backup retention and inrementals and...

[zerosforumname]

I'm using a hardened Linux host for my backups.
VBR 12.1.1.56
I am backing up one machine, with a retention policy of 5 restore points
However when I look, I have 3 fulls with 30 days of incrementals in between.
This is way way more than I was looking for.
I know that the hardened host require "make recent backups immutable" for at least 7 days. (which is where it is set)
Under the backup tab, I am set to incremental with Create Synthetic Full Monthly. (this is required for hardened hosts)
(compression level extreme - storage optimization 1MB)

what settings do I need to have the minimum amount of backup space being used?

[david.domask]

Hi zerosforumname, welcome to the forums.

This is expected behavior as with the monthly active full enabled, the backups will follow the Forward Incremental retention model shown in this KB: https://www.veeam.com/kb1932.

Retention acts on the "current" chain (most recent full backup (VBK) and its increments), and retention will wait until the retention is met on the active chain before clearing old restore points.

Work with the calculator page here for your desired settings and it will help you visualize the number of backups that will be on disk given your retention.