Microsoft has unveiled the Windows Backup for Organizations, a feature designed to assist in the seamless migration of settings across Windows devices. Despite initial assumptions, this tool is not equipped to handle full-scale disaster recovery or the saving of individual data files.
Focusing on Settings and App Restoration
The Windows Backup tool is tailored primarily for backing up and restoring Windows 10 and 11 settings. It enables the restoration of Microsoft Store apps, reflecting these on the user's Start Menu. Migrations can occur from Windows 10 22H2 or Windows 11 22H2, restricted to being restored only to Windows 11 22H2 and later versions. This specificity requires organizations to carefully consider their device upgrade paths and the compatibility of the backup tool with their current systems.
However, this feature stops short of imaging disks or preserving user files, which poses limitations for those expecting a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solution. User files are notably absent from the backup process, rendering this tool unsuitable for protecting personal data.
Opt-in Feature with Enterprise Connectivity
Deployment of Windows Backup is conditional, requiring opt-in via Mobile Device Management (MDM) or Group Policy. Once enabled, the backup task is set to run automatically every eight days unless manually activated. This periodic backup scheduling ensures that settings and apps remain consistently updated, providing a smoother transition process for users during device migrations.
The backup capability is exclusive to devices that are joined to Microsoft Entra, specifically supporting Entra‑joined or Entra Hybrid‑joined hardware. Crucially, only Entra‑joined devices can restore settings and Microsoft Store apps, a factor that organizations must manage carefully within their IT infrastructure.
Limitations and Intended Use
One significant limitation lies in the scope of data preservation; the backup does not cover user files. Instead, backup data is stored within the enterprise tenant, highlighting the feature’s focus on enterprise-level control and management.
Restoration is designed to be executed during the Out‑Of‑Box Experience (OOBE), when a user first signs into a device. This streamlines the process for new device setups but does not currently support alternative restoration methods.
The tool doesn't facilitate cross-tenant migration or support Cloud PCs, underscoring its limitations to specific organizational contexts. Microsoft presents Windows Backup as a strategic tool to ease migration workloads, reduce user disruption, and promote smoother transitions between devices. However, it is explicit that this feature does not replace a full backup system or disaster recovery plan, both vital for comprehensive data protection strategies.
