Disk and system imaging software

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is computer imaging software and why is it important?

  Computer imaging software helps to create an exact copy of the entire contents of a given computer system. It is a crucial tool for disaster recovery, system maintenance and updating or migrating to new systems. It is important because it is more efficient, simple and consistent. It will help you to recover from disasters and will improve you security and protect your data.

• What features should I look for when selecting disk imaging software for my PC?

  First, it should be a fast, easy and complete solution, with the power to let you do the following:

  • The possibility to schedule an automatic backup.
  • To easily copy, format, partition and even delete a hard drive image.
  • Be able to reinstall the entire system, complete with data, individual files and applications. Simply execute a few easy image deployment steps.
  • Open an image at any time by assigning it a drive letter, making it easier to access copied files, folders and applications.
  • The possibility to back up to different kinds of operating systems, like Windows 10, macOS or Windows 8.1/8/7 — both locally and to the cloud.
  • You should have the possibility to also back up mobile phones and tablets to your computer(s) and the cloud.

• Can Acronis imaging software perform full backup imaging of my entire system, including the operating system and applications?

  Yes, with Acronis True Image you can easily perform a full backup of your entire system, including the operating system and applications.

• Does a system image back up everything on your computer?

  A full image backup – also known as a mirror backup – is an exact replica of everything on your computer's hard drive. This includes your files, the operating system, boot information, apps, and hidden files, as well as the preferences and setting changes you’ve made. Instead of simply copying individual files you might want to protect, a full image backup includes everything you need to restore your system.

• How long does it take to create a system image backup?

  While the amount of data can affect the speed of creating a mirror image, by using an external drive and Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office), you can usually create an initial disk image in under 90 minutes. After that updates to that image can be made in a matter of minutes. Imaging software like Acronis True Image lets you schedule frequent full image backups, which ensures any new data or changes to your system are captured on a regular basis.

• How to make system image backup?

  With Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office), creating a full image backup is a two-click process. After launching Acronis True Image, select Create a backup. Your entire computer system will be the Backup source by default, so all you need to do is assign the Backup destination, including local storage (internal drive, external hard drive, network drives and NAS devices) or secure cloud storage. Once the destination is set, simply click Start backup.

• Is Acronis True Image mirror imaging software?

  Yes, but it also enables you to do so much more than traditional imaging software. Not only can you create a full mirror image of your disk, Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office) allows you to back up individual files, folders and partitions, clone a system disk while it is in use (no rebooting needed), and you can archive files to the cloud to open space on your hard drive. It will also back up your Microsoft 365 data, as well as an unlimited number of mobile devices.