Alternatives to Windows File History

Built-in Windows tool that versions files to an external or network drive. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Windows File History.

  • AOMEI Backupper

    Windows backup and cloning tool with scheduled system and file jobs.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    AOMEI Backupper adds system, disk and partition backup with a rescue disc and free scheduled incrementals, but it is third-party closed software and real-time sync is paid.

  • EaseUS Todo Backup

    Windows backup software for system, disk and file backups on a schedule.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    EaseUS Todo Backup adds system and disk backups with emergency boot media and free incremental schedules, though system clone and several destinations are paid features.

  • Cobian Reflector

    Free scheduled file backup for Windows, successor to Cobian Backup.

    FreeProprietaryWindows

    Cobian Reflector is free scheduled file backup running as a Windows service, adding encryption and FTP targets, but releases are occasional and it has no disk imaging.

  • FBackup

    Free Windows file backup with presets for common applications.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    FBackup is free Windows file backup with plugins that locate application data folders, but it lacks incremental backup, which requires the paid Backup4all.

  • Duplicati

    A backup client with a web interface that encrypts your files and pushes them to more than twenty cloud services.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Duplicati is open source under MIT with AES-256 encryption and more than twenty cloud destinations, running on Windows, macOS and Linux through a local web interface.

  • Kopia

    An encrypted snapshot backup tool with both a command line and a proper desktop app, pointed at whatever storage you choose.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line

    Kopia adds encrypted, deduplicated snapshots to cloud storage, network shares or local folders on Windows, macOS and Linux, with per-directory retention, though it is still pre-1.0.

  • Arq

    Encrypted backup software for Mac and Windows that stores backups in your own cloud account or disk.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Arq is paid software that adds end-to-end encrypted, point-in-time backups to your own cloud account or disk, running on both Windows and macOS.

  • Hasleo Backup Suite

    Free Windows backup for system images, disks, partitions and files.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    Hasleo Backup Suite adds system imaging, cloning and bootable recovery media for free, but commercial use requires a paid licence.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.