FolderRewind review
A free, open-source Windows backup tool with advanced live Minecraft save controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
FolderRewind is a free, open-source Windows application for backing up files, project data, game saves, and Minecraft worlds. Its MineRewind extension discovers Minecraft saves and can create configurations automatically, making it suited to Java Edition players who want more control than a simple copy operation. It supports hot backup and hot restore while Minecraft is running, along with hotkeys, world-level restore, and optional player-data preservation.
Backup depth is the main differentiator. FolderRewind offers full, smart incremental, and overwrite modes, plus selected-region backups for large Minecraft worlds. Automation can run at intervals, on a schedule, at startup, or when conditions are met. Restore includes clean and overwrite modes, while AES-256 encrypted backups add protection for stored archives. Custom retention policies and both local and remote storage destinations support more structured backup routines.
The platform fit is narrower than the feature set: FolderRewind is a Windows desktop application, and its documented Minecraft integrations cover Java Edition runtimes such as Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Spigot, and Paper. MineBackup-Mod, MineBackupPlugin, and KnotLink extend the available workflow, with KnotLink providing parameterized remote commands. FolderRewind is a strong choice for Windows Java Edition players who need live backups, region selection, automation, or encryption. Players seeking multi-platform desktop support or a simpler backup utility may prefer a more focused alternative.
FolderRewind pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Backs up and restores Minecraft worlds while the game is running
- Supports selected-region, smart incremental, and scheduled backups
- Adds AES-256 encryption and optional player-data preservation
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows rather than across multiple desktop platforms
- Minecraft support is focused on Java Edition runtimes
- Remote commands require the KnotLink integration
FolderRewind fact sheet, pricing and score →
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