Microsoft is expanding the recovery options for the business version of the Windows Backup app. Apps and settings can be restored upon initial login.
Windows 11 users will soon be able to restore their settings and Microsoft Store apps upon initial login on a new or reconfigured device. Microsoft is expanding the functionality of Windows Backup for Organizations with this new recovery experience, announced in a blog.
Windows Backup allows you to easily create a copy of your PC to transfer it to a new device. Since last summer, there has also been a business version. Microsoft hoped this would speed up the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11. In our guide, we show you step by step how the app works.
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Restore after OOBE
The expansion offers an additional option for users who did not perform a restore during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Thanks to the new feature, they can still restore their previous Windows settings and Microsoft Store apps upon initial login. This also applies to hybrid Microsoft Entra environments, multi-user setups, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs.
Windows Backup for Organizations was designed to simplify migrations to a new Windows version or device replacements. The tool saves settings, apps, and shortcuts, so users can get back to work faster. The new recovery option upon initial login reinforces that goal and provides a solution for those who missed the earlier recovery moment.
Preview available
The feature is currently in private preview. Organizations that want to test can sign up via the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program. The registration period runs until February 13, 2026.