How to get started with the Windows Backup app on Windows 11 version 23H2

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Windows 11 has a new backup application, and here's how to configure it to back up and restore all of your stuff.

Windows Backup app
Windows Backup app (Image credit: Future)
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As part of the Windows 11 2023 Update (23H2) , Microsoft is introducing the "Windows Backup" app. The idea is to make available another way to help users protect their data in the cloud while at the same time helping developers increase customer retention when switching devices by making it easier for users to restore their applications.

The Windows Backup app is available through the Start menu, and it allows you to configure a backup for your files, settings, credentials, and apps to your OneDrive account. Although the app is new, the ability to back up your data to the cloud is not, since users have been able to access these features from the "Windows Backup" page in the Settings app for a long time. 

In fact, if you already have the features turned on in the Settings app, in the Windows Backup app, they will be labeled as "Backed up."

This how-to guide will teach you the steps to get started with the new Windows Backup app rolling out with Windows 11 version 23H2.

How to configure new backup app on Windows 11

To back up your files, settings, apps, and credentials from Windows 11 to the cloud, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Windows Backup and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Click the Folders setting.
  4. Turn on the Folders toggle switch to back up your profile folders to the cloud, including Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Quick note: If the setting reads "Backed up," the data is already backed up to the cloud because you configured the settings in the "Windows Backup" settings page.
  1. Click the Apps setting.
  2. Turn on the "Quick access apps on any Windows device" toggle switch.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click on Settings.
  2. Turn on the settings to include in the backup, such as accessibility, language preferences and dictionary, personalization, and other settings.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Quick tip: Usually, you want to back up all of your settings.
  1. Click the Credentials setting.
  2. Turn on the "Wi-Fi networks & passwords" toggle switch.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Back up button.
  2. Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will upload your profile folders to your OneDrive account in the root folder, where you can access your files anytime from anywhere.

The Windows Backup will also create an inventory of your applications, including those from the Microsoft Store and those you installed outside the Store (such as legacy Win32 apps). This process will also record their places in the Start menu and Taskbar. 

It's interesting to note that from the app, you can only choose to back up the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, while from the Settings app, you can choose to upload the Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders.

How to restore data from backup on Windows 11

Unlike traditional backup solutions, the Windows Backup app is not meant to perform a complete system restoration. The app doesn't even have an interface to restore a specific file, setting, app, or credential. Instead, you would access your files directly from OneDrive, and for everything else, you only have the option to restore them during the initial setup process.

To restore your data created with the Windows Backup app during the Out-of-box Experience, use these steps:

  1. Choose the region that applies to you.
  2. Click the Yes button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Select the keyboard language that applies to you.
  2. Click the Yes button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Skip button.
  2. Confirm a name for the device (if applicable). 
  3. Click the Next button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Choose the "Set up for personal use" option. 

(Image credit: Future)
  • Quick note: This option is only available through the Windows 11 Pro setup.
  1. Click the Sign in button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Confirm your Microsoft account.
  2. Click the Next button.
  3. Under the "Restore from your PC backup" section, click the "Restore from this PC" button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Continue with on-screen directions to complete the setup.

After you complete the steps, the system will complete the setup, restoring your files, settings, credentials, and apps in the new installation.

Once on the desktop, the files will be available through Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, but from the OneDrive location through File Explorer. The apps will appear in the Start and the same location in the Taskbar, but they won't be installed on the computer. Instead, when you click the app, Windows 11 will install it on demand from the Microsoft Store. In the case of non-Microsoft Store apps, when trying to open an app, you'll be directed to the website where you can download the installer.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • DontBeEvil10
    They took ages to "introduce" something windows 8 had since day0
    Reply
  • ScottS
    I'm not seeing how this would be better than using imaging services, ie. Acronis, or even the still built-in backup & restore scheduled process available in the CP.

    1) In this new process, are settings for non-MS Store apps restored once the app is downloaded and installed, or are those settings needed to be reset?

    2) Are OS settings restored such as changed location for Documents? If I changed the Documents folder to reside on another drive, will those settings be restored?
    Reply