Microsoft turns on Windows settings backup by default for eligible organizations

Microsoft has enabled Windows settings backup by default on eligible enterprise devices upgraded to Windows 11, version 26H2. The change took effect after the update’s release on September 29.

The feature backs up and restores enterprise users’ Windows settings after a device is reset, replaced, upgraded or reimaged. It was introduced as an opt-in feature at the Ignite conference in November 2024, reached public preview in May 2025 and became generally available in August 2025.

The new default applies to Microsoft Entra-joined and Microsoft Entra hybrid-joined devices only when administrators have not explicitly set the backup policy. Existing enable or disable settings remain in force. Microsoft says restore behavior is unchanged and remains under administrator control; restoring a device is not enabled by default.

The default applies only to devices running Windows 11, version 26H2, outside countries or regions regulated by the EU Digital Markets Act and outside sovereign or restricted cloud environments. Administrators retain control through mobile device management solutions, including Microsoft Intune and Group Policy, which take precedence over the default.