windows Backup if
- You need file history.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want system image backup.
Choose Apple Time Machine if
- You need automatic backup.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Mac.
- You also want hourly snapshots.
Questions people ask
- Is Windows Backup or Apple Time Machine better?
- Neither clearly leads. Windows Backup starts at Free and Apple Time Machine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Windows Backup or Apple Time Machine?
- Windows Backup starts at Free and Apple Time Machine at Free.
- Does Windows Backup or Apple Time Machine run on more platforms?
- Windows Backup runs on Windows. Apple Time Machine runs on Mac.
- Can I use Windows Backup for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Windows Backup best used for?
- Windows Backup is most often used for moving folders, settings and app list to a new windows pc, basic personal file backup for a windows home user. Of those, moving folders, settings and app list to a new windows pc and basic personal file backup for a windows home user are not what Apple Time Machine is typically brought in for.
- What can Windows Backup do that Apple Time Machine cannot?
- Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Hourly snapshots, Visual restore interface, Network backup.