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Windows Backup
What it is
Windows Backup is a Windows utility for backing up files and selected settings to help move items to a new PC. It can sync Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive, and save settings such as installed apps, accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, and language preferences. When setting up a new PC or reinstalling Windows, sign in with the same Microsoft account to choose a backup to restore. Microsoft Store apps can be restored from their pins; for apps not in the Store, Windows Backup links to a web download. The free plan is included with a Windows PC and uses OneDrive cloud storage; a free Microsoft account includes 5 GB, with more storage available for purchase. The app is for personal Microsoft accounts, not work or school accounts. Personalization backup also requires OneDrive sign-in and sufficient storage. It supports Windows 10 and 11, though Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. Edge preferences and favorites require Edge sync.
For and against
For
- Syncs five named folders to OneDrive
- Backs up selected Windows settings
- Restores from a backup during setup
- Free plan included with Windows PC
Against
- Work and school Microsoft accounts are unsupported
- Free Microsoft accounts include 5 GB of OneDrive storage
- Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025
- Personalization backup needs sufficient OneDrive storage
The verdict
Windows Backup covers files and a range of Windows settings for personal-account users setting up another PC. Check OneDrive storage and account eligibility before relying on it for a restore.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users moving to a new PC or reinstalling Windows who want to restore files and selected settings. It is intended for people using personal Microsoft accounts.
Plans and prices
Windows Backup
Included with Windows PC · uses OneDrive cloud storage; free Microsoft account includes 5 GB
Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
On the record
- Account requirement
- The Windows Backup app is focused on consumer devices using personal Microsoft accounts; work or school Microsoft accounts do not work with the app.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- App restore limits
- Microsoft Store apps can be restored by selecting their pins, while apps unavailable in the Store link users to the web to download the installer.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- filesupport.microsoft.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Computer backup
- Yessupport.microsoft.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Edge sync
- Microsoft directs users to sign in to Microsoft Edge and enable sync to keep Edge preferences and favorites organized across devices.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Folder backup
- It can sync Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Mobile backup
- Nosupport.microsoft.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- OneDrive dependency
- Personalization preferences require OneDrive sign-in and available storage, and are not backed up when OneDrive storage is insufficient.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Windows Backup backs up files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information to help move items to a new PC.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Restore
- During setup of a new PC or reinstalled Windows, signing in with the same Microsoft account lets users select a backup to restore.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Restore modes
- filesupport.microsoft.com · read 19 Sep 2026
- Settings backup
- Available backup settings include installed apps, accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, language preferences, and other Windows settings.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Storage
- A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage, and users can purchase more storage if needed.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Storage security
- Microsoft says the Microsoft 365 subscription includes OneDrive ransomware protection for files and photos.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Windows Backup page provides support instructions and links to Microsoft support topics for OneDrive sync problems and backup settings.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Supported Windows versions
- The page applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 and states that Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
