Microsoft is enhancing Windows recovery with two new tools: point-in-time restore and cloud rebuild. Unveiled at Microsoft's Ignite event, these features will be available through Microsoft Intune in early 2026, targeting organizations and businesses.
Recovery Features Explained
Point-in-time restore allows administrators to revert Windows systems to a previous state. This feature handles unrecoverable problems by restoring Windows, apps, settings, and files to a previous snapshot, addressing update issues and conflicts.
Cloud rebuild provides an option to reinstall Windows from the cloud. Administrators can choose the desired Windows version and language through an online portal, initiating a clean reinstall that integrates with OneDrive for file restoration.
Designed for Managed Environments
These tools cater to organizations using Microsoft Intune for system management. They automate recovery, enabling IT teams to quickly resolve system issues and reduce downtime in managed environments. While individual users have similar existing tools, these features are tailored for more robust institutional use.
Timeline and Initiative
Both point-in-time restore and cloud rebuild will launch in early 2026 as part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative. This initiative aims to improve system recovery and prevent issues like boot-up failures and driver conflicts. Future development includes tools like Quick Memory Repair (QMR) and improved driver resilience.
