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Backup · head to head

Datto Backup vs Windows Backup

Datto Backup logo

Datto Backup

Backup

Business continuity without compromise

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Windows Backup logo

Windows Backup

Backup

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

From
Free
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: Datto Backup no pricing information published on product page or dedicated pricing page; Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Datto Backup and Windows Backup differ
AttributeDatto BackupWindows Backup
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWindows
FoundedUnknown1975

Identical on both: 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 Datto Backup

Nothing recorded that Windows Backup does not also cover.

Only in Windows Backup

  • File History
  • System image backup
  • OneDrive integration
  • System restore points
  • Reset this PC
  • Recovery drive
  • OneDrive
  • Windows Server

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Datto Backup

  • Backup and disaster recoverynot Windows Backup
  • MSP solutionsnot Windows Backup
  • Data protectionnot Windows Backup
  • Business continuitynot Windows Backup

Windows Backup

  • Moving folders, settings and app list to a new Windows PCnot Datto Backup
  • Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Datto Backup

Where each one falls short

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

Datto Backup

  • No pricing information published on product page or dedicated pricing page
  • Vendor directs users to contact sales for pricing information
  • No published tiers or pricing models disclosed

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

Datto Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto Backup review.

Windows Backup

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Datto Backup if

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

Datto 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 Datto Backup or Windows Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Datto Backup starts at On request and Windows Backup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Datto Backup or Windows Backup?
Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Datto Backup and Free for Windows Backup.
Does Datto Backup or Windows Backup run on more platforms?
Datto Backup runs on Web. Windows Backup runs on Windows.
Can I use Windows Backup for free?
Yes. Windows Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto Backup starts at On request.
What is Datto Backup best used for?
Datto Backup is most often used for backup and disaster recovery, msp solutions, data protection, business continuity. Of those, backup and disaster recovery and msp solutions are not what Windows Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Datto Backup do that Windows Backup cannot?
Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Datto Backup: How is Datto Backup priced?

Datto does not publish specific pricing for Backup on their website. Pricing details require contacting Datto's sales team directly through their website.

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
Datto Backup: Does Datto offer different backup pricing tiers or plans?

The public product pages do not detail pricing tiers or plan structures. Organizations must request quotes from Datto to learn about available options and tier pricing.

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
Datto Backup: What backup and business continuity features does Datto provide?

Datto Backup provides comprehensive business continuity frameworks, threat monitoring, malware insights, and disaster recovery capabilities, but specific features by pricing tier are not publicly disclosed.

Source
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
Datto Backup: How would I request Datto Backup pricing information?

Datto customers can request pricing through the website's pricing links in footer navigation or by contacting their sales team. Partners may access customized pricing through Datto's partner portal.

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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