FreeFileBackup — Free, Simple File Backup for Windows
FreeFileBackup: free, open-source, scheduled file backup for Windows. What it does, what it cannot do, and where it fits in a 3-2-1 plan.
What it does
Install FreeFileBackup on each Windows machine you want to protect. Define a profile: source folders, destination (USB drive, NAS share, another PC), schedule, retention, and optional AES encryption. Jobs run on a timer, keep versioned snapshots, and the built-in restore UI lets you pull any previous state. It is file-level, not block-level — for whole-disk image recovery use Acronis, Veeam, or the OS's own snapshot tools.
Pricing
Free and open-source. No per-machine fee. If you need whole-disk image backup or cloud copy on top, pair FreeFileBackup with a NAS snapshot (Hyper Backup, MyArchive, Duple Backup) for the on-prem image, and Duplicati or Acronis for the cloud copy.
Good at
- Windows PC-to-USB or PC-to-NAS file backup at zero cost
- Scheduled, incremental, encrypted, versioned
- Households that already have a NAS and just need a free client
Not for
- Whole-disk image backup (it is file-level, not block-level)
- Linux-only households
- Mobile phones
Key features
- Free, open-source, Windows-only
- Scheduled, incremental, versioned, encrypted (AES)
- Can back up to USB, NAS share, or another PC
- No subscription, no per-machine fee
Frequently asked questions
Is FreeFileBackup the same as the old FreeFileBackup v2?
Yes, the v2 line is the current free version. v1 is legacy. v2 added AES encryption, versioning, and the web restore UI.
Can FreeFileBackup back up a NAS to another NAS?
Not directly — it is a Windows client. For NAS-to-NAS, use the NAS vendor's built-in tool (Hyper Backup, MyArchive, Duple Backup).
This page is part of the NAS security encyclopedia: 12-step hardening checklist, 3-2-1 backup rule, "Am I affected?" 60-second check.
Last updated: November 2026 · prices are US list prices at the time of writing. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.