Microsoft Enables Windows Settings Backup by Default in Windows 11 version 26H2

Microsoft is changing how Windows device recovery works in enterprise environments by enabling Windows settings backup by default on eligible Windows 11 version 26H2 devices. This feature, which was previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, automatically saves users’ Windows settings and Microsoft Store app lists. This makes it easier to restore a familiar experience after a device reset, replacement, or reimage.

Microsoft positions this change as a new “resilience baseline” designed to reduce disruption when devices need recovery or replacement. The company argues that many organizations never explicitly configured backup settings, which left users vulnerable to losing personalized configurations during hardware refreshes or recovery scenarios.

Windows 11 version 26H2 enables settings backup by default

Microsoft is shifting the backup policy from opt-in to default-on to ensure more devices have recovery data available before problems occur within organizations. Microsoft’s testing showed that this approach reduces manual setup work and helps employees transition more smoothly between devices.

“This update makes settings backup a baseline resiliency capability. 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 explained.

Administrators retain control over device restores

However, Microsoft is not fully automating the recovery process. Backups will be enabled by default on eligible devices, but the restore capability remains under administrator control and must still be explicitly configured. This change also does not override existing policies. Organizations that have already enabled or disabled the feature via Microsoft Intune, Group Policy, or another MDM solution will retain those settings.

Microsoft has highlighted some important limitations. The default-on behavior applies only to Windows 11 version 26H2 or later, devices with the backup policy left in a “Not Configured” state, and environments outside regions covered by the EU Digital Markets Act. Moreover, sovereign and restricted cloud environments are excluded. Administrators can still disable the feature if it does not align with their organization’s requirements.