I'm on the hunt for a solid end-to-end encrypted backup solution for Windows 11 that features an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and can save data to a third-party cloud service. It should support incremental backups, be trustworthy, and not break the bank—either free or reasonably priced. I'd prefer something with an established reputation since I'm not keen on trusting my data to new, untested software. Ideally, it should utilize Volume Shadow Copies to backup files that are currently in use.
This search is primarily for a family member who is not tech-savvy and prefers to avoid command-line interfaces, but I think many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) would have similar needs. While I'm okay with setting things up using CLI tools, the everyday use should be straightforward enough for them. I'm open to both free and paid options, as long as they're not excessively priced since this will only be backing up a single laptop. It can either come with its own cloud storage or work with standard storage options like SFTP or S3-compatible storage. I'm even okay with using OneDrive as long as Microsoft doesn't hold the decryption keys. Running my own server isn't an option either.
3 Answers
Have you considered MSP360, also known as CloudBerry? It's another solid option for backups.
You might want to check out Acronis True Image. It's a paid solution, but it's mature and has a nice GUI. It includes cloud storage, supports Volume Shadow Copies (VSS), and offers optional end-to-end encryption. Another option could be Duplicati—it's free and also has a solid GUI. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports cloud services like OneDrive and S3. Just a heads up, though: large restore operations might sometimes fail, so definitely run some tests before relying on it for major jobs. Both have their quirks, but they meet most of your requirements.
Honestly, this might be more suited for a homelab discussion or a dedicated backup forum, because if you weren't into IT, you wouldn’t be asking such detailed questions. Still, you can find options, but don’t forget that many good backup programs tend to be command-line-focused or don’t support Windows at all. A friend recommended Backblaze, but keep in mind that you’ll need to send them your passphrase for any restores, which might not be ideal for your situation.
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