[SOLVED] Need suggestions for a free or paid version of automated backup software for both Windows 10 and 11

[MasterYoda327]

I recently ripped and converted my audio CD collection. I created backup copies of the music folders using Windows 10's copy and paste feature. The folders were large and copying process took quite a while. It also took a while to backup the folders when I updated them after ripping and converting a new CD album. I have looked at web sites for top 10 recommended sync and backup software programs, but because it took me a long time to rip and convert my music collection, I am looking for a reliable and trustworthy free or paid (reasonably priced) backup software program that can backup my music collection folders into specified locations such as from my internal hard drive to the external hard drive and automatically update the backup folders when I add new music files and folders in the source folders. Since I am planning to replace my computer in the near future I would also like the software to be able to work with both Windows 10 and 11. I have considered Easy2Sync and Second Copy as possible candidates, but as far as I can tell, they only work with Windows 10, 8, and/or 7. I would appreciate your suggestions on backup and sync programs that may work best to meet my needs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[USAFRet]

I use Macrium Reflect.
Paid on my main system, Free on all the others.
Full drive images, not just random folders.


For just specific folders (why?), I used to use FreeFileSync or SyncBackFree.

 

[punkncat]

Technically Windows Media Player can be set to place all the music that is played into its own "backup" file. I typically turn that feature off such as to eliminate duplicates in search results, but...

One other thing I would mention. Bit rot is real. Keep your source disks in a safe location. Also, it is not uncommon for small bits of the end of each file to be lost after a transfer. Over time, I have had a good 20-30 seconds taken off the back end of files due to transferring them to (for instance) a new replacement disk. I screwed up and got rid of most of my CD's after doing the same and really, really wish I could change that decision.

Robo Copy can be utilized to do your backups on a regular interval. All you have to do is set up a task with the "script" for the robocopy operation. It's built into Windows, but the coding can be a little strange to the uninitiated. I used Robo Cop-y, assuming it's still around, to help with the script generation until I had a better grip on what was needed.

 

[Lafong]

automatically update the backup folders when I add new music files and folders in the source folders.

I'd be a bit wary of "automated", depending on how highly you value the files.

I don't see any reason to use a paid solution, although Second Copy is superb. I used it for close to 10 years. I'd expect it to updated (if needed) to accommodate Windows 11. I'd get in touch with them....they might want to charge you again for the 11 upgrade if you bought 10 now.

SyncBackFree has worked fine for me for maybe 5 years.

FreeFileSync works very well, although I find the interface clunky.