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Software · head to head

Windows Backup vs CloudAlly

Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Software

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CloudAlly logo

CloudAlly

Software

Enterprise SaaS backup made simple

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; CloudAlly pricing not transparently displayed; requires customer inquiry
  • They diverge on capability: Windows Backup covers File History, CloudAlly covers Automated daily backup.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Windows Backup and CloudAlly differ
AttributeWindows BackupCloudAlly
Pricing modelfreesubscription
PlatformsWindowsWeb, Cloud
Founded19752011

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 CloudAlly

  • Automated daily backup
  • Point-in-time recovery
  • Cross-account restore
  • Archive export
  • Activity logs
  • Multi-admin support
  • Microsoft 365
  • Google Workspace

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

CloudAlly

  • Data protectionnot Windows Backup
  • Disaster recoverynot Windows Backup
  • Business continuitynot Windows Backup
  • Ransomware protectionnot Windows Backup
  • Compliancenot 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

CloudAlly

  • Pricing not transparently displayed; requires customer inquiry
  • Limited visibility into data center locations for compliance-sensitive organizations
  • Transition to OpenText Cybersecurity branding may cause confusion

Pricing, plan by plan

Windows Backup

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

CloudAlly

Free
  • CloudAlly Backup$3/month
    • Daily backup
    • Point-in-time restore
    • Unlimited storage

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 CloudAlly if

  • You need automated daily backup.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want point-in-time recovery.
CloudAlly review

Questions people ask

Is Windows Backup or CloudAlly better?
Neither clearly leads. Windows Backup starts at Free and CloudAlly at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Windows Backup or CloudAlly?
Windows Backup starts at Free and CloudAlly at Free.
Does Windows Backup or CloudAlly run on more platforms?
Windows Backup runs on Windows. CloudAlly runs on Web, Cloud.
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 CloudAlly is typically brought in for.
What can Windows Backup do that CloudAlly cannot?
Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. CloudAlly covers Automated daily backup, Point-in-time recovery, Cross-account restore, Archive export.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CloudAlly: What cloud applications can CloudAlly backup?

CloudAlly backs up Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SharePoint/OneDrive, Salesforce, Box, and Dropbox with daily automated backups and unlimited retention.

Source
CloudAlly: How is CloudAlly data encrypted and stored?

CloudAlly stores backups on AWS servers with 128-bit SSL encryption and AES 256-bit encryption, maintaining compliance certifications including ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Source
CloudAlly: What recovery options does CloudAlly provide?

CloudAlly offers granular point-in-time recovery with unlimited retention, allowing three-click recovery of deleted files, and point-in-time restore capabilities for ransomware protection.

Source
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Related pages

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