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How to back up your files to a disc
Offline discs can't be hit by ransomware or a failed drive. cdBurner makes a clean backup disc of your important files in minutes — free.
A data disc stores your files exactly as they are for any computer to read. cdBurner writes them through Windows' built-in IMAPI2 engine and finalizes the disc by default, so it's readable on other machines — not just the one that burned it.
Discs make excellent offline backups: unlike a hard drive or USB stick, a finalized write-once disc can't be silently overwritten by ransomware or an accidental format — which is why they're still used for archiving.
What you'll need
- A Windows 10 or 11 PC with a CD, DVD or Blu-ray writer (internal or external USB).
- A blank disc with room for the files you want to protect.
- The free cdBurner burn agent — a one-time, 2-second install.
Step by step
Connect the burn agent
Open onlinecdburner.com. The first time, install the tiny one-time helper so the page can reach your drive — after that it just works.
Insert a blank disc and pick your drive
Put a blank disc in your writer and select it. cdBurner shows the disc type and free space.
Add the files you want to protect
Click Files or Folder and choose the files you want to protect. A live gauge shows whether it fits.
Set options and burn
Pick a write speed, keep Finalize on for maximum compatibility, then click Burn disc.
Tips for a clean burn
- Leave the default file system on — cdBurner combines ISO 9660, Joliet and UDF so long filenames survive and the disc reads on any PC.
- Turn on Verify after burn for anything important — it reads the disc back and checks every file by SHA-256.
- For an archival copy, store the disc cool, dark and dry; a quality burn lasts 10–25+ years.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not finalizing, so the disc only reads in the drive that burned it.
- Burning at max speed on poor media — slow down for fewer errors.
- Expecting a data disc of video files to play in a set-top player; that needs a DVD-Video disc.
Why cdBurner is different
Most burning apps are bloated installs full of upsells. cdBurner does the whole job from your browser — free, with no toolbars or trialware.
- 100% free — no trial, no watermark, no nag screens.
- Private — files are written locally and never uploaded to a server.
- No bloatware — one small signed helper, not a heavy install.
- Built on Windows' native IMAPI2 engine, so your discs read everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Will the disc read on other computers?
Yes. cdBurner finalizes the disc and uses a universal file system (ISO 9660 + Joliet + UDF), so it reads on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. cdBurner is just a control panel in your browser; your files go straight to the burn agent on your own PC and are written locally. Nothing is uploaded.
How long will the disc last?
Stored cool, dark and dry, a quality burned disc lasts 10–25+ years; archival 'gold' and M-DISC media claim far longer.
Is cdBurner really free?
Yes — completely free and ad-supported. No trial, no watermark and no paid tier.