Windows Backup
Windows Backup backs up files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information to help move items to a new PC.
What Windows Backup is
Windows Backup backs up files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information to help move items to a new PC. It can sync Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive, and backup settings can include accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, and language preferences. During setup of a new or reinstalled Windows PC, 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 the web for an installer. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, and more storage can be purchased. The app is intended for consumer devices using personal Microsoft accounts; work or school accounts do not work with it. Personalization preferences require OneDrive sign-in and available storage. The utility supports Windows 10 and Windows 11, although Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. It is free and supports computer backup, not mobile backup.
Good
- Backs up files, settings, apps, and Wi-Fi information.
- Restores a selected backup during PC setup.
- Syncs common folders to OneDrive.
- Included with Windows at no cost.
Watch out
- Work and school Microsoft accounts are unsupported.
- A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage.
- Personalization backup requires available OneDrive storage.
- Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025.
Who it suits
Windows Backup suits people moving files and settings to another Windows PC with a personal Microsoft account. It is not suitable for work or school accounts, and personalization backup depends on OneDrive storage.
Verdict
Windows Backup can carry selected files and settings into a new Windows setup through a personal Microsoft account and OneDrive. Check the account and storage requirements, especially if backing up personalization preferences.
Plans and prices
From Windows Backup's own pricing page, checked 12 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup | Free | Included with Windows PC · uses OneDrive cloud storage; free Microsoft account includes 5 GB |
The facts
Each one read from Windows Backup's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 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.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- filechecked 19 Sep 2026
- Computer backup
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Edge sync
- Microsoft directs users to sign in to Microsoft Edge and enable sync to keep Edge preferences and favorites organized across devices.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Folder backup
- It can sync Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Mobile backup
- Nochecked 19 Sep 2026
- OneDrive dependency
- Personalization preferences require OneDrive sign-in and available storage, and are not backed up when OneDrive storage is insufficient.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Windows Backup backs up files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information to help move items to a new PC.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Restore
- During setup of a new PC or reinstalled Windows, signing in with the same Microsoft account lets users select a backup to restore.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Restore modes
- filechecked 19 Sep 2026
- Settings backup
- Available backup settings include installed apps, accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, language preferences, and other Windows settings.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Storage
- A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage, and users can purchase more storage if needed.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Storage security
- Microsoft says the Microsoft 365 subscription includes OneDrive ransomware protection for files and photos.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Windows Backup page provides support instructions and links to Microsoft support topics for OneDrive sync problems and backup settings.checked 12 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- 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.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- windowschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Supported Windows versions
- The page applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 and states that Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025.checked 12 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
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