IvyBackup — keeps Windows backups simple
IvyBackup is a small Windows backup program that works best when the job doesn’t need a big, complex setup. It’s aimed at workstations, laptops, and smaller office PCs — the kind where you just want files backed up on a schedule and not much else.
It can do full, incremental, or differential backups. Destinations can be a local disk, a network share, or a USB drive you plug in now and then. There’s ZIP compression if you need to save space, and AES encryption if the files shouldn’t be readable by anyone who stumbles across them.
The interface is easy enough that you can set up a job in a couple of minutes. It’s not made for terabytes of high-frequency data, but for keeping user files, documents, and smaller project folders safe, it gets the job done without much fuss.
Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
| Runs on Windows | 7, 8, 10, 11 — same core functions on all |
| Backup Types | Full, incremental, or differential, depending on the task |
| Destinations | Local drives, NAS, mapped shares, or a portable USB |
| Compression | ZIP format; reduces size but adds processing time |
| Encryption | AES with a password — simple but effective |
| Scheduling | Daily, weekly, or odd custom intervals |
| Retention | Can auto-delete older backups when space runs low |
| Verification | Optional check to make sure backups aren’t corrupt |
Deployment Notes
The free version is fine for basic jobs; the paid one adds more advanced rules. Incremental backups are quick, but the first full run can be slow if you’re pushing over a network. If the backup goes to a share, make sure the account running the job can write to it without prompts. Verification is worth enabling if you’re not in a hurry — it’s an extra safeguard.
Quick Start (Windows)
1. Download from the official site.
2. Install and open IvyBackup.
3. Add a job: choose what to back up, pick type, set destination.
4. Enable compression/encryption if required.
5. Schedule it, or run once to test.
Where it fits
– Office PCs with simple, repeating backup needs.
– User data capture before a system wipe.
– Encrypted backups of sensitive files to a portable drive.
– Incremental backups for small business workstations.
– Lightweight option for laptops in branch offices.