CyberLink Power2Go

Secure disc burning and media backup for Windows

CyberLink Power2Go is a practical Windows utility for anyone who still works with CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, or ISO images. Its main job is disc burning and authoring, but it also includes tools for ripping discs, copying media, converting files, creating backups, and protecting sensitive data.

The software is designed to be approachable rather than intimidating. Its main functions are organized into clear categories, and the interface explains what many tools are for, which helps if you do not burn discs often. A desktop widget and drag-and-drop workflow make common tasks easier: choose your files, place them in the project area, then select the type of disc or output you want to create.

Power2Go supports a wide range of content, including documents, music, photos, videos, and disc images. You can create multiple copies, erase rewritable discs, split content across discs, add tags, set auto-run files, and save an unfinished project to continue later. For video projects, it also includes menu templates, while slideshow creation and audio transcoding add extra flexibility beyond simple file burning.

Security is one of its stronger everyday features. You can add password protection and use 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, either for a full disc or for a protected area containing private files. There is also an automatic shutdown option, useful when leaving a longer burn task to finish unattended.

The software also goes beyond physical media with backup tools, including recovery disc creation and the ability to back up content from online services such as YouTube and Facebook. On compatible systems, support for Nvidia CUDA and ATI Stream GPU acceleration can help with certain media tasks.

The main drawback is that the file browser does not let you preview items before adding them, so users working with many similar photos or videos may need to check files separately first. It is also not a fully free product, though a trial version is available.

Overall, CyberLink Power2Go is best for users who want one organized toolkit for disc burning, media conversion, encrypted storage, and backup creation without needing expert-level knowledge.