Acronis has released True Image 2026, the new version of their consumer suite that combines backup and cyber protection in a single app. The big innovation: it introduces, for the first time in a consumer product, a patch management module for Windows — automated or optionally manual — that closes vulnerabilities from third parties and the system itself without forcing the user to juggle multiple tools.
This move comes at a time when ransomware, identity theft, and exploits targeting popular software have made “just doing backups” a false sense of security. Acronis hits right there: prevent, detect, and recover in a single flow, for up to five computers and unlimited mobile devices, with a simplified setup wizard.
What’s new in True Image 2026
- Patch management (Windows): two modes:
- Automatic background: applies security updates without intervention.
- Manual alerts: notify and allow third-party patches to be applied on demand.
In both modes, the goal is to close gaps faster and reduce the window of exploitation.
- Enhanced security engine: AI detection, ransomware protection, and malware scanning, with coverage against DLL hijacking, root code execution, and API key exploitation — increasingly common vectors in real attacks.
- Continuous multi-device protection: cybersecurity functions sync across all devices with True Image to keep them up to date against emerging threats.
- Compatibility: support for the latest versions of Windows and macOS, with the same protection flow across PCs and mobiles.
- Identity protection (U.S. only): monitoring and identity protection included in Advanced and Premium plans.
According to Gaidar Magdanurov, president of Acronis, the idea is that “protection should be automatic”: one subscription, one dashboard, and — as the company states — up to 55% savings on average compared to using antivirus and backup software separately.
Why patch management matters at home (and not just in businesses)
Patches are the “belt” of software security: they fix critical flaws and vulnerabilities exploited by malware shortly after being publicly disclosed. At home, delaying updates and managing fragmentation (apps, browsers, plugins, drivers) leave open doors that even the best antivirus cannot fully bar.
By integrating patch management within the same tool that prevents and backs up, Acronis reduces friction:
- Fewer pop-ups and decisions for the user.
- Less “risk windows” between a patch becoming available and it being applied.
- Better recovery if something goes wrong: a recent backup with a single click.
What it has successfully done before (and continues to do)
- Fast backups and full system images.
- Granular recovery and safe disk cloning.
- AI-based ransomware defense that blocks suspicious encryption and restores affected files.
- Guided setup with user-friendly profiles.
Who benefits from this?
- Families and self-employed users who prefer not to manage multiple licenses or “patch” solutions.
- Windows users with lots of third-party software who favor automatic updates.
- Anyone who has experienced (or wants to avoid) the vicious cycle of: pending patches → exploit → ransomware → loss or payment.
Limits and considerations
- Patch management is focused on Windows; it’s not available for macOS (though other security/backup features remain).
- Identity protection is only available in U.S. with Advanced/Premium plans.
- As with any all-in-one suite, it’s advisable to review overlaps if you already use a commercial antivirus to avoid duplicated features.
Pricing and availability
Acronis True Image 2026 is available via subscription in Essentials, Advanced, and Premium plans. All editions include the combination of backup + cybersecurity, with differences in advanced features (e.g., identity in the U.S., retentions, and cloud storage limits depending on the plan).
Best practices (with or without Acronis)
- Activate automatic patch management (or at least alerts).
- Maintain full and differential backups scheduled (to external disk or cloud).
- Test recovery procedures before actually needing them.
- Enable MFA on critical services and use a password manager.
- Be cautious with unexpected attachments and downloads — AI helps, but the human factor remains key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does patch management replace Windows Update?
No. It complements and expands third-party updates. You can automate everything or just receive alerts to decide what and when to install.
Does it affect performance during patching or backups?
The design prioritizes background use. Still, on older machines, plan night windows for heavy patches or full backups.
Do I need another antivirus if I use True Image 2026?
It includes AI detection, ransomware protection, and malware defense. If you run an external antivirus, avoid duplicate real-time scans, as they might interfere.
What if a patch breaks something?
That’s where a recent backup is crucial: you can rollback to a stable point in minutes.
Summary: True Image 2026 turns the patch–prevent–recover cycle into a single flow for home users. If you want fewer clicks, less risk, and one dashboard to protect your files and devices, this version is worth trying.
via: acronis