I am using Macrium free which will charge in Jan. 1 of 2023.
I also have M.S. Home and Student 2019 one-time charge expiring in Oct. 2023.
I have spent time looking for free alternatives and it appears you get what you pay for.
I only need Word, but I like not being online so I will use the stand-alone version.
Atlantis free was almost a good choice but I could not paste to Atlantis with both text and image at a sensitive site.
I see where Windows has restored Backup and restore with Win. 11 and it worked, but not as easily as Macrium.
I see no harm in using Windows 11 Backup and Restore as long as I have Macrium also to depend upon.
I am not as certain about Windows backup and restore as I am of Macrium Reflect so would not use it w/o Macrium.
The reason I am rambling is I wanted a second opinion about the course I have chosen and if someone would like to suggest a better way of configuring their choices. I am happy to report there are no issues at this time but am always open to ideas from those more skilled.