Software · head to head
Windows Backup vs Datto SIRIS
Datto SIRIS
Software
All-in-one business continuity and disaster recovery
- From
- $1095/one-time + recurring
- Rated
- -
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; Datto SIRIS requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native
- They diverge on capability: Windows Backup covers File History, Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Windows Backup and Datto SIRIS actually diverge.
| Attribute | Windows Backup | Datto SIRIS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $1095/one-time + recurring |
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Linux, Virtual Environments |
| Founded | 1975 | 2011 |
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
- Network shares
Only in Datto SIRIS
- Instant virtualization
- Screenshot verification
- Ransomware detection
- Inverse chain technology
- Cloud-first architecture
- Automated DR testing
- VMware
- Hyper-V
Both cover
- Windows Server
- Windows support
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 Datto SIRIS
- Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Datto SIRIS
Datto SIRIS
- 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
Datto SIRIS
- Requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native
- Initial setup and hardware costs can be substantial for smaller MSPs
Pricing, plan by plan
Windows Backup
Free- Built-inFree
- File History
- System image
- OneDrive sync
Datto SIRIS
$1095/one-time + recurringNo published plan breakdown. See the Datto SIRIS 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.
Choose Datto SIRIS if
- You need instant virtualization.
- You work on Linux, Virtual Environments.
- You also want screenshot verification.
Questions people ask
- Is Windows Backup or Datto SIRIS better?
- Neither clearly leads. Windows Backup starts at Free and Datto SIRIS at $1095/one-time + recurring, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Windows Backup or Datto SIRIS?
- Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Windows Backup and $1095/one-time + recurring for Datto SIRIS.
- Does Windows Backup or Datto SIRIS run on more platforms?
- Windows Backup runs on Windows. Datto SIRIS runs on Linux, Virtual Environments.
- Can I use Windows Backup for free?
- Yes. Windows Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto SIRIS starts at $1095/one-time + recurring.
- 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 Datto SIRIS is typically brought in for.
- What can Windows Backup do that Datto SIRIS cannot?
- Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization, Screenshot verification, Ransomware detection, Inverse chain technology. Both handle Windows Server, Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Datto SIRIS: What does SIRIS protect against?
Datto SIRIS includes immutable cloud backups, automated recovery verification, and integrated ransomware detection through Cloud Deletion Defense which undoes accidental or malicious backup deletion.
SourceDatto SIRIS: What's the pricing model?
Datto SIRIS uses flat-rate pricing starting at $1,095, which includes installation, storage, VIP support, recoveries, two annual DR tests, and five-year warranty.
SourceDatto SIRIS: What integrations does SIRIS have?
Datto SIRIS integrates natively with Autotask PSA, Datto RMM, ConnectWise Automate, and ConnectWise PSA. It also supports virtualization platforms like vSphere and CentOS Linux.
SourceDatto SIRIS: Is SIRIS cloud-only or appliance-based?
Datto SIRIS is an on-premises appliance that backs up data to Datto's cloud. You do not need to maintain your own physical server infrastructure for the core SIRIS functionality.
Source