Microsoft Launches New Windows Backup Tool to Streamline Enterprise Upgrades to Windows 11

Microsoft has launched a new Windows Backup tool in public preview, tailored specifically for businesses. This enterprise-focused solution allows administrators to seamlessly back up and restore user settings across Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, ensuring smoother transitions and minimal disruptions.

Key benefits of the new Windows Backup feature

Microsoft first introduced the Windows Backup for Organizations feature in November 2024. This tool is designed to ensure a smooth transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and it preserves user settings for a familiar experience. It helps reduce downtime and boost productivity by quickly restoring personalized configurations. This feature helps administrators confidently reset devices, knowing users can easily recover their environments.

“With Windows 10 reaching its end of support on October 14, 2025 (excluding certain LTSC editions), this new feature can simplify your transition to Windows 11. Whether you’re planning a large-scale upgrade or simply looking to enhance your organization’s device continuity strategy, this capability helps reduce migration overhead, minimize user disruption, and strengthen device resilience against incidents,” Microsoft explained.

Requirements to access the public preview

To access the preview of the new Windows Backup tool, organizations must meet a few key requirements. Devices should be running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and must be Microsoft Entra joined (formerly Azure AD). Additionally, the organization needs an active Microsoft Intune test tenant, and the user setting up the feature must have Intune service administrator permissions.

Organizations must also be enrolled in the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program (CCP) to qualify for the public preview. If you’re not yet enrolled, you can join by simply filling out this registration form.

Windows 10 end of support: What organizations need to know

Microsoft is reminding customers that Windows 10 will reach its end of support deadline on October 14. Organizations planning to keep using Windows 10 will need to pay for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. The cost is $61 per device for the first year through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program. The price doubles each subsequent year, meaning it would be $122 for the second year and $244 for the third year. This pricing structure encourages organizations to plan a timely migration to Windows 11.

Microsoft is also offering a limited-time 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers. The company says that Windows 10 PCs connected to Windows 365 will continue to receive critical security updates beyond October 2025.