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Windows Backup

support.microsoft.com

Free plan Windows
Visit support.microsoft.com
Spec score 7.9 #26 of 52 in SD card recovery software

What it is

Windows Backup is a file backup and restore utility included with Windows PCs. It can back up files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information to help move items to a new PC. Users can sync Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive, and choose settings such as accessibility, accounts, personalization, and language preferences. During setup of a new PC or reinstalled Windows, signing in with the same Microsoft account lets users choose a backup to restore. Microsoft Store apps can be restored from their pins; apps not available in the Store link to a web download. The app is intended for personal Microsoft accounts, not work or school accounts. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, and more can be purchased. Personalization preferences require OneDrive sign-in and available storage. Windows Backup supports Windows 10 and Windows 11; Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. The plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Windows Backup backs up files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information to help move items to a new PC.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Supported platforms
windowsRead 19 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Support
The Windows Backup page provides support instructions and links to Microsoft support topics for OneDrive sync problems and backup settings.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Account requirement
The Windows Backup app is focused on consumer devices using personal Microsoft accounts; work or school Microsoft accounts do not work with the app.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
App restore limits
Microsoft Store apps can be restored by selecting their pins, while apps unavailable in the Store link users to the web to download the installer.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Backup scope
fileRead 19 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Computer backup
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Edge sync
Microsoft directs users to sign in to Microsoft Edge and enable sync to keep Edge preferences and favorites organized across devices.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Folder backup
It can sync Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Mobile backup
NoRead 19 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com
OneDrive dependency
Personalization preferences require OneDrive sign-in and available storage, and are not backed up when OneDrive storage is insufficient.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Restore
During setup of a new PC or reinstalled Windows, signing in with the same Microsoft account lets users select a backup to restore.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Restore modes
fileRead 19 Sep 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Settings backup
Available backup settings include installed apps, accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, language preferences, and other Windows settings.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Storage
A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage, and users can purchase more storage if needed.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
Storage security
Microsoft says the Microsoft 365 subscription includes OneDrive ransomware protection for files and photos.Read 12 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
Supported Windows versions
The page applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 and states that Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025.Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Plans and prices

Windows Backup Free Included with Windows PC · uses OneDrive cloud storage; free Microsoft account includes 5 GB Read 12 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com

Every Windows Backup plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Backs up files, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information.
  • Syncs five named folders to OneDrive.
  • Restores from a backup during PC setup.
  • Supports internal and removable recovery sources.

Limits

  • Mobile backup is not supported.
  • A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage.
  • Personalization backup needs available OneDrive storage.
  • Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025.

Who it suits

It suits Windows users moving to a new PC or reinstalling Windows who want to restore files and settings with a personal Microsoft account. It is not intended for work or school accounts.

Verdict

Windows Backup combines file restoration with transfer of selected settings and app information to a new Windows PC. Its OneDrive storage and personal-account requirements are important constraints to consider.

Where Specifiction places it

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