CrashPlan for Windows

Product snapshot

CrashPlan provides a straightforward way to protect your files both locally and via the cloud. If you've never made a copy of your PC data, a single hardware failure or a power problem could leave you without critical files. This tool aims to simplify backing up so you don't have to worry about data loss.

Backup modes

• Local backups: copy your data to an external drive or another computer on your network. These transfers are fast and free, but you should keep the destination drive in a safe place.
• Cloud backups: automatic off-site backups stored online. These remove the need to manage physical media, but larger uploads can take a long time depending on your connection.

Getting started

A guided installer walks you through creating an account and configuring the client in just a few steps. Typical setup asks for your email, a username and a password, then prompts you to select a backup destination and schedule. The process is designed for users who want a quick setup without wrestling with technical details.

Performance and everyday use

In practice the client is light on CPU, so it runs unobtrusively while you work. The interface provides clear status messages at each stage of a backup, telling you what has been completed and what remains. For example, backing up 60 GB to an external drive took roughly five hours in our trial — reasonable for a one-time transfer but something to expect when planning large jobs. Uploading the same amount to the cloud will usually take considerably longer, depending on your upload speed.

Known limitations

• The software did not warn us that the chosen external drive lacked enough free space until the backup actually hit the full-disk condition. A pre-check that flags insufficient space would improve the experience.
• Very large online backups can be time-consuming; if you plan to move many gigabytes to the cloud, anticipate a lengthy initial upload.

Alternative recommendation

If you prefer a free desktop-sync option rather than a dedicated backup service, Google Drive for Desktop is a solid alternative to consider. It integrates with your file system and can be easier for simple sync-and-store workflows.

Recent updates and fixes

• Improved the default ignore rules across operating systems to reduce unnecessary files being scanned or copied.
• Resolved an authentication problem that prevented the client from validating credentials with the authentication service in some environments.
• Fixed an issue where users who secured the desktop client with their account password could not sign in.