The Macrium Reflect free version was officially retired on 1st January 2024 with no further updates available beyond that date.
We reported on the free version’s retirement back in January 2022 – Macrium Reflect Free Version To Be Retired – and the announcement caused quite a stir. Now that Macrium Reflect Free has been unsupported for over eight months, I’m suggesting it’s probably time for users to be considering an alternative. Here’s why:
Macrium Reflect Free & Windows 11
While Macrium Reflect’s free version might still be working in Windows 11 right now, bear in mind that it only supports Windows 11 versions up to and including 22H2, and considering Windows 11’s ongoing development, it’s highly likely that at some time in the future, possibly with the release of version 24H2, Macrium Reflect free will no longer work.
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 can restore those backups. So, if the now unsupported Macrium Reflect free version does run into compatibility issues down the track, any saved backups would be useless.
Macrium Reflect Free & Windows 10
If you’re running Windows 10 but planning on upgrading to Windows 11, the above applies. On the other hand, if you’re planning to continue running Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support date (October 2025), and are not willing to pay for an ESU (Extended Security Updates) program, running unsupported software inside an unsupported operating system poses a significant risk.
The point is that the expiration of the free version is inevitable and, considering there are a couple of excellent free alternatives, why not make the switch now and eliminate any possibility of future issues? Here are two recommended free alternatives:
Aomei Backupper Standard: A thoroughly reliable, very easy-to-use alternative with all essential features to create, save, and restore image backups. I’ve been using Aomei Backupper for years and it has never let me down. In fact, it has saved the day on more than one occasion.
Hasleo Backup Suite: Hasleo does not produce a Pro or Premium version – only the free version – so it is truly full-featured. I haven’t had any firsthand experience with Hasleo Backup Suite but colleague John Durso compiled a comprehensive three-part review that covers all aspects of this excellent free imaging software.
- Please read: Hasleo Backup Suite Review by John Durso
**For more info regarding both Aomei Backupper and Hasleo Backup Suite as alternatives to Macrium Reflect Free please read: Macrium Reflect Free To Be Retired
By the way, did you know that the Macrium Reflect 8 Home edition is also due to be retired and replaced by a brand new version dubbed “Reflect X”?
—
