By now, the importance of backing up your Windows PC or laptop goes without saying. It only takes a moment to consider how much of your data is at potential risk of a drive failure, natural disaster, or a bad actor, if you don’t have a solid backup plan in place. The best Windows backup software includes file backup, sure, but also disk imaging and full image restore, as well as disaster recovery.
Our picks for best Windows backup software are selected with all the must-haves of data backup and recovery in mind, so in the tragic event that your primary local data repository is compromised, you’re fully covered.
Best overall Windows backup for most PC users
Best comprehensive backup and malware protection
Best free backup and disaster recovery for Windows
Sadly, while other operating systems make backup easy, Microsoft saddles users with a patchwork system of utilities and holdover imaging tools from Windows 7.
Some of these work well (Restore Points, File History), others don’t (System Repair Disc, Recovery Drive). None are suitable for quick and easy disaster recovery — even the online backup that is available when you use Windows with a Microsoft cloud account.
Thankfully, there are a number of highly capable and far more reliable third-party backup options for Windows that cover the panoply of backup, restore, migration, and disaster recovery.
Why you should trust PCWorld for backup software reviews and buying advice: It’s in our name — PCWorld. Our reviewers have been testing PC hardware, software, and services for decades. Our backup evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the promises and limitations of every product — from performance to the practicalities of regular use.
Backup software powered by AI – EaseUS Todo Backup
EaseUS Todo Backup covers everything you need for backups. With AI smart backup, automate your backup tasks on schedule, run to make copies, do realtime protections, and restore everything instantly. No extra effort is required. Also, get 250GB cloud storage for free.Now 25% OFF Exclusive Code: PCWORLD25Free Download
EaseUS Todo Backup 2026 (home) has matured into an outstandingly versatile and comprehensive backup solution. With a still-affordable perpetual license, it also costs less than some of the now subscription-only competition such as Acronis True Image and Macrium Reflect X.
The paid tier of EaseUS is the best all-round home-PC choice for anyone who wants comprehensive backup and recovery with a straightforward “buy once, use forever” license
Imaging, disaster recovery, plain or compressed file/folder backup, sync, real-time (actually continuous) backup, and nearly every bell and whistle in the backup space are accounted for by Todo Backup.
In addition to its comprehensive and reliable set of features, Todo Backup greets you with a pleasingly-rendered, animated interface and a supremely logical layout.
