Windows inbuilt backup utility helps you keep an exact copy of data available on your computer or somewhere else and helps you restore whenever you need it back. Using inbuilt backup utilities, you’d be able to keep the important data safe and easily restore it in the event of failure or system inaccessibility. Previous Windows OS like Windows 8 or 7 already has some of the below mentioned features but you can find these tools way much improved and capable enough to perform flawless backup & restore procedure.

Read on the important inbuilt Windows 10 backup utility that ensures data safety and availability:

Backup & Restore

Microsoft has included back the Backup and Restore feature of Windows 7. This feature was taken down in Windows 8 and finally removed in Windows 8.1; it is back with windows 10. It is known as Windows Backup. This feature helps you to restore any backup from Windows 7 to Windows 10 system. And one can use it to back up Windows 10 PC in the same way you had backed up a Windows 7 PC. Windows Backup can be used with much ease to create a backup of anything to everything on hard drive, in comparison to Microsoft’s new File History. You can find this tool in Control Panel, search for backup to find it.

File History

File History feature was introduced in Windows 8, which reappeared in Windows 10. It’s one of the recommended ways to take back up. Thus File History is integrated in both the new the old Control Panel and Settings app. This feature has limitation that it backs up files located in user account’s libraries. One needs to select where backups are saved. One can select any external connected drive, such as a drive on a network or USB drive. File History backs up copies of files that are in the Music, Documents, Videos, Pictures, and Desktop folders available on your PC. If you want some other folders or files placed elsewhere to be backed up, you need to add them to any of these folders. Once files are placed, Windows will automatically create backup of your files. One can use to restore all the files if ever lost by restoring a single file, or roll backing a file to an earlier version.

Reset This PC

Mostly people uses the Reset this PC feature to restore their computer to its default operating state. This replaces the need to reinstall Windows from scratch using USB drive or an installer DVD. Just reset the PC and it will go back to factory default settings. Windows 8 had Reset this PC and Refresh this PC options. But Windows 10 have just one option Reset this PC. Go to Settings app-> select Update and security-> select Recovery-> click Get started button under option Reset this PC. This tells your Windows to keep user files but resetting the operating system installing programs to default state (refresh), or remove everything (reset). Reset feature is faster than reinstalling Windows in the old-fashioned way.

System Image Backup

System image backup feature is back after user outcry and is present in Windows 10 even. System image is exact copy of your drive. A system image includes all the drives required for Windows to run.Open the File History of control panel and then selects System Image in the side pane. This feature allows you to create entire image of the current system that includes the settings, operating system, installed programs and user files. The backup can be stored on several DVDs, an external hard drive, or on network location. If you want to move your computer back to a certain state, one can restore the backup. One can get their computer operating system back to the initial state using this feature and restoring the individual files and reinstalling all programs. When one restore computer from a system image, it is a complete restoration, one cannot choose individual items which they want to restore, all of your system settings, current programs, and files is replaced with the complete copy of the system image.

OneDrive

OneDrive might not be really a backup solution, but it is integrated in the Windows itself. OneDrive is online storage that comes automatically with Microsoft account. It is similar to an extra hard drive that is available from any devices one uses. No need to carry around a USB drive or email files to yourself .Files which one store in OneDrive account will be stored in your online account so one can access them on from other devices also. If the Windows crashes away then you have to restart from scratch or have to use different Windows device or one can just log in Microsoft account and all your files will be available in File Explorer.

Taking backup using third party Free Backup Utility

The above mentioned options weren’t always helpful and requires advanced backup tools that scales the capability of taking data backup. AOMEI Backupper standard is a free backup software available for Windows 10 and helps you backup almost everything – Complete hard disk drive, any specific partition or backup files and folders. It can make the backup procedure automated so you don’t have to remember taking data backup again.

This tool has inbuilt capability to take differential/complete data backup and allows easy restoration steps in the event of failure or crashes. AOMEI Backupper standard gives you list of benefits that can be of hugely important in different situations like:

• Complete Backup & Fast Restore
• Clone drive or any specific partitions and keep it safe as long as you want.
• Clone system to migrate on another system or going with high capacity drives.
• Backup different version of Windows like Windows 10/8/8.1/7/XP/VISTA.

Apart from this, AOMEI Backupper Standard can check backup images created on any platform as well as let you create bootable media for easy backup files and disaster recovery environment. Since it’s a free application available for all the latest Windows OS, you can easily get it installed from the developer website and start creating unlimited backups or take complete image of an entire drive in few clicks. The standard edition is only for PC users, if you need sever backup software, then you can look at their sever edition.

When it comes to digital security, public Wi-Fi networks aren’t safe enough, making it much easier for hackers to access your personal data. Whether you are studying in a library or scrolling through Facebook in a coffeehouse, it is vital to have a VPN installed on your device.

VPNs work wonders when it comes to securing your internet connection. By creating an encrypted tunnel between a remote server run by the VPN service, they protect your personal data from prying eyes. There is a variety of VPNs available on the web, and we have collated a list of the best VPNs that stand out from the rest.

How to Choose a VPN

• Free trial period – Free trials allow you to try the product risk-free. The same idea technically applies to those with 30-day full refunds as well.
• Speed – You want your VPN to be just as fast as the internet speed at home. Good quality VPNs are ones where you see little difference between those speeds.
• Device connection – Of course, the more devices that can connect to VPNs, the better. It increases the customers’ coverage and the product’s value. You also want to consider compatibility since fewer VPNs may work for Mac or Windows only.
• Number of servers – The number of servers determines how much capacity a VPN can handle while you are connected. The more servers there are, the more users it can handle without running into potential disconnections or slow speeds.
• Kill switch feature – Having this feature means that your IP address isn’t exposed if the VPN disconnects for some reason. A lack of this feature is a big deal since the whole reason why you’re paying for a VPN is to hide your IP address, among other things. (Find out how to avoid getting tracked online here: Big Brother Is Watching You Online: How To Avoid Being Tracked)

Why You Should Trust Us

Our hand-picked VPNs are incredibly efficient and offer such distinctive features that grant you safe browsing. They outperform many VPNs in terms of both speed and security. Their primary aim is to provide you the utmost security, thus enabling you to surf the web safely and prevent any potential threat from causing harm.

Among the best VPNs’ many unique features include split tunneling, strict logging policies, high encryption level, and availability of international servers. We have gathered them in this article to enlighten our readers and offer the best pieces of advice before you get one. Therefore, take our word for it, and if you go for a VPN mentioned below, you’d be fully appeased.

1. NordVPN

The most popular VPN on the market these days is NordVPN, and it’s easy to see why. It has widespread coverage, offering a selection of over 5,000 servers spanning across 59 countries.^[1] Due to the high number of servers, its speed is similar to your Wi-Fi at home.

Lifehack’s CEO, Leon, has been using NordVPN for many years and wants to recommend it for its remarkable server count in different locations with no-logs policy. The VPN perfectly works with Netflix and Fire TV stick, too.

NordVPN is also compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. You can download the app onto Chrome, Firefox, Android, and Mac OS. Thanks to its massive coverage, it’s easy to connect multiple devices onto these servers.

In terms of pricing, while NordVPN doesn’t have a free trial period, they argue that their plans are considerably cheaper than those of their competitors. For example, a one-year plan for ExpressVPN costs $8.32 per month, but NordVPN only charges $6.99 monthly.

NordVPN has a new protocol called NordLynx that is based on WireGuard with speed benefits, though it’s still under development.^[2] If you’re looking for general quality and affordability, this is one of the best VPNs around.

Buy this VPN.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the second-best option out there for keeping your privacy while browsing the internet. Like many other VPNs here, they will encrypt your IP address, offer vast coverage, and can have multiple devices connected to their servers.

Compared to NordVPN, while the pricing point is higher, ExpressVPN’s biggest selling point is the number of countries that their connection covers. Depending on where you are in the world, this may be the only option you have. They have fewer servers — 160, to be precise — but they make up for the low server count by covering 94 countries.^[3]

Cost-wise, your best bet is to go with the yearly plan where they charge $8.32 a month. They also have one- and six-month plans.

Buy this VPN.

3. Surf Shark

With regards to Surf Shark, you can connect multiple devices to its servers, and it’s compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac. It is also available on Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and FireTV.

Furthermore, Surf Shark can whitelist apps and sites, letting them bypass the VPN. This, along with the lines of split-tunneling, is another feature that many VPNs offer. The difference is that Surf Shark allows you to whitelist specific apps or any website, while most VPNs will whitelist all sites or none at all.

The other consideration for this app is the price. While lower-tier plans are more expensive compared to others, Surf Shark’s 24-month plan is priced at $2.69 a month, so it’s cheaper than even NordVPN’s equivalent plan!

Buy this VPN.

4. CyberGhost

Another top-reviewed VPN is CyberGhost. They’ve been around for 15 years and have fine-tuned their offers and features to stay competitive. They provide the standard package of browsing the web and logging into accounts safely and give you access to regionally blocked content.

The network also maintains security from hackers, malware, and phishing. Aside from that, you can connect multiple devices, and it’s compatible with all kinds of platforms.

What separates CyberGhost from the others is their extensive coverage. They have multiple servers, and the pricing point is still very low. It covers over 88 countries and has roughly 6200 servers for you to choose from, all while charging $2.75 for their 18-month plan.

Buy this VPN.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish’s prime purpose is to give users online freedom by providing fast speeds and private connections. It’s clear that they can meet that promise as they provide many of the features that have been listed previously from their competitors.

IPVanish is a part of SugarSync now. What is that, you may ask? It’s a cloud-based service that syncs files across devices and computers for sharing, backup, and many more. What this means is that other devices can access various files and videos so long as they are connected to your specific VPN. Furthermore, it can serve as a backup plan if you get hacked or lose your device for some reason.

Buy this VPN.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a remarkably generous company in many ways. Aside from the obvious features, they offer great incentives and discounts for people to try out their products. They claim to be the most trustworthy and reliable VPN around, and we believe that.

One notable thing is that PIA offers a free two-month trial. Compared to other VPNs to this point, none have provided free trials (though all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee). On top of that, small businesses can avail of their VPN at a discounted rate. There is also the fact that their pricing plans go as low as $2.69 a month for two years, and they let you pay with gift cards.

In terms of specs, PIA has over 2695 servers that cover 47 countries right now.

These particular aspects make PIA unique and one of the best VPNs to consider.

Buy this VPN.

7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is all about offering protection while you’re browsing the internet or using streaming services like Netflix. The encryption is military-grade, and its speed is ultra-fast. In truth, it is even marketed as one of the fastest VPNs.

Hotspot Shield offers a plan that only costs  $7.99 a month; however, it’s one of the few in this list to provide its services for free. Like other Freemium apps, the free version comes with limited features. That said, it gives you a much better feel for the VPN.

Also, take note that the encryption feature is still there, though the limitations in the free plan include connecting to one location in the US and having limited streaming options and speed.

Buy this VPN.

8. TunnelBear

As unusual as a name choice for an online security protection service can be, TunnelBear is nothing short of incredible. It makes our list of the best VPNs for various reasons.

The biggest one is that the company goes through a yearly security audit. This is notable because many VPNs don’t bother about independent audits to ensure their systems are secure and safe from any issues. This is critical as VPNs have gotten some bad reputation over the years, as TunnelBear has noted in their post about their security audit.^[4] The fact that they are doing this annually ensures that nothing is being compromised.

Furthermore, TunnelBear offers limited services for free, but even their paid plans are pretty cheap. For individuals, you’re merely paying $3.33 per month. The only catch is that you can connect five devices regardless of which paid plan you pick.

Buy this VPN.

9. Norton

Norton has been on the security scene for some time, and it’s actually one of the founders of the internet security industry. It started with virus and malware protection in 1991 and has since branched off to other sectors as the industry has shifted.

As you might expect from a company that’s been around for a long time, Norton provides excellent services, and a few of their other services have gone into the VPN package. In reality, Norton is the only one thus far to offer a password manager with their VPN services. They provide 50GB of cloud storage as well.

Norton has one of the cheapest VPNs, considering you can get their deluxe plan at $49.99 per year. That comes up to roughly $4.17 a month. It might be slightly higher than other equivalent plans, but you get a lot of extra value that makes it worth the price.

Buy this VPN.

10. StrongVPN

The final VPN we want to cover is StrongVPN. Like many others, it’s great at blocking unnecessary web traffic and providing a fast and simple solution to navigating the internet without any hindrance.

StrongVPN has over 900 servers. It is available in more than 30 countries and compatible with all devices. Beyond that, the only notable selling point it has compared to others is that it also offers Sugarsync services and 250GB of storage, irrespective of your chosen plan.

As for the pricing, their year-long plan costs $5.83 a month, while their month-long one is $10.

Buy this VPN.

Bottom Line

Getting online protection is important these days, and companies recognize this.

With more hacks and breaches occurring every single day, the best VPNs can provide an excellent haven for many people who value their security and privacy.

We hope that by putting together this list, you’ll be able to find the best VPN that you can trust and enjoy using. As you can see, there are several great options with no real wrong one out there. Pick the VPN that’s best for you.

Featured photo credit: Petter Lagson via unsplash.com