Download Details
- File size
- 269.6 MB
- License
- Free
- Developer
- Paramount Software
- Supported OS
- Windows 11, Windows 10
- Installers
- 64-bit (x64)
- Downloads
- 6965
- Rating
- 4.6 out of 5 · 46 reviews
Reviewed by Mohamed Zaki
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · · How we review
Screenshots
Macrium Reflect makes exact images of whole drives, so you can restore Windows, your programs and your files after a crash.
It suits home users who want a dependable system backup and technicians who need cloning and rescue media.
The old free edition is retired. Today you get a free 30-day trial, then a paid subscription.
Worth installing if you want image-based backups that restore a dead PC. Skip it if you only need a free file copier.
What is Macrium Reflect?
Macrium Reflect is a Windows backup program from Paramount Software. It copies a whole disk or partition into an image file that holds the system, installed programs and personal files.
If Windows fails, you restore that image and the PC returns to the state it had on backup day.
Full, differential and incremental images on a schedule
You can back up a complete disk once, then add smaller backups that only store what changed. Differential and incremental runs save time and disk space compared with a new full image every time.
Set a schedule and the job runs without you. Tip: keep the images on a different physical drive, otherwise a dead disk takes the backup with it.
Cloning an old hard drive to a new SSD
The disk cloning feature copies one drive straight onto another. It is the usual route when you replace a hard drive with an SSD and want to keep Windows exactly as it is.
Tip: check that the target drive has enough space for the used data before you start the clone.
Rescue media for a PC that will not boot
You can build a bootable USB drive or an ISO. It starts the PC when Windows will not load, so you can still restore an image.
Make the rescue media before you need it. A crashed PC cannot create its own recovery stick.
Restoring a single file instead of the whole disk
You do not have to roll back everything. An image can be opened as a drive in File Explorer, so you copy out one document or folder.
File and folder backups are also available when a full image would be too much.
Trial and paid license: where Macrium Reflect costs money
The free edition is retired, and security patches for it ended at the start of 2024. The current product is a subscription, with a free trial first.
| Option | What you get |
|---|---|
| Old free edition | No longer offered by Macrium, no feature updates |
| 30-day trial | All Home features, no credit card needed, trial backups stay restorable |
| Paid subscription | Continued backups and updates, with a money-back guarantee period |
Many download sites still label old builds as free. Check what the installer offers before you rely on it.
Is Macrium Reflect safe to install?
Macrium Reflect comes from an established developer and uses a normal setup wizard. Use the download button on this page so you get the installer from the official source.
Be careful with third-party mirrors that repackage old builds.
When a permanently free backup tool is the better fit
Look elsewhere if you want a tool that stays free for good, because the trial ends after 30 days. A simple file sync or copy tool is also enough if you never need a full system restore.
People who prefer one-time purchases should also check the current pricing first, since the license is a subscription.
How to Download & Install
Use the download button at the top of the page to get the EXE installer for the latest Macrium Reflect. It runs on 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step 1: Press the green download button above this review. It takes you to the official Macrium download page.
Step 2: Choose the 64-bit build and register with your email address. You are then sent to the direct download links.
Step 3: Click the download link to save the installer to your computer.
Step 4: Double-click the installer and start the setup wizard.
Step 5: Tick the box to agree to the license terms and move on to the next screen.
Step 6: Choose the 30-day trial license when the setup asks how you want to use the app.
Step 7: Type your email address and click Next.
Step 8: Click Install, wait for the setup to finish, then launch Macrium Reflect from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
Which installer you get
There is one main installer for 64-bit Windows. It is an EXE file, and no portable ZIP is listed for this app.
System requirements
- Windows 11 or Windows 10, 64-bit (x64)
- Administrator rights on the PC
- A second drive or network location to store the images
License and trial
Macrium stopped offering its free edition, so the installer starts a 30-day trial of the Home edition. After the trial you need a paid license to keep creating new backups.
If you already bought a license, enter the key when the setup asks for it.
How to update
To move to a newer release, grab the current installer with the button at the top and run it on the PC that already has Macrium Reflect. Your backup definitions and images stay where they are.
Install problems and fixes
- Wizard does not open: right-click the installer file and pick Run as administrator.
- Restart request: some optional components need a reboot, so save your work before you finish the setup.
- No trial key arrives: check the spam folder and make sure the email address in the setup has no typo.
Pros & Cons
What we liked
- Full disk image backups
- Bootable rescue USB or ISO
- Scheduled incremental backups
- Drive cloning for SSD upgrades
- Restore single files
What we didn't like
- Free edition is retired
- Subscription after the trial
Conclusion
4.6out of 5 · 46 user ratings
Backup tools differ mostly in price and in how easy they make a restore. This table shows where Macrium Reflect sits next to three common options.
Check the license model first, since several of these programs limit their free tiers.
| App | Best For | Price | Platform | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macrium Reflect | Full system image backups | Free 30-day trial, then paid | Windows | Bootable rescue media with image restore |
| AOMEI Backupper | Simple backups on a budget | Free tier, paid upgrades | Windows | Backup and clone in one interface |
| Acronis True Image | Backup with cloud storage | Paid subscription | Windows, macOS | Cloud backup and security tools |
| EaseUS Todo Backup | Beginners who want a guided tool | Free tier, paid upgrades | Windows | Easy wizard-style backup setup |
Final verdict
Macrium Reflect is a solid pick when you want a disk image you can restore after Windows fails. Run the 30-day trial, build a rescue USB and test a restore before you decide to pay.
If you need a backup tool that stays free forever, look at the alternatives with free tiers.
FAQ
Is there still a free version of Macrium Reflect?
No, Macrium retired its free edition. The only free option today is the 30-day trial of the Home edition.
Can I restore my backups after the trial ends?
Yes, backups made during the trial remain restorable. You need a paid license to create new ones.
Does Macrium Reflect run on Windows 11?
Yes, the current release supports 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Can I clone a hard drive to an SSD with it?
Yes, the disk cloning feature copies one drive onto another. Make sure the SSD can hold all the used data.
Do I need a USB stick for the rescue media?
A USB drive is the usual choice, but you can also create an ISO file. Either one lets you boot the PC and restore an image.
Why do some sites list Macrium Reflect as free?
Some sites still use the old free label for builds that actually start the 30-day trial. Read the license screen in the installer to see what you get.
Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.
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