--- title: Disk and system imaging software description: Acronis computer imaging software allows you to perform complete pc imaging, operating system imaging and disk imaging for simplified backup and recovery canonical_url: https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/features/imaging/ locale: en last_updated: 2026-10-27 --- # Disk and system imaging software Now with boosted security From **€49.99** per year [Buy now](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/purchasing/?utm_webteam=product-header) [Try now](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/trial/?utm_webteam=product-header) Looking for help? ## 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. Product help If you need product assistance, you can find helpful materials in the [Knowledge Base](https://care.acronis.com/s/support-portal/for-individuals). Or, post questions on our [discussion boards](https://forum.acronis.com/). Technical support For subscription owners, there is free, 24-hour technical support. Refer to the [Technical Support Site](https://www.acronis.com/support/protect-home-office/) to find the appropriate support contact. * Over 22 years on the market * Over 5.5MM users worldwide * Over 500 000 000 backups and clones ## Acronis secure and efficient computer imaging software — full computer system imaging in just two clicks Computer imaging is crucial for efficient data migration, backup and recovery processes as it creates a snapshot of your entire system — including the hard drive, operating system applications and data. Acronis imaging software ensures fast and easy recovery in case of data loss or system failures. Acronis True Image stands out as an exceptional tool for computer imaging, offering easy-to-use features and secure data management capabilities — making it an essential computer imaging solution that provides comprehensive cyber protection for your digital life. Differential computer imaging Differential imaging is used for incremental backups; it captures changes made since the last full or differential backup, resulting in smaller backup size and faster backup time. This approach is highly storage-efficient — making it ideal for frequent backups — and provides flexibility with multiple recovery points. It provides a balance between comprehensive backups and efficiency. However, it relies on the last full system image for complete restoration, which makes it essential to have a full image backup available and up to date. ![Image 2: Acronis](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/c22b5152c31b3ee0d9406c3ef469ac90.png) Create a full image backup in two clicks Make sure you protect everything you need to restore your system, including boot information, applications, settings and hidden files. By creating a full image backup — also called a mirror image backup — you’ll have access to any recent changes to your files, programs and preferences that have been added since the hard disk was set up. You can also automatically replicate your full image backup in the cloud to ensure you always have an off-site copy. It provides a comprehensive backup solution, allowing for complete system restoration in case of system failures, data corruption or hardware issues. With our disk imaging software, you’ll have an easy, efficient and secure way to restore your system. ![Image 3: Acronis](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/109c90d2fdb0a405e880e339c7640305.png) * Disk Cloning * Create an exact, bit-by-bit replica of a disk on a second hard drive * Recommended for [data migration](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/features/data-migration/) * Instantly boot from a clone by connecting the new drive * Requires the same disk space as the original * Only one clone can be stored per disk * [Disk cloning](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/cloning/) requires the same disk space as the original * Disk Imaging * Back up all the contents of a hard drive to a single compressed file * Recommended for [data recovery](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/features/fast-recovery/) * Image needs to be restored (installed) before booting * Compressed image files are smaller than the original * Multiple images can be stored per disk * Disk images can be updated incrementally ## How it works ### 1. Capture and store Take a snapshot of the entire computer, create an image file, and store it securely. ### 2. Restore as needed Use the stored image to quickly recover the computer's previous state in case of data loss or system issues. ## Easy to use computer imaging software Why is Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office) so reliable? Because we really care about your data, and continually enhance our product through testing, innovation, and support that no competitor can match. ### Top-notch disk imaging security Acronis maintains strict security protocols throughout the development of its disk imaging solutions. This ensures that your disk images are created and stored with the highest levels of security and integrity. ### Reliable disk image recovery Acronis takes extra steps to guarantee the reliability of your disk images. We thoroughly validate backup files to ensure they are fully functional for real-world recovery scenarios — providing peace of mind for data restoration. ### Comprehensive disk imaging testing Acronis subjects its disk imaging tools to extensive quality assurance testing, ensuring that your disk imaging processes are always dependable, and that they work in a wide range of scenarios. ### Dedicated support for disk imaging Acronis offers exceptional customer support tailored to disk imaging needs, including our technical support team, educational material and user guides to assist with any disk imaging inquiries — ensuring that you can successfully create, manage and restore disk images as required. ## Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs Essentials Local backup and anti-ransomware protection One-year subscription €49.99/year For 1 computer Cloud is not available Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS Most popular Advanced Local and cloud backup and security One-year subscription €72.99/year For 1 computer 250 GB Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * Identity Protection Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft. * Block viruses and malware Block even never-seen-before threats – by checking every file you interact with in real-time. * Cloud backup and features Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime. * Automatic replication of data in the cloud Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery. * Microsoft 365 backups Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in case of a disaster. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS Premium Up to 10 TB of cloud and local backup and security One-year subscription €124.99/year For 1 computer 1 TB for free Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * Identity Protection Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft. * Block viruses and malware Block even never-seen-before threats – by checking every file you interact with in real-time. * Cloud backup and features Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime. * Automatic replication of data in the cloud Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery. * Microsoft 365 backups Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in case of a disaster. * Blockchain certification of files Confirm data authenticity with blockchain technology. * Electronic signatures on files Capture electronic signatures from multiple parties and record them in a blockchain ledger. * Ability to add up to 10 TB of cloud storage Expand your cloud storage as your data grows. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Priority phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS **Give the gift of cyber protection** [Get Acronis True Image as a gift](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/lp/personal/gift/) **Need more details?** [Compare our products in depth](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/products/true-image/comparison/) [![Image 4](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/aadbaf079ed3109ec512a9b9a5eb45dc.png) 100% Detection Rate and 0 False Alarms in independent tests](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/acronis-true-image-excels-in-av-test-certification-unmatched-protection-and-usability/) [![Image 5](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/4d5333d1ea505ec644f498b4b7d3593d.png) Best Windows backup software, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/407021/best-windows-backup-software.html) [![Image 6](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/2f919f77b7afbe9e3386eef3a49b2135.png) Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Winner](https://cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com/candidates/acronis-cyber-protect-home-office/) [![Image 7](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/03fe5f638ee1ac6a581ecdd72554c749.png) Editors' Choice, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/393356/acronis-true-image-review.html) [![Image 8](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/0d56ed0fe1ba43c51e1c0d7f180c1e1b.png) OPSWAT Anti-malware Platinum certification](https://www.opswat.com/blog/opswat-access-control-certification-oaccp-update-for-july-2021) [![Image 9](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/b2ce59307620ff669b7f1b88612fdd1c.png) TIME's Best Cloud Backup Services](https://time.com/4738916/best-cloud-backup-services/) ## What our users say Acronis True Image 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 1 of 1 ## Works On Multiple Platforms ### Microsoft Windows * Windows 11 (64-bit) * Windows 10 (64-bit) ### File systems on Windows * NTFS * Ext2/Ext3/Ext4 * ReiserFS(3) (Supported only for disk or partition backup/recovery operations) * Linux SWAP (Supported only for disk or partition backup/recovery operations) * HFS+/HFSX (Supported only for disk or partition recovery and cloning operations (without resizing)) * FAT16/32/exFAT (Disk or partition operations without resize. Supported only for disk or partition backup/recovery operations.) ### Apple macOS * macOS Tahoe 26 * macOS Sequoia 15 * macOS Sonoma 14 * macOS Ventura 13 * macOS Monterey 12 ### File systems on macOS * APFS * HFS+ * FAT32 * NTFS (including Boot Camp) ### Mobile operating systems * iOS 15 or later * Android 10 or later ## Want to learn more? Read the latest news and articles on our blog. [Acronis Blog](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/) ![Image 10: Best antivirus for Windows 11: Guide to choosing the right software](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/ce9cf68c9a85a1451d89cb2d9af58ff1.png) [Best antivirus for Windows 11: Guide to choosing the right software](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/best-antivirus-for-windows-11/) Discover the best antivirus software for Windows 11 that provide robust protection against threats. Read our expert picks to secure your device today. **03 April 2026**18 min read ![Image 11: How to protect sensitive data: A practical guide for individuals](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/b3a43006404113df2bac98461f8952bf.png) [How to protect sensitive data: A practical guide for individuals](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/how-to-protect-sensitive-data/) Acronis True Image is a personal backup and cybersecurity software designed to help individuals protect sensitive data through encrypted backups, ransomware protection, and reliable recovery options. Instead of manually copying files or relying solely on cloud folders, you can automate secure backups of your entire system or selected files. For U.S. customers with Advanced or Premium subscriptions, it also includes Identity P **20 March 2026**12 min read ![Image 12: How to scan for malware?](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/d7369abadbb9827f721d6c9ca26ce15f.png) [How to scan for malware?](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/how-to-scan-for-malware/) Learn how to scan for malware step by step with this comprehensive guide to keep your devices protected. Get the best antimalware from Acronis True Image. **21 January 2026**10 min read