Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) for Windows

Name: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit)
Rating: 3.6 (277 reviews)
Author: Paragon Software Group

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffMarch 18, 2026

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) is a disk imaging and data protection utility that records system and file data as restorable backup archives. Powered by the Paragon Hard Disk Manager engine, this utility creates detailed storage drive copies, saving disk layouts, partition structures, and file system details into restorable backup files.

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) executes backup tasks through selectable workflows defining source data, destination, and retention. Its Scenario-Based system organizes tasks into categories like OS images or document archives. Activity appears within the Paragon Dashboard, which aggregates backup records, task configuration panels, and job execution logs.

Reliable recovery

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) uses Live Imaging (VSS) to capture disk snapshots while Windows remains active. Recording partition structures and file system metadata without interruption, the tool creates archives containing both file-level content and sector-level data. This enables restoring entire disks or selectively extracting specific files from stored images within the backup environment, ensuring flexible and reliable recovery options for users.

Backup tasks run through the Backup Scheduler, which stores definitions for scenario selection, storage destination, and execution frequency. The scheduler records backup history entries that track archive creation and task completion events. Each executed job writes metadata to the task database so the application can list archives, verify task status, and automatically trigger scheduled operations according to the configured scenario workflow.

During imaging, the Storage Engine interacts with physical disks, partitions, and file systems, including NVMe drives, hardware RAID, and Apple HFS+. It records disk layouts and sector maps for precise restoration. However, it lacks volume-merging or advanced disk-structuring features. While it captures NTFS and ReFS metadata, automated backup status reports are only generated through the integrated Email Notification system, ensuring reliable and consistent task monitoring.

Pros
- Sector-level disk imaging engine
- Scenario-based backup configuration system
- Snapshot imaging through VSS integration
- Remote backup monitoring through the account dashboard
Cons
- No volume merge or advanced disk restructuring features

Bottom Line

Sector-level precision

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) records disk images through sector-level capture performed by the Hard Disk Manager engine. It schedules and executes backup scenarios, stores archive records, and maintains job history via an internal scheduler and dashboard. The software includes snapshot imaging, remote backup status reporting, and email-based task notifications. Storage handling supports multiple file systems and disk structures.

What’s new in version 18.7.0

Added automated email notifications for backup task status
Expanded storage support for NVMe drives and hardware RAID arrays
Added support for Microsoft ReFS file systems
Added ability to read Apple HFS+ formatted drives

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) for Windows

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Used Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: November 2, 2017

Latest update: March 18, 2026

Version: 18.7.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows 7
Windows 8

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 1,951,907

Downloads Last Week: 17

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.6/5

277 User Votes

Maybe it only works for the latest OS
John PIlgeMay 8, 2017
Pros
Fairly simple. Not malware according to my virus checker.
Cons
It asks you to set up a "Capsule" for the backups. After a crash that occur 3 hours into the backup, I discover my "capsule" is the wrong size and I did not leave enough room on the destination drive. After several efforts, I cannot find a good ratio of capsule size to destination disk size.
Summary
Not friendly.
False sense of security: worthless product
j-zNovember 16, 2016
Pros
there aren't any
Cons
When that day comes and you actually need to recover something, you are really out of luck (at least I was). I was not able to recover my drive. A question posted to the forum was not answered. A question to tech support got a response that I could pay $100 for support. And I have the paid version of this product.
Summary
I would look elsewhere for backup options, or use those that come with your operating system.
Doesn't work as advertised
CheBJPJanuary 18, 2016
Pros
Free and simple to install.
Cons
Can't create recovery media. Gives obscure errors when I try to do so. The website forum offers only complicated solutions to this fundamental problem.
Summary
If it works for you right away, good luck. I doubt most people test the full restore process until the really need it. That's too late if you really need it and it doesn't work as advertised. I couldn't produce either CD or USB recovery media successfully. A total waste of my time.
Waste of Time
MacronJanuary 8, 2016
Pros
NONE Can't think of any. Don't waste your time on this one !!
Cons
Complex, backup by default results in collection of old school 4GB files by default. Recover is key but the Linux CD created for full image recover does not show anything, no options, menu, drives. sources just drive on a blue screen. Paragon would not even respond to this simple issue about the CD sending me to their forum which void of content.
Summary
Move on or find a version of you can use on all your family computers. NOT single machine license like Trueimage is now. Makes me want to pirate it.
Utter Garbage
Andy_from_UKDecember 20, 2015
Pros
None, this is confusing and not user friendly, must be aimed more towards professionals that understand all the advanced terminology
Cons
Just flat out does not work, which is a pity because they use to be good!
Summary
Avoid
A part of paragon system utilities has stopped working
December 12, 2015
Pros
None that I can think off
Cons
- Crashes/freezes regularly while backing up - Incremental backups are way too big - UI is very user-unfriendly - Small Backups takes hours to complete
Summary
OMG great solution
Revolution RecyclingMay 13, 2015
Pros
does a mirrow backup
Cons
Is little confusing at the beginning but once you get it is great solution
Summary
I used it only for Backup and did an extraordinary job. I used the Dell Backup manager (always crashes), the MyBackup (never load), Microsoft Backup and recovery, naaa, prefer to save my comments on this one. But Paragon eyes close recommended.
five error messages before the software finally opened
RAudibertwp66April 15, 2015
Pros
There is a free version -- that comes with many links on every page urging an upgrade to the paid version.
Cons
You get what you pay for. When the software finally opened, I was faced with a full screen of terms with which I was not familiar. e.g. what is a virtual drive? Can I use an external hard drive? So I went looking for the user manual. Got to be downloaded I was told -- visit the site to download I was told. Four more error messages, followed by me going to the Control Panel and deleting Paragon. This software may meet someone's needs, but it sure doesn't meet mine.
Summary
DOS based screens. Cannot use USB3 without additional
johnchaffeyMarch 23, 2015
Pros
This used to work for me when I had XP.
Cons
Will not work with USB3. Support said use USB2 or download and install separate software. I asked for a refund 5 days ago and they will not respond.
Summary
Yes, it's still supported. Yes, it works just fine.
TryumphMarch 11, 2015
Pros
--64-bit version is faster than other backup apps I've tried. --Backed up my system easily to an external USB hard drive with no problems or error messages -- usually takes me several tries to get backups to work properly (with other software).
Cons
--interface is only OK. A setup wizard would be nice.
Summary
--I don't understand a previous reviewer who said this wasn't supported. It IS supported, it IS on Paragon's web site, and it DOES work. --I don't understand a previous reviewer who said this would only back up to the primary hard drive (which indeed would be pointless if the HD crashed). I had no trouble whatsoever backing up to an external USB drive. Jeez ...

Developer’s Description

By Paragon Software Group

Back up and restore your Windows system.

The new Backup & Recovery 16 Free keeps your PC and data safe. Hardware failures such as defective hard disks, sudden system errors after a program update, computer viruses and ransomware Trojan horses are only a few of the threats which computer data is constantly exposed to these days. A sudden data loss can easily cause your Windows system to cease functioning. Even worse is when important documents, your master's thesis or are your family photos are suddenly no longer available. Paragon Backup & Recovery 16 Free protects you from these and other threats - at no cost whatsoever.

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) for Windows

Editors’ Review

Reliable recovery

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Sector-level precision

What’s new in version 18.7.0

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free 16 (64-bit) for Windows

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User Reviews

Maybe it only works for the latest OS

False sense of security: worthless product

Doesn't work as advertised

Waste of Time

Utter Garbage

A part of paragon system utilities has stopped working

OMG great solution

five error messages before the software finally opened

DOS based screens. Cannot use USB3 without additional

Yes, it's still supported. Yes, it works just fine.

Developer’s Description