Backblaze is a popular cloud backup service known for its simple, affordable, and comprehensive data protection. A common question among users, especially those with multiple computers, revolves around its multi-device capabilities: Can a single Backblaze license cover two or more computers? Let’s delve into the specifics of how Backblaze handles multiple computers and explore the available options for backing up all your valuable data.
Backblaze’s “One License, One Computer” Policy
The core principle behind Backblaze’s personal backup plan is based on a “one license, one computer” model. This means that a single Backblaze subscription is designed to protect only one computer. Each license is tied to a specific machine, and the software is configured to back up the data exclusively from that computer.
This approach is implemented for several reasons, primarily to maintain a clear and straightforward pricing structure. By associating a license with a single computer, Backblaze can offer unlimited storage space for a flat fee per machine. This predictability in pricing makes it easier for users to understand their backup costs and avoid unexpected charges.
Another reason for the one-computer-per-license policy relates to resource management. Backing up multiple computers to a single account could potentially strain the Backblaze servers and infrastructure. By limiting each license to one computer, Backblaze can better manage its resources and ensure optimal performance for all users.
What Happens if You Try to Install Backblaze on a Second Computer with the Same License?
Attempting to install Backblaze on a second computer using the same license will trigger a notification indicating that the license is already in use. The software is designed to detect this scenario and prevent you from backing up data from multiple machines under a single account. Backblaze uses unique identifiers to link a license to a specific computer, making it difficult to circumvent this restriction.
While you might be able to install the software on the second computer, it will not be able to initiate a backup without an additional license. It will remain in a deactivated state, prompting you to either purchase a new license or deactivate the license on the original computer.
Options for Backing Up Multiple Computers with Backblaze
Although a single Backblaze license cannot cover multiple computers concurrently, there are several viable options for backing up all your devices using Backblaze’s services.
Purchasing Multiple Individual Licenses
The most straightforward solution is to purchase a separate Backblaze license for each computer you want to protect. This aligns with Backblaze’s “one license, one computer” policy and ensures that each machine has its dedicated backup. While this option involves paying for multiple licenses, it offers the simplest and most reliable way to back up multiple devices.
Each computer will have its own independent backup set, allowing you to manage and restore files from each machine separately. This can be beneficial if you want to maintain a clear separation between the data from different computers.
Backblaze Business Backup: A Centralized Solution
For users who need to manage backups for multiple computers, especially within a business environment, Backblaze offers a Business Backup plan. This plan allows you to manage and monitor backups for multiple computers under a single account.
Unlike the personal plan, the Business Backup plan provides a centralized dashboard where you can view the status of all your backups, manage licenses, and restore files from any computer connected to the account. This centralized management can be a significant advantage for businesses with multiple employees and devices.
Backblaze Business Backup offers more advanced features compared to the personal plan, such as group management, centralized billing, and priority support. It is designed to cater to the specific needs of businesses and organizations that require robust and scalable backup solutions.
Using an External Hard Drive and Backblaze
Another option, although less convenient for continuous protection, involves backing up data from multiple computers to a single external hard drive, and then using Backblaze to back up that external drive. This method requires consolidating data from different computers onto a single storage device.
This approach relies on the assumption that you can connect the external drive to the computer with the Backblaze license and allow Backblaze to back up the contents of the drive. It is crucial to ensure that the external drive is formatted in a way that is compatible with both your computers and Backblaze.
However, it’s important to note some limitations of this method. Backblaze typically only backs up external drives that are directly connected to the computer. Networked drives are generally not supported. Also, the data on the external drive is only backed up when the drive is connected to the computer with the Backblaze license. If the drive is disconnected, Backblaze will not be able to back up any new data.
Consider Cloud Storage Options for Shared Files
If your primary concern is sharing files between multiple computers, cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive might be a more suitable solution. These services allow you to store files in the cloud and access them from any device with an internet connection.
Cloud storage is excellent for syncing documents, photos, and other files across multiple computers. However, it’s important to remember that cloud storage is not a complete backup solution. It primarily focuses on syncing and sharing files rather than creating a comprehensive backup of your entire system. For complete data protection, combining cloud storage with a dedicated backup service like Backblaze is generally recommended.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Backup Solution
When deciding on the best backup solution for your needs, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that your data is adequately protected.
Data Volume and Growth
Assess the amount of data you need to back up from each computer and anticipate future growth. This will help you determine the storage capacity you require and whether a fixed-price plan like Backblaze’s personal backup is sufficient, or if you need a more flexible solution.
Backup Frequency and Speed
Consider how frequently you want your data to be backed up. Backblaze offers continuous backup, which means that it automatically backs up new and changed files as they are created. However, the initial backup can take time, especially for large amounts of data. Ensure that your internet connection can support the backup process without significantly impacting your network performance.
Security and Privacy
Data security should be a top priority when choosing a backup solution. Backblaze employs robust security measures, including encryption both in transit and at rest, to protect your data from unauthorized access. Review the security policies of any backup service you are considering to ensure that they meet your requirements.
Restore Options and Recovery Time
Understand the restore options offered by the backup service. Backblaze allows you to restore files through its website or by requesting a physical hard drive containing your data. Consider how quickly you need to be able to restore your data in case of a disaster. The time it takes to restore data can vary depending on the amount of data and your internet connection speed.
Cost and Scalability
Evaluate the cost of different backup solutions and consider how they scale as your data needs grow. Backblaze’s personal backup plan offers unlimited storage for a fixed price, making it a cost-effective option for many users. However, for businesses with multiple computers and more complex requirements, the Backblaze Business Backup plan might be a better fit, despite its higher cost.
Conclusion: Tailoring Backblaze to Your Multi-Computer Needs
While Backblaze’s personal backup plan is designed for single-computer use, there are effective ways to adapt the service to protect multiple computers. The simplest approach is to purchase individual licenses for each computer. For businesses or users needing centralized management, Backblaze Business Backup offers a more comprehensive solution. Understanding your specific needs and data management practices will guide you in choosing the most appropriate and efficient backup strategy for all your devices. Prioritize data security, restore options, and scalability to ensure your important files are always protected and readily accessible.
Can I back up two computers to the same Backblaze account?
Yes, you can back up multiple computers to the same Backblaze account, but each computer will require its own separate license and will be treated as a distinct backup source. Backblaze personal backup is priced on a per-computer basis. You’ll need to purchase a license for each computer you wish to protect, ensuring that data from each machine is securely backed up to the cloud.
Each computer’s backup will be managed independently, meaning you’ll have separate restore options and backup settings for each. This prevents data from different computers from being mixed and ensures that restoring your data is a simple and straightforward process specific to each machine. It’s essential to remember that a single license is intended for one computer only, adhering to Backblaze’s terms of service.
What happens if I try to use the same Backblaze license on two computers?
Attempting to use a single Backblaze license on two computers will result in Backblaze identifying the duplication and triggering a conflict. Backblaze is designed to associate a license with a specific computer’s hardware fingerprint. When the same license is detected on a second machine, the service will likely prompt you to resolve the conflict, often by purchasing an additional license.
The system will typically deactivate one of the installations, preventing backups from occurring on one of the computers using the shared license. Backblaze will usually provide clear instructions on resolving the situation, guiding you to either purchase an additional license for the second computer or to remove the software from one of the machines to comply with the licensing terms.
If I have multiple computers, does Backblaze offer any discounts or bundles?
While Backblaze doesn’t typically offer specific discounts or bundled deals for multiple individual personal backup licenses, they do provide solutions like Backblaze Groups designed for families and small businesses. Backblaze Groups allows you to manage multiple computer backups under a single account, streamlining billing and user management.
Backblaze Groups provides a centralized dashboard where you can easily add or remove computers, manage licenses, and oversee the backup status of all connected machines. This solution is particularly beneficial if you need to manage backups for several individuals or devices, offering a more organized and efficient approach compared to managing multiple individual licenses.
Can I back up external hard drives connected to multiple computers with a single Backblaze license?
No, Backblaze’s personal backup license is tied to a single computer, regardless of whether the external hard drive is connected to different machines at different times. The license covers the computer on which Backblaze is installed and configured to perform the backup, and any directly connected external drives.
To properly back up external drives connected to multiple computers, you would need a separate Backblaze license for each computer through which you want to back up the data on those external drives. It’s the act of the computer initiating the backup that matters, not simply the presence of the drive connected to multiple systems serially.
If I replace my computer, can I transfer my Backblaze license to the new machine?
Yes, Backblaze allows you to transfer your license to a new computer if you are replacing your old one. This is a common scenario, and Backblaze provides a straightforward process for migrating your backup data to the new device. This transfer functionality prevents you from having to pay for a new license every time you upgrade or replace your computer.
To transfer your license, you typically need to uninstall Backblaze from the old computer and then download and install it on the new machine. During the installation process on the new computer, you’ll be prompted to restore your existing backup state from your Backblaze account. Follow the on-screen instructions, and your license will be transferred, allowing your new computer to resume backing up where your old one left off.
Does Backblaze have a business-oriented solution that’s better suited for multiple computers?
Yes, Backblaze offers a business-oriented solution called Backblaze Business Backup, which might be a better fit if you need to manage backups for multiple computers within a company or organization. This solution provides centralized management features, allowing you to monitor and control backups across your entire fleet of computers from a single dashboard.
Backblaze Business Backup provides enhanced administrative capabilities, including user management, centralized billing, and the ability to set backup policies for all connected computers. It offers greater flexibility and control over your company’s backup infrastructure compared to individual personal backup licenses. Furthermore, it’s designed for the specific needs of businesses, including compliance requirements and data retention policies.
What if I have a desktop and a laptop – do I need two separate Backblaze accounts?
With Backblaze Personal Backup, you will need a separate license for each computer, meaning a separate license for your desktop and a separate license for your laptop. Backblaze’s licensing model is designed on a per-computer basis, so each machine requires its own individual license to be backed up properly.
Alternatively, you could consider using Backblaze Groups to manage both backups. This allows for a single account and streamlined billing for multiple computers, while still maintaining separate backup sources for each. This is generally a more manageable solution compared to having two completely separate Backblaze accounts.