Macrium Reflect is popular imaging/backup software that has been available in free and commercial editions. However, the parent company, Paramount Software, has recently announced that the Macrium Reflect Free version will be retired as of 1st January 2024. The current free version (v8) is the last version to receive any new feature, compatibility, or bug fix updates which will cease with the release of Macrium Reflect version 9. Security fixes, however, will be extended for a further 12 months following the version 9 release.
- Read Paramount Software’s official announcement in full: Macrium Reflect Free Product – End Of Life (EOL)
It’s quite likely that the current free version will continue to work without issues for years to come. However, it’s also possible that, with the frequency of Windows updates, this free version could eventually run into compatibility issues.
The problem with this type of situation is that each imaging program uses its own proprietary format for saving backups and only the original software has the ability to restore those backups. So, if the current Macrium Reflect Free version does run into compatibility issues down the track, any saved backups would be useless. Admittedly the risk could be slight but, when it comes to image backups, any level of risk, no matter how slight, is unacceptable.
- You also might like: How To Create Full System Images with Aomei Backupper
Macrium Reflect Free Alternatives
I’ve always said that one of the main requirements for imaging/backup software is reliability and, if I were a Macrium Reflect Free user, I would be looking at viable alternatives right now. Here then are several free alternatives well worth checking out:
#1 Aomei Backupper Standard
Aomei Backupper Standard is full-featured free imaging/backup software and is my number one recommendation. Aomei Backupper Standard includes all essential features, is very easy to use, and has a proven track record for reliability.
Main Features:
- Backup: File Backup, System Backup, Disk Backup, Partition Backup, Incremental Backup, Sector-by-Sector Backup, Scheduled Backups
- Backup To: Local Disk, External Disk, Flash Drive, Network/NAS, Cloud Drive
- Restore: File Restore, System Restore, Disk Restore, Partition Restore
- Verify Backup Integrity: Ensures successful restoration
- Clone: Disk Clone (partial), Partition Clone, Sector-by-Sector Clone, SSD alignment
- Bootable Media: Linux or WinPE based
NOTE: No differential backup support which is only available in the Pro version
#2 Hasleo Backup Suite Free
Hasleo Backup Suite is full-featured imaging/backup freeware; there is no Pro (commercial) version available so it’s truly full-featured with no limitations.
Main Features:
- Backup: File Backup, System Backup, Disk Backup, Partition Backup, Incremental & Differential Backup, Scheduled Backups
- Restore: File Restore, System Restore, Disk Restore, Partition Restore
- Verify Backup Integrity: Ensures successful restoration
- Clone: System Clone, Disk Clone, Partition Clone
- Bootable Media: WinPE Based
- Disk Conversion: MBR to GPT / GPT to MBR
- Universal Restore: Restore to differing hardware
NOTE: No mention of backup save location options but I think it’s safe to assume that, at the very least, the usual – Local Disk, External Disk, and Flash Drive – would all be supported.
#3 EaseUS Todo Backup Free
EaseUS Todo Backup enjoys a good reputation but the free version is quite limited in terms of features – certainly the most limited of the three.
Main Features:
- Backup: File Backup, System Backup, Disk Backup, Partition Backup, Incremental & Differential Backup, Scheduled Backups
- Backup To: External drive, Flash Drive, Cloud Drive, Network Drive
- Restore: File Restore, System Restore, Disk Restore, Partition Restore
- Bootable Media: WinPE Based
NOTE: It does not support any cloning features. No mention of backup integrity verification but I’d be surprised if this feature were not supported. Perhaps one of our readers can confirm?
It’s never a good thing when popular free software is retired, and especially when it’s something as critical as free imaging/backup software. Fortunately, there are several very good viable alternatives available.
UPDATE:
Following a comment from a reader I have downloaded and installed Hasleo Backup Suite Free in a sandbox and can confirm that it definitely includes an image integrity check feature – under its “Tools” section:
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@John Durso,
Thanks John. That Lifewire article is full of inaccurate information. People are funny, they tend to believe everything that is published on some of those better known sites.
The crazy thing about the internet you’ll get all kinds of sale people trying to make others to believe to buy something because its a good company, but the smart ones will look elsewhere that is free, so here is my question, why would anyone in the right mind buy something / software when there is many free ones? MR is just hanging themselves with home users since I would bet 95% will not buy their software but rather look for the next best thing. I haven’t seen anyone here mention Paragon Backup & Recovery Free
I’m one of those 5% I suppose. I’ve used Macrium for many years. I was astonished at how much you got for free. In fact I wound up purchasing a 4 user license when it was on sale just to support them.
It’s on many of my customers machines and I’m going to pitch to them to purchase it. On sale it’s a bargain and I was reminded here it’s a perpetual license. It really is an excellent product and worth the price.
To be safe. I’m in the process of testing other free alternatives in case a customer gives me push back. I appreciate your suggestion of Paragon Paul. It’s now on my list.
I’m a bit nervous about another free product however. Who knows when that one will become paid as well?