Solved Do I "need" a replacement for my Macrium free?


T

TryingHard

Member
Member
Local time
5:45 PM
Posts
95
OS
Windows 11 home version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
Hi guys
I've used Macrium free for ages because it is all I need and I have found it reliable.
I normally make regular complete manual backups of my data partitions.
I hear that Macrium free is being retired and will soon "no longer be updated".

I read the backup poll and other threads here but am confused for a simple answer.

I have laptops running Windows 11 pro and Windows 10.
Can I safely continue to use Macrium free?
Will my backup restores still work with my already installed software?
What importance is it that there will be no updates? Will that affect my future backups made by my already installed Macrium free?

Sorry for what are probably already asked stupid questions but I tried the alternative free backup softwares and still prefer Macrium if possible.

Thank you.
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Pro build22621.ni_release.220506-1250

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 home version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus/zenbook 14 UX34055MA Q425MA
    CPU
    Intel 7 ultra 155H, 3800 Mhz, 16 Cores, 22 logical proc
    Motherboard
    ASUTEK
    Memory
    16
    Hard Drives
    1TB
TryingHard said:
I've used Macrium free for ages because it is all I need and I have found it reliable.
I normally make regular complete manual backups of my data partitions.
I hear that Macrium free is being retired and will soon "no longer be updated".
Click to expand...
Actually, it was 'retired' at the end of 2023. It's last ever update was 1st December 2023.

1701466957341-png.79673

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/latest-macrium-reflect-8-updates.7550/

TryingHard said:
I have laptops running Windows 11 pro and Windows 10.
Can I safely continue to use Macrium free?
Will my backup restores still work with my already installed software?
What importance is it that there will be no updates? Will that affect my future backups made by my already installed Macrium free?
Click to expand...
Yes, of course you can still safely use it. Your licence to use Reflect Free v8.0 is perpetual. Just because it no longer gets updates doesn't mean that it will suddenly stop working the same as it always has.

There is a small risk that Microsoft may some day make changes to Windows that break Reflect v8.0. Should that happen it won't get a patch to fix it. It's unlikely any time soon though, I have Reflect Free still working perfectly in the latest Insider Canary build.

TryingHard said:
I tried the alternative free backup softwares and still prefer Macrium if possible.
Click to expand...
So do I.

I have bought one Reflect X licence, and have had some Reflect Home v8 perpetual licenses for some time now. But I have more machines than licences and use Reflect Free on the rest.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Thank you. Much appreciated.
What is the cost of a perpetual license? I don't need it but would not mind supporting them if it is not too expensive.
I went to the Macrium website but for the Home edition they only had $50 for 1 pc per year. Too high.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 home version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus/zenbook 14 UX34055MA Q425MA
    CPU
    Intel 7 ultra 155H, 3800 Mhz, 16 Cores, 22 logical proc
    Motherboard
    ASUTEK
    Memory
    16
    Hard Drives
    1TB
TryingHard said:
I went to the Macrium website but for the Home edition they only had $50 for 1 pc per year. Too high.
Click to expand...
All links to buy perpetual v8 licences were removed from Macrium's main website on the launch of Reflect X, which is only available on 'subscription'. However, a perpetual licence for v8 can still be found here:

Home Edition

Macrium Software - the creators of Macrium Reflect backup, imaging and cloning software.
liveweb2.macrium.com liveweb2.macrium.com

Note that the release of Reflect X marks the start of extended support for Reflect v8.1. Updates for v8.1 are due to end after 8th October 2025.

Macrium said:
Current Support begins from the release date and lasts until the next full product version is released. For example, Reflect 8 to Reflect X.....
Extended Support begins when the Current Support stage ends and lasts for a specific duration. Typically, this is one full year. During this stage, customer support services are limited.
Click to expand...

Macrium Product Support Policy

Macrium is pleased to offer three stages of product support. Stage 1: Current Support Stage 2: Extended Support Stage 3: Self-Service Support
www.macrium.com www.macrium.com

Purchasing a Reflect licence entitles you to register on the Macrium Forum. It is freely available for all to read, but registration allows you to post too.

Macrium Community Forum

forum.macrium.com forum.macrium.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
TryingHard said:
Thank you. Much appreciated.
What is the cost of a perpetual license? I don't need it but would not mind supporting them if it is not too expensive.
I went to the Macrium website but for the Home edition they only had $50 for 1 pc per year. Too high.
Click to expand...
You just missed their black friday special, I think it was $29.99 for 1 PC for one year. I would expect this is a deal that they will do yearly, but I cannot guarantee it.

To answer your questions, like others have said you can continue to keep using it for backups. It currently works to backup and restore, and unless there is a substantial Windows change, it will continue to do so.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Aurora R16
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-14900KF
    Motherboard
    Alienware 0RF96M (U3E1)
    Memory
    64 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4083MB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ROG XG43UQ 43 inch monitor
    Screen Resolution
    (3840x2160@120Hz)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 870 EVO 2TB
    NVMe Samsung 2048GB
I've used paragon in the distant past. Will retry as an alternative.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 home version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus/zenbook 14 UX34055MA Q425MA
    CPU
    Intel 7 ultra 155H, 3800 Mhz, 16 Cores, 22 logical proc
    Motherboard
    ASUTEK
    Memory
    16
    Hard Drives
    1TB
Re original post

NO.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Zenbook 14
    CPU
    I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB soldered
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop OLED screen
    Screen Resolution
    2880x1800 touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
    PSU
    Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
    Keyboard
    Built in UK keybd
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
    Internet Speed
    900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

    Macrium Reflect Home V8
    Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
    Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
You should also check your Drive manufacturer to see if they provide any backup programs.

For example, I have two WD NVME drives and they provide a licensed copy of Acronis True Image that is good for five years -- Western Digital Support | Western Digital
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (22631.4751 - using GRC InControl)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Pre-built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI Pro B650-VC WiFi
    Memory
    32gb Team Group (T-Force) DDR5-6000
    Graphics Card(s)
    Zotac nVidia GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER - 12gb
    Sound Card
    Sound BlasterX G6
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ XL2411P and ViewSonic VX2453
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SN5000 - 500gb NVME
    WD Blue SN580 - 2TB NVME
    Keyboard
    Mountain Everest
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Hero
    Internet Speed
    T-Mobile Home Internet
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    QNAP TS-469 Pro NAS
Macrium Reflect freeware is still available from Majorgeeks

Between this and AOMEI Backupper freeware, I don't have many worries
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-12400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512GB KIOXIA NVMe
    1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    BT
    Mouse
    BT
    Browser
    Brave FFox Chrome Opera
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
idgat said:
Between this and AOMEI Backupper freeware, I don't have many worries
Click to expand...
I tried AOMEI and it backs up fine. But the free version does not let you explore the backups to see what is in it and select specific files. That is major deficit for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 home version 10.0.22631 Build 22631
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus/zenbook 14 UX34055MA Q425MA
    CPU
    Intel 7 ultra 155H, 3800 Mhz, 16 Cores, 22 logical proc
    Motherboard
    ASUTEK
    Memory
    16
    Hard Drives
    1TB
TryingHard said:
I tried AOMEI and it backs up fine. But the free version does not let you explore the backups to see what is in it and select specific files. That is major deficit for me.
Click to expand...
Hasleo backup suite (free) does allow you to explore its backup image.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, and 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Also running Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, Canary, and Release Preview builds as a native boot .vhdx.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Laptop had a bluescreen, but is seemingly fine now. Is it fine and do I need to do anything?
Replies
3
Views
875
wags1
wags1
Do I Need A Driver For My Deskjet 1000?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Try3
Try3
Solved Do I need these Partitions on My C;/Drive ?
Replies
12
Views
4K
ThrashZone
ThrashZone
Do I need a hardware tpm(or ftpm) or am I good to go?
2 3
Replies
46
Views
14K
xraiderv1
xraiderv1
Do I need a new switch?
Replies
7
Views
1K
t0mmy1977
t0mmy1977

Latest Support Threads

Latest Tutorials

Back
Top Bottom