When it comes to protecting your business-critical data, a local backup alone is not enough. Fire, theft, hardware failure, ransomware, or natural disasters can wipe out your onsite backups instantly. That’s why creating an off-site backup for Windows Server is essential.

This guide will walk you through the best methods and tools to set up a secure, reliable off-site backup strategy for Windows Server in 2025.

Why Off-Site Backups Matter

Off-site backups store your data in a physically separate location—usually in the cloud or at a remote site. Benefits include:

• Protection from local disasters
• Enhanced ransomware recovery
• Long-term data retention
• Compliance with many industry standards

Best Methods to Create an Off-Site Backup for Windows Server

1. Using Windows Server Backup + Cloud Storage

Windows Server Backup (WSB) does not support cloud backup directly, but you can still use it with a cloud sync tool.

Steps:

1. Install Windows Server Backup using Server Manager or PowerShell:

   Install-WindowsFeature Windows-Server-Backup
   

2. Configure a local backup to an external drive or SMB share.
3. Use a cloud sync application such as:
   • OneDrive for Business
   • Azure File Sync
   • Google Drive File Stream
   • Dropbox Business
4. Sync the backup directory to your cloud folder.

This option is simple but not ideal for large enterprise backups.

2. Using Azure Backup (Recommended)

Azure Backup is Microsoft’s official off-site backup solution designed for Windows Server.

Why choose Azure Backup?

• End-to-end encryption
• Built-in ransomware protection
• Instant and granular recovery
• No need for hardware
• Works with Hyper-V, SQL Server, and file servers

Steps:

1. Create a Recovery Services Vault in the Azure Portal.
2. Download and install the Azure Backup Agent on your Windows Server.
3. Register the server with your Azure Vault.
4. Configure:
   • Files/Folders
   • System State
   • Hyper-V VMs
   • Application-consistent backups
5. Set backup schedules and retention policies.
6. Azure stores the backups securely off-site.

This is the easiest and most reliable option for modern Windows Server environments.

3. Using Third-Party Backup Solutions

If your infrastructure is hybrid or complex, a third-party backup solution may be ideal.

Popular Tools:

• Veeam Backup & Replication (most popular)
• Acronis Cyber Protect
• Synology Active Backup
• Altaro VM Backup / Hornetsecurity

These tools offer:

• Incremental backups
• Off-site replication
• Cloud storage integration
• Bare-metal restore
• VM-level and app-level backups

Set up normally involves:

1. Install backup software on the Windows Server.
2. Add backup repositories (local + cloud).
3. Configure cloud storage (AWS S3, Azure Blob, Backblaze B2, Wasabi, etc.).
4. Schedule backups and test recovery.

4. Using Site-to-Site Replication (for Companies With Multiple Locations)

If you have a second branch office, you can replicate to that remote site.

Options include:

• DFS Replication
• Hyper-V Replica
• Storage Replica (Windows Server Datacenter edition)

This is ideal when your company has two physical locations.

Example: Storage Replica

1. Configure both servers with a dedicated replication volume.
2. Set up a connection using PowerShell:

   New-SRPartnership -SourceComputer ServerA -SourceRG RG1 -SourceVolume D: `
   -DestinationComputer ServerB -DestinationRG RG2 -DestinationVolume E:

3. Data will replicate off-site continuously.

   

Best Practices for Off-Site Backups

• Follow the 3-2-1 rule
  • 3 copies of data
  • 2 different storage types
  • 1 off-site
• Encrypt all backups
• Test restore scenarios monthly
• Monitor backup job reports
• Use multi-factor authentication for cloud backup portals

Conclusion

Creating an off-site backup for Windows Server is one of the most important steps to protect your business data in 2025. Whether you choose Azure Backup, third-party tools, or replication between sites, make sure your off-site strategy includes encryption, monitoring, and regular restore testing.

How to Create an Off-site Backup for Windows Server (F.A.Q)