Cloning software - Windows

[andyptak]

I've been using Acronis for the most part and Macrium as a second choice. I mainly run clones so I can just do a straight swap if I have to. Re-using an Acronis drive when I need a fresh copy because of updates is such a PITA. I have to run through hoops to initilaize and format the original clone disk, usuually using a different machine, and then more often than not, a new clone attempt fails.  Macrium is a breeze by comparison. My dilema is that Acronis seems more fully featured and I have a nagging feeling that it may be more reliable if the need ever arises. Anyone with more knowledge and experience than me have any thought? Thanks.

[geneo]

I have been using Macrium for years and have done hundreds of restores without a hitch. It is a very reliable product.

Their latest update improves performance immensely for SSD, in particular for nvme SSD. They now use machine instructions that do compression and encryption very quickly. I can make a backup to an nvme ssd at 1 GB/s+, so a 62 GB system disk is backed up in about 1 minute (196 bit encrypted and compressed!).  I have probably done a dozen restores already with that version. They have very good quality controls and programmers and a lean quality application IMO.

I don't use any of their features like Change Block Tracking, just full backups.

I haven't used Acronis for years. I found it not reliable, but that was a time back.

[andyptak]

That's good to hear. Thanks. Goodbye Acronis!