How do you back up a computer?

A computer backup is a second copy of your data that you store separately from the original. That includes family photos and videos, documents, emails, contacts, apps and even the operating system that powers your computer. If the originals are located on your laptop or a mobile device, you keep the backup somewhere else that’s safe — that way, you can use the second copy to restore your files or system if something happens to the original. To ensure all of this data is accurately copied so you can use it to recover your computer, backup software is a must. A solution like Acronis True Image automatically captures changes to everything, including hidden files that can be missed by manually copying files, and makes the process of recovery easy and efficient.

How do you back up a computer to an external hard drive?

With Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office), creating a full image backup on an external hard drive is as easy as two clicks. Once the drive is connected and Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office) is running, click Add backup . The entire computer is the default backup source, so you simply need to assign the external drive as the backup destination and then click Back up now .

What does it mean to back up a computer to the cloud?

Computer backups need to be stored someplace safe. Acronis recommends the 3-2-1 backup rule, which includes storing three copies of your data on at least two different types of media (such as external hard drives, network drives, and NAS devices) and keeping one copy off-site. That way, if a fire or flood damages both your original files and the local backup, the off-site copy is available to use for recovery. "The cloud" is a term that describes a remote network of computers and servers that you access via the internet. The cloud is a convenient way to store your files off-site, where they are safe from local damage. Subscriptions to the Advanced and Premium editions of Acronis True Image (formerly Cyber Protect Home Office) include cloud storage, as well as cloud-based features and "anywhere access" to your data. With Acronis True Image, you also have the ability to automatically replicate local backups in the Acronis Cloud, so you always have an off-site copy of your data available without having to manage a separate backup plan. By choosing this option, after the first successful backup, your backup and replication will be done simultaneously.

What is Acronis anti-malware protection?

Acronis' advanced anti-malware gives you peace of mind by delivering outstanding multilayered threat protection. It uses a set of integrated technologies that address specific attack vectors: Superb protection against known and unknown malware, including ransomware, cryptojackers, and fileless attacks. Behavioral analysis and dynamic detection rules that combat any emerging threats. On-demand antivirus scan that checks all files on your computer for any kind of malware: Trojans, viruses, backdoors, worms, keyloggers, spyware and others. Acronis continuously safeguards your device and backups from the latest cyberthreats.

Do I need Acronis anti-malware protection if I already have specialized antivirus, anti-malware, firewall, or other security software?

Yes. Acronis anti-malware uses a set of integrated technologies that deliver data protection capabilities many third-party antiviruses don't. It keeps your backup safe. A dedicated module of Acronis anti-malware protection guards your backup files and the backup agent, preventing deletion or alteration by malware. It restores ransomware-affected files automatically. The majority of other security software only prevents the attack, without automatically recovering the ciphered data.

Is Acronis' anti-malware protection compatible with other anti-malware solutions?

We are aware that you may have specialized antivirus, web filtering, or other security software installed on your device. Although we recommend uninstalling the third-party software and fully relying on Acronis' anti-malware solution, you can still keep it active. Acronis' anti-malware protection is compatible with most common anti-malware solutions. They do not conflict with each other for resources and do not create extra overhead on the system. However, our real-time protection switches on only if there is no third-party real-time protection solution running on your device. If third-party software is detected, you'll receive a message on your protection dashboard notifying you that another piece of software is protecting you from malicious files. Note: If you continue using an existing third-party solution for device protection rather than Acronis' anti-malware, we cannot guarantee the reliability of that third-party protection.

Full Comparison of Acronis vs Backblaze for Personal Use

Name: True Image
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (62 reviews)

Make sure you protect your digital life and personal memories – How Acronis True Image stacks up against Backblaze

Enjoy all round protection for yourself and your loved ones with the only personal solution that integrates fast and secure data backup, cybersecurity and Identity Protection ** — eliminating the cost and complexity of using multiple tools.

Acronis True Image Introduces Identity Protection

1:39

Award-winning cyber protection solution

Over 5.5 million users rely on Acronis True Image every day

OPSWAT Anti-malware Platinum certification

100% Detection Rate and 0 False Alarms in Tests

All Awards

Assess your protection needs – Acronis True Image guarantees all-around protection

Protect not only your pictures, music and other files, but ensure recovery of your entire computer in one go with fast, secure backup

As we rely more and more on technology safeguarding our digital lives becomes critical. Whether it’s preserving cherished memories, safeguarding work files or protecting against unforeseen disasters, the security of your data is paramount. But what exactly is the threat that you must address?

While Backblaze offers a reliable file backup solution, Acronis takes data protection to the next level. Acronis’ comprehensive approach includes image backup that creates complete system snapshots for comprehensive disaster preparedness.

In case of system failures or crashes, image backups will let you swiftly recover by restoring an entire system, including OS, applications and settings. In the event of a ransomware attack, having a complete system image allows for comprehensive recovery, minimizing the impact on your system.

Hardware upgrades or replacements

Hardware failure may sound too technical to happen to you, but simply overheating your computer or even spilling a cup of coffee can render your hardware unusable — resulting in the loss of your personal files, downloaded applications and settings.
Ransomware threats

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer or network, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. In such a situation, having a backup of your computer can save you from financial loss.
Physical threats

Natural disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes or storms can damage or destroy hardware and infrastructure, leading to data loss. Keeping a copy of your data in a remote location such as the Acronis Cloud ensures your data remains always accessible.
System failures and crashes

Sometimes it’s not directly your mistake, but errors or defects in the applications you have installed can cause programs or operating systems to malfunction.
Operating system or data corruption

Finally, accidental deletion, modification or overwriting of files by you other others using your computer is always a possible threat.

Tailor your protection to your needs with Acronis True Image

Every device is unique, just like its user. Acronis offers a range of secure backup options for personalized data security and protection.

Choose what to back up: specific files, selected disk partitions, entire machines or Office 365 accounts.
Extend data protection to your mobile phones by backing up an unlimited number of devices.
Back up to the Acronis Cloud or your personal detachable and NAS devices.
Schedule backups automatically with Acronis to update your data daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.
Ensure top-notch security with military-grade encryption.
Take control of your personal data with Acronis Identity Protection.**

Tailor your protection to your needs with Acronis True Image

Integrated cyber protection

While backup and recovery are crucial reactive measures against modern threats, they alone aren't sufficient for comprehensive protection. To boost your defense, proactive measures such as robust antivirus and anti-ransomware are essential.

However, employing standalone tools for backup, anti-malware, patch management and configuration can be complex, inefficient and expensive. Acronis provides an integrated approach with both reactive and proactive elements within a unified interface.

Anti-ransomware and cryptojacking protection

Safeguard your files, apps, and systems by detecting and stopping ransomware before they affect. Automatically restore any affected files from backups.
Real-time protection

Keep your device and backup files safe from malicious activities in real time with AI-enhanced protection. Block even never-seen-before threats by checking every file you access or interact with.
Web filtering

Stay protected from potentially harmful websites and untrusted web resources that often distribute malware and use the so called "drive-by download" method of infection.
Videoconference app protection

Protect your web conferencing sessions on Zoom, Cisco Webex Meetings and Microsoft Teams from code injections and other suspicious operations by attackers.
Identity Protection **

Safeguard personal information such as social security numbers, financial details and much more, to prevent identity theft.
Antivirus scan

Ensure threats aren’t lurking on your computer by scanning for malware whenever required.
Vulnerability assessment

Ensure all your installed applications are up to date and have no vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.

Acronis True Image vs Backblaze Personal

Features

Acronis True Image

Backblaze Personal

Offers	Complete cyber protection	Cloud backup
Protects	1, 3 or 5 PCs / Macs and an unlimited number of mobile devices	1 PC / Mac
Supported operating systems	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS
Reliable data protection: backup, cloning, and recovery
Full image backup
Active disk cloning
File and folder backup
Incremental and differential backups		Incremental only
Recover to similar or dissimilar hardware *
Disk and partition backup
All-in-one recovery drive (Acronis Survival Kit)
Backup scheduling		Limited
Cloud storage
Cloud storage upgrades
Microsoft 365 backup, including Outlook.com and OneDrive *
Local-to-cloud backups
Cloud restores
Cloud sync and share *
Automatic mobile backups
Integrated anti-malware and privacy features
Anti-ransomware and cryptojacking * protection
Vulnerability assessments
Videoconference app protection *
Real-time anti-malware protection
Antivirus scans
Web filtering *
Quarantine and exclusions
User-defined passwords
Identity Protection **
Electronic signatures (Acronis ASign)
Blockchain notarization (Acronis Notary)
Easy management
User-friendly cyber protection dashboard		Basic
Control backup-on-battery
Back up on preferred Wi-Fi
CPU load balancing
Protection pause
Tray notification center
Remote data management
Tech support
Updates
Price	From $49.99 per year	$99.00 per year

* Windows only.
** Only available in the U.S. for Advanced and Premium subscriptions.

Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs

Formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

What our users say

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office made cloning my old hard drive and moving to a new SSD a breeze. The cloning process was quick and simple, and I did not have to spend much time learning how to do it.

John A.

Verified user
I was always weary of backup software. It is bulky and complicated, and looks like it is designed for an astronaut. With Acronis, I finally found a tool to protect my data that I knew how to use from the first clicks.

Jessica C.

Verified user
Nothing is scarier than watching your documents turning into rubbish. I am so glad it takes one click to bring it back with Acronis.

Jeff C.

Verified user

Case study

Acronis True Image has saved my career on numerous occasions

“I was hit by a ransomware attack and a gentleman told me on the phone that I should pay a certain amount of money to get my data back. But in the back of my head, I knew that I had the ace card as I had Acronis True Image.”

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Compare Acronis

Full comparison of Acronis vs Backblaze for personal use

Make sure you protect your digital life and personal memories – How Acronis True Image stacks up against Backblaze

Award-winning cyber protection solution

Acronis True Image vs Backblaze Personal

Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs

What our users say