On managed Windows devices, backing up settings to the public cloud will soon be enabled by default. But not within the European Union.
Backups possible on Windows 10; restoration only on Windows 11
The backup of Windows settings on managed devices has been available since August 2025. It covers most preferences (sound, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connections, multi-monitor layout, Start menu, etc.) as well as Microsoft Store apps. The whole collection is stored in the organization’s Microsoft 365 tenant.
The shift to a “default” regime (EU-excluded) will occur with Windows 11 26H2. A feature update will also trigger it on Windows 11 26H1. It will apply to backups; not to restoration. And on devices where a policy has already been defined, that policy will continue to apply.
Automatic backups run every eight days. They can be activated starting with Windows 10/11 22H2 Enterprise, Education and Pro with Entra Cloud Join or hybrid join.*
There are two restore points available: the initial configuration (from Windows 11 22H2 on devices with Entra Cloud Join) and the first sign-in (from Windows 11 24H2, in Cloud Join or hybrid).
For further reading:
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* Cloud Join only for Windows Pro devices.
