Synology C2 Backup: Backup Guide & Free Alternative

What is Synology C2 Backup?

Synology C2 Backup is a cloud-based backup service that provides users with a range of beneficial features like schedule, multiple file history retention, easy data recovery, one-stop service for backup needs, military-grade encryption level (with AES-256 and RSA-2048 technologies), etc.

One of the notable advantages of Synology C2 Backup is that it doesn't require a Synology NAS device for usage. With C2 Backup, you can easily backup your entire Windows PC, encompassing not just data but also system configurations and user settings (known as bare metal backup). This service enables you to securely back up your Windows PC to the cloud, and it works with various Windows OS, including Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11, as well as a Mac client.

Essentially, Synology C2 Backup functions similarly to Active Backup for Business but operates within the C2 cloud service instead of on a Synology NAS.

C2 Storage vs. C2 Backup

Synology C2 backup vs. C2 storage, what’s the difference? Synology C2 Backup is a backup service that may backup your data to the cloud, whereas C2 Storage is a storage service that lets you backup Synology NAS data to the cloud with Hyper Backup.

In the following, we will compare Synology C2 Backup pricing, features, and use cases with the corresponding terms of Synology C2 Storage for your reference.

Note:

The C2 Backup service caters to users who may not be interested in purchasing a NAS device but still require a cloud-based backup solution for their operating system.

How to Create Synology C2 Backup

To start your first C2 cloud backup, you'll need to create an account and select a plan (Individual or Business). Once you accept the terms and conditions, you will create your C2 Encryption Key. This password is needed for all Synology C2 services. After that, a window will open displaying an emergency code that you should note in case you lose your password. It is recommended to save both in a secure location.

Once you've created your account, you can log in to C2 Backup through your preferred browser. There, you'll be able to add new devices, as well as download and install the so-called Backup Agent. Here we take creating a backup of the Windows system using C2 Backup to show you detailed guide:

Step 1. Click on Personal Computer in the left panel, and hit Add Device.

Step 2. Tap on Windows 64 bit to download the installer.

Step 3. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to set up and run the app through the C2 Backup Setup wizard.

Step 4. Click Let’s Start and sign in with the subscribed C2 Backup account. Then, click Done > OK to backup your device to C2 cloud now.

★Tips: You can customize the following parameters on C2 Backup in the Backup Policy section:

Backup Schedule - Choose between automatic daily backups or create user-defined schedules to specify when and how often backups occur. Event Trigger functionality enables you to link backups to specific actions, such as screen locking or system startup.

Retention rule - Define how long Synology C2 should retain your backups. The default setting preserves all backup versions indefinitely.

Backup scope - C2 Backup allows you to back up your entire PC, including external or individual drives. However, it doesn't offer the option to back up individual files or folders.

Better Synology C2 Backup Alternative for Personal Computer

As you can see, C2 Backup is a bit complicated to use for novices, sometimes there may be Synology C2 backup slow issues. More importantly, it does not support individual file/folder backup. If you'd like to back up individual folders and files, as well as the Windows system, AOMEI Backupper Standard is a better solution. There are some features of it: 

Download and install AOMEI Backupper on your computer. Then, you can go on with the steps below to create PC file backup to cloud easily. For server users, try AOMEI Backupper Server.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper, and click Cloud Backup under the Backup tab.

Step 2. You can rename the backup task. Then, tap on Add File or Add Folder to select the items you intend to back up.

Step 3. AOMEI Cloud is selected as the backup destination by default. Click on Start Backup to commence the backup process.

AOMEI Backupper also offers additional features to help you create file backups more easily: 

• To establish automated backups, select Schedule Backup and choose the desired backup frequency to suit your needs.
• Under Backup Scheme, you have the option to switch between incremental backup and differential backup methods. Additionally, you can also delete old backup images regularly to ensure your backup disk always maintains sufficient space for new backups (available in Pro version).

The restore process on AOMEI Backupper is quite straightforward. You can go to the Restore tab -> click Select Task to locate the backup image file. Choose the backup file that contains all your files, and go on to select files or folders you want to restore. Then, choose a restore location, and hit Start Restore.

Summary

That’s all the information about Synology C2 Backup. If you want an easy and effective backup solution, you can try AOMEI Backupper Standard. This free backup and restore software can help you create Windows file, disk, partition, and system backups to cloud, external disk, network drive, NAS, and multiple locations. If you want to backup unlimited PCs for business, you can try the Technician Plus version.