Microsoft Enables Windows Settings Backup by Default for Enterprise Systems
Microsoft has enabled Windows settings backup by default for all enterprise systems upgraded to Windows 11 26H2, as part of its Microsoft Entra-joined or hybrid-joined organizations. The feature, previously an opt-in option, is now a default setting that will automatically back up and restore users' Windows settings after a device reset, replacement, or upgrade.
The Windows settings backup tool, formerly known as Windows Backup for Organizations, was first unveiled by Microsoft at the Ignite conference in November 2024. It reached public preview in May 2025 and general availability in August 2025. With this change, users will have their settings and Microsoft Store app list available to restore after a device reset or replacement.
Admins can still disable the backup policy through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, which will take precedence over the default setting. The tool's restore behavior remains admin-controlled, meaning users will need explicit admin configuration to restore Windows devices.