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11 June 2024  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
 

Summary
Regularly back up your Windows 8.1 with windows 8.1 backup software to avoid loss, as mainstream support has ended and updates are no longer available.



Table of contents

table iconI. Importance of backing up Windows 8.1 files
table iconII. What backup software is suitable for Windows 8.1?
windows 8.1 backup software

I. Importance of backing up Windows 8.1 files

Backing up Windows files is essential to prevent data loss. While data is generally safe, issues like hard disk failure, system crashes, or virus infections can put important data at risk. Since mainstream support for Windows 8.1 ended in January 2018, users no longer receive function or security updates, compromising the system’s security and stability.
Some users rely on data recovery software like Renee Undeleter to scan and restore hard disk data, neglecting backups. However, data recovery is a remedial measure. After data loss, new data cannot be stored unless the lost data is not overwritten. Data loss can occur for various reasons, and ensuring the lost data isn’t damaged is challenging. If the data is damaged, recovered files may not open, view, or function properly.
The following will introduce some backup software for Windows 8.1, please read on.

II. What backup software is suitable for Windows 8.1?

1. Renee Becca

Renee Becca is a robust tool for system and hard disk data backup and restoration. It efficiently backs up and restores essential data such as programs, system configurations, emails, photos, videos, documents, and bookmarks. By utilizing advanced incremental/differential backup technology, it saves significant time and disk space. It supports system, partition, hard disk, and file backups, as well as disk cloning. The software also facilitates the creation of regular automatic backup plans.
Applicable systems: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/Home Server 2011, etc.
Renee Becca - Reliable Data Backup & Restore Software

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Supports system backup, disk / partition backup, file backup and disk clone.

Intelligent Automatically analyze the differences between source and backup data.

Convenient Support VSS, allowing to freely view webpages when backing up system.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Backup for disk, partition and system. Save disk space by backing up incremental /differential data.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Free TrialFree Trial 2000 users have downloaded and enjoy Renee Becca!
The following takes file backup as an example to introduce the specific backup steps:
Step 1: Download, install, and run Renee Becca on Windows 8.1. Select the (File Backup) option in the main interface.
click to back up files in renee becca
Step 2: Select the files to be backed up from the source device and choose the hard disk partition for the backup.
how to back up files in renee becca
In addition, using Scheduler, you can make a daily/weekly/monthly automatic backup plan and click (OK) to enable the automatic backup.
file backup schedule on Renee Becca
In Backup Scheme – Scheme Type, select a backup scheme mode based on your needs. Renee Becca offers 5 backup schemes: version chain, single version, full, incremental, and differential.
backup mode of file backup on Renee Becca
Renee Becca offers 5 backup plans:

  • Version Chain Mode: Keeps the latest 5 versions, automatically deleting older ones after each backup.
  • Single Version Mode: Retains only the most recent version, deleting the previous one after each backup.
  • Full Mode: Creates a full backup.
  • Incremental Mode: After an initial full backup, only incremental backups are made.
  • Differential Mode: Only differential backups are made after an initial full backup. You can compare incremental and differential backups.
Step 3: Click the Backup button to start the backup according to your settings. You can monitor the progress on the task bar. Once the backup is complete, click the Recovery button to restore files to the specified hard disk if needed.
restore the backup
Step 4: Then select the location where the files are to be restored, and click the (Recovery) button.
recover the data from the backup file
advantage:
  • The software is easy to understand and operate.
  • A variety of backup and restore functions are available for free.
  • It offers three cloning functions to meet various cloning needs.
  • The system can be directly migrated to a new hard drive, retaining the original system data.
  • You can set the partition size of the new hard disk before cloning the hard disk.
  • Support only cloning the used space of the hard disk, and support cloning HDD to SSD.
  • Daily/weekly/monthly automatic backup plans can be made.
  • Incremental and differential backups can be executed, where only the newly added files or the segments differing from the original backup are stored. This approach significantly conserves hard disk storage space.

shortcoming: Only supports Windows system

2. AOMEI Backupper

AOMEI Backupper is practical backup software for Windows 8.1, supporting system, disk, partition, and file backups with a simple interface. If it detects an infection, it prompts you to clone the data before cleaning the virus to prevent data loss. The official version includes real-time data synchronization, mirror synchronization, and encrypted backup functions.
Applicable system: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.
aomei_backupper
advantage:
  • Full backups, differential backups, and incremental backups are available.
  • Support to regular backup files.

shortcoming:

  • The free version has limited features.
  • Encryption impacts system performance and can result in your system operating more slowly.

Besides backup software, many users prefer backing up files to the cloud. Click here to learn about cloud backup and restore tools. The main advantage of cloud backup is the ability to back up files without connecting to other hard drives, requiring only an internet connection. However, these tools typically require a monthly or annual subscription, making the ongoing cost relatively high.