I install this free open-source backup tool on every Windows PC and Mac I own

Parth, a seasoned tech writer, wields the keyboard (or pen) with finesse to unravel the intricacies of both Windows and Mac operating systems. He has covered evergreen content on mobile devices and computers for multiple publications over the last six years. You can find his work on AndroidPolice, GuidingTech and TechWiser. Whether it’s demystifying system updates, deciphering error codes, or exploring hidden features, Parth’s prose guides readers through the binary maze. When not immersed in tech jargon, you’ll find him sipping chai, pondering the next software review, and occasionally indulging in a friendly debate about mechanical keyboards.

I have lost important files before, and I never want to repeat that mistake. Since I regularly switch between my Windows desktop and MacBook, having a reliable backup system on both machines is essential.

However, I don’t want to pay for expensive backup software or waste time manually copying files to external drives. I wanted something simple and flexible that handles everything in the background. And that’s when I came across Duplicati, which checked nearly every box.

Meet the backup tool that does it all

More than your average backup utility

If you haven’t heard of Duplicati, it’s a free, open-source backup tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unlike traditional backup utilities that simply copy files to another drive, Duplicati gives me complete control over how, when, and where I back up my files.

For example, I can select important folders from my Windows desktop, schedule automated backups (more on that in a minute), and send everything to Google Drive, OneDrive, an external SSD, or even my NAS. It also supports incremental backups, so it doesn’t need to upload all my files every time something changes.

Another thing I appreciate is its browser-based interface. I don’t need to deal with complicated command-line instructions to configure my backups. Everything from choosing folders to setting schedules and restoring files is accessible through a graphical interface.

Duplicati also supports encryption, compression, and multiple backup destinations. It’s mainly designed for file-level backups, and that’s exactly what I need to protect my important documents, photos, and ongoing projects.

Backup storage is completely flexible

I am not locked into one cloud

One of my biggest complaints with traditional backup utilities is how they often push me toward a specific cloud storage service. Thankfully, Duplicati takes a different approach. It supports a wide range of storage destinations, including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, external hard drives, and NAS devices.

This flexibility fits my workflow. For example, I can back up my important Word documents, research files, and ongoing projects to OneDrive while creating a separate backup job for larger files on my Samsung T7 Shield SSD.

I can also use my home NAS as another destination without switching backup applications.

The best part is that I don’t need to change my entire backup strategy if I switch cloud providers in the future. I can just configure a new backup job with my preferred destination and call it a day.

Duplicati is packed with features

Recovering my files doesn’t feel complicated

Duplicati isn’t just about creating backups. It also makes recovering files straightforward. For example, if I accidentally delete an important Word document or overwrite an article draft, I can open Duplicati, head to the Restore section, select an existing backup, and choose the files I want to recover.

Another major improvement is Duplicati’s redesigned interface. Frankly, the old UI was average at best. It looked outdated, and navigating through different options wasn’t enjoyable. The new interface feels much more modern, polished, and easier to navigate.

Everything from creating backup jobs to managing schedules and restoring files feels more approachable.

I also appreciate that Duplicati hasn’t sacrificed functionality for a prettier interface. I still get advanced features like encryption, incremental backups, and compression.

Backups happen without my intervention

I set my schedule and forget

One of my favorite things about Duplicati is its built-in scheduler. I don’t need to remember to back up my files manually or connect an external drive every few days. During the initial setup, I can choose exactly when and how often Duplicati should run its backup jobs.

For example, I can schedule daily backups for my Word documents, research files, and ongoing writing projects while keeping a separate weekly schedule for less important folders.

I can also exclude temporary files and unnecessary downloads to avoid wasting storage space.

Duplicati also supports incremental backups, which means it processes only new and changed data after the initial backup. This saves time and bandwidth, especially when I edit documents throughout the day.

Once everything is configured, Duplicati takes care of the repetitive work in the background. I only need to check its status occasionally to make sure everything is running smoothly. It’s a convenient setup that gives me peace of mind without adding another task to my daily routine.

A smarter way to protect files

Backing up important files shouldn’t require an expensive subscription or hours of manual work. That’s what makes Duplicati such a valuable addition to my setup. I like having complete control over what gets backed up, where everything is stored, and how often the process runs.

If you are looking for a reliable, flexible backup solution without spending a dime on the software, give Duplicati a try.