Microsoft’s New Windows Backup Tool

In August 2025, Microsoft unveiled Windows Backup for Organizations, a feature tailored to assist businesses in managing device transitions and user settings. This tool enables organizations to back up Windows 10 or Windows 11 settings and restore them on Microsoft Entra-joined devices, facilitating smoother migrations and device resets. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)

Key Features and Benefits

Windows Backup for Organizations offers several advantages:

• Reduced Troubleshooting: Organizations can confidently reset devices, knowing that users can quickly recover their settings and preferences.

• Seamless User Experience: The tool ensures a smooth transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by restoring saved backups, minimizing user disruption.

• Enhanced Productivity: By restoring user settings and Microsoft Store apps, the tool helps users resume work faster, reducing downtime. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)

Protect your data with the self-healing storage solution that technical experts trust.

System Requirements

To utilize Windows Backup for Organizations, devices must meet specific criteria:

• Backup Functionality: Devices should be Microsoft Entra-joined or Microsoft Entra-hybrid joined, running supported versions of Windows 10 or Windows 11. (learn.microsoft.com)

• Restore Functionality: Devices must be Microsoft Entra-joined, running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, and have at least one backup profile. (learn.microsoft.com)

Integration with Microsoft Intune

Administrators can enable Windows Backup for Organizations through Microsoft Intune, streamlining device management. By configuring backup and restore policies within Intune, organizations can ensure consistent user experiences across devices. (learn.microsoft.com)

Considerations and Limitations

While the tool offers significant benefits, there are considerations to keep in mind:

• Availability: Windows Backup for Organizations is currently available for Microsoft Entra-joined devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11. Organizations interested in testing the tool during the public preview phase need to sign up and have an active Microsoft Intune test tenant. (247it.services)

• Restore Functionality: The restore feature is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. (learn.microsoft.com)

• Data Residency and Compliance: Organizations should consider data residency and compliance requirements, as backup data resides in Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. (windowsforum.com)

Conclusion

Windows Backup for Organizations represents a strategic move by Microsoft to simplify device management and enhance user experience during transitions. By securely backing up and restoring user settings and Microsoft Store apps, organizations can ensure continuity and productivity, especially during migrations to Windows 11. As businesses prepare for the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, this tool offers a valuable solution to facilitate smoother transitions and maintain operational efficiency.

References

• Microsoft releases Windows Backup for Organizations to ease migration of user settings to Windows 11 – Computerworld

• Windows Backup for Organizations is now available – Windows IT Pro Blog

• Enable Windows Backup for Organizations in Microsoft Intune – Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn

• Windows Backup for Organizations overview | Microsoft Learn