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Windows Backup vs Cohesity

Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Software

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
C

Cohesity

Software

Protect, secure, and gain insights into your enterprise data

From
On request
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: Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage; Cohesity no prices are shown for the Core, Enterprise or Advanced editions; buyers get a 30 day trial or must contact sales for a quote, per cohesity.com, August 2026

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Windows Backup and Cohesity differ
AttributeWindows BackupCohesity
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreequote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindowsWeb
Founded1975Unknown

Identical on both: 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 Cohesity

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

Cohesity

No use cases recorded yet. See the Cohesity 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

Cohesity

  • No prices are shown for the Core, Enterprise or Advanced editions; buyers get a 30 day trial or must contact sales for a quote, per cohesity.com, August 2026

Pricing, plan by plan

Windows Backup

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

Cohesity

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Cohesity 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 Cohesity if

Nothing in the data separates Cohesity from Windows Backup on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Cohesity review

Questions people ask

Is Windows Backup or Cohesity better?
Neither clearly leads. Windows Backup starts at Free and Cohesity at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Windows Backup or Cohesity?
Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Windows Backup and On request for Cohesity.
Does Windows Backup or Cohesity run on more platforms?
Windows Backup runs on Windows. Cohesity runs on Web.
Can I use Windows Backup for free?
Yes. Windows Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Cohesity starts at On request.
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 Cohesity is typically brought in for.
What can Windows Backup do that Cohesity cannot?
Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points.
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Related pages

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