The Windows Backup app helps move your familiar files, settings, app list, and preferences to a new PC or a reset Windows installation. It ties the backup to your Microsoft account and uses OneDrive for selected folders.
This guide applies to Windows 11 and recent Windows 10 versions. It requires a Microsoft account, internet access, and enough OneDrive storage for the folders you choose.
Does This Affect You?
Use Windows Backup when preparing for a new PC, a reset, or routine cloud-backed protection for common folders. It is not a full disk image and it does not back up every file on every drive.
Set Up Windows Backup
- Click Start, search for Windows Backup, and open the app.
- Confirm the Microsoft account shown at the top is the account you want to use.
- Expand Folders and turn on backup for Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and any other offered folders you want synced through OneDrive.
- Under Apps, enable Remember my apps so Windows saves an app list for later restore.
- Under Settings, enable Remember my preferences for items such as Wi-Fi passwords, accessibility settings, and personalization choices.
- Click Back up now if backup does not start automatically. The first upload can take time if the selected folders are large.
Restore on a New or Reset PC
- During the first-time Windows setup, sign in with the same Microsoft account used for the backup.
- When Windows offers a restore option, choose the backup from the old PC.
- Select the pieces you want restored if Windows lets you choose files, apps, and settings separately.
- Continue setup. Windows restores settings and begins reinstalling supported apps in the background after you reach the desktop.
- Let OneDrive finish syncing before assuming all selected folder files are available locally.
Windows Backup Notes
OneDrive Storage Matters
Folder backup counts against your OneDrive quota. If selected folders are larger than your available storage, backup can stall. Check Windows Backup, OneDrive, or Settings > Accounts > Windows backup for storage warnings.
It Does Not Back Up Everything
Windows Backup does not automatically protect folders outside the selected set, separate data drives, or a full restorable image of Windows. Keep separate local or image backups for those needs.
Compare It with File History and System Restore
File History saves versioned file copies to an external or network location. System Restore rolls system files and installed apps back to a restore point. Windows Backup is closer to a new-PC migration and cloud folder backup tool.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Back up your Windows PC
- Microsoft Support: Restore your files with Windows Backup
- Microsoft Support: Differences between Windows Backup, File History, and System Restore