Microsoft makes Windows settings backup automatic for enterprise devices on 26H2

Microsoft has switched on Windows settings backup and restore as a default feature across all enterprise devices connected to Microsoft Entra or running Microsoft Entra hybrid joins that have been upgraded to Windows 11 26H2.

The tool—previously called Windows Backup for Organizations—preserves and recovers enterprise user settings when devices undergo reset, replacement, upgrade, or reimaging operations.

The capability was first shown at the Ignite conference in November 2024 as an optional feature that remained off by default. It transitioned to public preview in May 2025 and became generally available in August 2025.

Following an announcement in July, Microsoft activated the Windows settings backup policy by default for qualifying devices starting with the September 29 release of Windows 11, version 26H2.

If user devices ever enter recovery, you don't have to guess whether their Windows settings have a backup. With this feature on by default, users are more likely to have their settings and Microsoft Store app list available to restore after a device reset, replacement, or upgrade

Microsoft, in a Wednesday message center update

Microsoft clarified that the automatic enablement only takes effect when administrators have not already set an explicit policy. Any existing configurations—whether enabling or disabling the feature—will be respected. The restore functionality itself remains unchanged and continues to require administrator authorization.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5-NDM91Q7E

The new default applies only if admins haven't explicitly configured the policy. We honor any existing explicit enable or disable setting. Restore behavior is unchanged and remains admin-controlled.

Microsoft

The automatic backup default applies exclusively to Windows 11 26H2 devices in regions not subject to EU Digital Markets Act requirements, outside sovereign or restricted cloud deployments, and where the backup policy has not been previously configured.

Restore operations will not activate automatically by default; administrators must explicitly enable restore capabilities on Windows devices.

On systems where backup is enabled by default, IT administrators maintain complete oversight through mobile device management solutions. Policies configured in Microsoft Intune or Group Policy will override the default setting.