MC1142494 – M365 Change Digest

One-line summary

Windows Backup for Organizations is now generally available, enabling backup and restore of settings and Microsoft Store apps on eligible Windows 10/11 devices for faster recovery and streamlined migrations.

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Details

Body (from Message Center)

Windows Backup for Organizations is now generally available. It provides a simple and secure way to back up and restore settings and the list of Microsoft Store apps on eligible enterprise devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11, version 22H2 and higher. With the capability during the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) to restore a familiar experience on a new device or after a device reset or reimage, users can get back to work faster. And, if you’re still in the process of moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Windows Backup for Organizations can help streamline the transition.

When will this happen:

Windows Backup for Organizations is generally available. Note: The Restore setting is rolling out gradually, so check back in about a week if you don’t see it in your Intune tenant.

How this will affect your organization:

With Windows Backup for Organizations, you’ll help enhance user experience by ensuring backup of settings and apps. You’ll also be able to quickly restore them, providing reduced troubleshooting and enhanced productivity.

What you need to do to prepare:

To begin using the backup functionality of Windows Backup for Organizations, first ensure:

Devices are Microsoft Entra or Microsoft Entra hybrid joined.
Devices are running a supported version of Windows 10, version 22H2 or Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.
Devices have the August 2025 or newer Windows security update.
The backup policy is enabled via mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy.

To restore settings and Microsoft Store apps to the Start menu, ensure:

Devices are Microsoft Entra joined.
Devices are running Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.
Devices are preprovisioned with at least the August 2025 Windows security update prior to users going through out-of-box experience (OOBE).

After these qualifications are met, you can configure Backup and Restore policies.

Additional information:

Get started with step-by-step instructions at Windows Backup for Organizations is now available.
Read the official documentation for Windows Backup for Organizations.
Learn more about quality updates with OOBE at Get ready for Windows quality updates out of the box.
Enable backup policies via mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy.

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      "Ensure devices are Entra or Entra hybrid joined",
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    "last_modified": "2025-08-26T17:06:16Z",
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