Minarca
by Minarca
What Minarca is
Minarca is a free, open-source backup solution that uses computer agents and a central server to manage backups. It supports Linux, Windows, and macOS systems, with file-based backups sent to destinations such as remote servers or external disks. Its web interface brings backup dashboards, logs, and statistics together, while the server can keep separate repositories and disk quotas for multiple users. Minarca uses rdiff-backup for incremental backups; its maker says the reverse incremental differential method helps resist data corruption. Users can restore large datasets through the local agent or smaller ones through the web interface. Minarca also creates a mirror of backed-up directories that can be accessed and restored from the filesystem, including without the application. A central Minarca server is required to back up a desktop computer. The listed agents support Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit), macOS Catalina 10.15 and later, and 64-bit Linux, Ubuntu, and Debian. The macOS package page says Apple Silicon support is coming soon. Minarca is self-hosted, with a listed plan at no cost.
Who it suits
Minarca suits individuals, system administrators, service providers, and small or medium-sized businesses that want free, self-hosted backups for computers or servers. It requires a central server for desktop backups.
What it does well
- Backs up Linux, Windows, and macOS systems.
- Can send backups to remote servers or external disks.
- Supports separate repositories and quotas for multiple users.
- Directory mirrors can be accessed without the application.
- Offers agent and web-interface restore options.
What to know first
- A central server is required for desktop backups.
- Apple Silicon support is listed as coming soon.
- Mobile backup is not supported.
Limits
The free Minarca plan is self-hosted and requires a server for desktop backups. Storage quotas can be configured per user.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Minarca | Self-hosted; server required for desktop backups; storage quotas can be configured per user | Free |
As minarca.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Minarca website and obtain the server and agent packages.
- Set up a central Minarca server, which is required for desktop backups.
- Install an agent on a supported Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.
- Configure destinations and, if needed, per-user storage quotas.
- Use the web interface to monitor backups and restore smaller datasets, or use the local agent for larger restores.
Verdict
Minarca offers self-hosted computer and server backups with centralized monitoring, multiple destinations, and several restore paths. Its central-server requirement and listed operating-system support are key considerations before deployment.
Questions
How much does Minarca cost?
The Minarca plan is listed as free.
Is Minarca open source?
Yes. The software is described as open-source and free to use and modify.
Which systems can Minarca back up?
It supports Linux, Windows, and macOS systems. Listed agents cover Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit), macOS Catalina 10.15 and later, and 64-bit Linux, Ubuntu, and Debian.
Does Minarca require a server?
Yes. A central Minarca server is required to back up a desktop computer.
How can I restore backed-up files?
Large amounts of data can be restored with the local agent, while smaller datasets can be restored through the web interface. A filesystem mirror can also be accessed and restored with or without the application.
Who makes Minarca, and what support is available?
Minarca is made by Minarca, founded in 2014 in St-Colomban, Quebec, Canada. The maker offers businesses setup or maintenance assistance and lists a Google Group and Discourse forum for community discussion.
Facts from Minarca's own pages
- Agent platforms
- The download page lists agents for Windows 10 and 11, macOS Catalina 10.15 and later, and 64-bit Linux, Ubuntu, and Debian. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup and restore
- Minarca supports file-based backups, multiple destinations including remote servers or external disks, and restores through either the local agent or web interface. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup destinations
- Minarca can back up to multiple destinations, including remote servers and external disks. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- mixed · minarca.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Backup technology
- Minarca uses rdiff-backup for incremental backups. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Business support
- Businesses can contact Minarca for help setting up or maintaining the software, and the maker says it works with businesses in Canada, the United States, and Europe. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Central management
- Its web interface provides a dashboard, logs, and statistics for centralized backup management. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Community support
- The maker lists a Google Group for discussions and support and a Discourse forum for the Minarca community. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Company and founding
- Minarca’s about page says it was founded in 2014 by Patrik Dufresne, and that the company later took the name IKUS Software in 2020. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Computer backup
- Yes · minarca.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Data access
- The site says Minarca creates a mirror of backed-up directories that can be accessed from the filesystem and restored with or without the application. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Download compatibility
- The download page lists Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit), macOS Catalina 10.15 and later, and Linux packages; the macOS package page says Apple Silicon support is coming soon. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Download requirements
- A central Minarca server is required to back up a desktop computer. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2014 · minarca.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free and self-hosted
- The maker describes Minarca as free, open-source, and self-hosted. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · minarca.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- St-Colomban, Quebec, Canada · minarca.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Independent recovery
- Minarca creates a mirror version of directories that the maker says can be accessed and restored without the application. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes Minarca as suited to service providers, professional system administrators, and IT enthusiasts. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Mobile backup
- No · minarca.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Multi-tenancy
- The server supports multiple users with separate repositories and disk quotas. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Multi-tenant management
- Minarca supports multiple users with separate repositories and disk quotas. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Open source and free
- Minarca’s about page describes the software as open-source and free to use and modify. · minarca.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- Minarca supports backing up Linux, Windows, and macOS systems. · minarca.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Minarca stands on Freedom251
- Backup software#16 of 151