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Software · head to head

Windows Backup vs Bacula

Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Software

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
B

Bacula

Software

The best open source backup software for Linux

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Bacula the community edition has no vendor support contract; bacula.org directs support and paid deployments toward the separate commercial Bacula Enterprise product instead.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Windows Backup and Bacula differ
AttributeWindows BackupBacula
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsWindowsWeb
Founded1975Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Bacula

Nothing recorded that Windows Backup does not also cover.

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 Bacula
  • Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Bacula

Bacula

No use cases recorded yet. See the Bacula review.

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

Bacula

  • The community edition has no vendor support contract; bacula.org directs support and paid deployments toward the separate commercial Bacula Enterprise product instead.

Pricing, plan by plan

Windows Backup

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

Bacula

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Bacula review.

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.
Windows Backup review

Choose Bacula if

  • You want to start without paying.
Bacula review

Questions people ask

Is Windows Backup or Bacula better?
Neither clearly leads. Windows Backup starts at Free and Bacula at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Windows Backup or Bacula?
Windows Backup starts at Free and Bacula at Free.
Does Windows Backup or Bacula run on more platforms?
Windows Backup runs on Windows. Bacula runs on Web.
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 Bacula is typically brought in for.
What can Windows Backup do that Bacula cannot?
Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points.
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Related pages

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