How does the new backup feature work in Windows 11?
The backup options available to you in Windows have evolved over time. The old options provide the ability to create a full copy of your Windows PC or back up multiple folders, but the new options have moved to cloud backup.
However, Microsoft is testing an official app to create and manage backups.
Instead of manually copying each file or creating a huge system image, you can manage backups of most personal data on your Windows PC in one app. Wondering how this app works and what data can it backup? Let's figure it out through the following article!
What is the new Windows Backup app?
Windows 11 already has a backup partition in the Settings app that offers the option to save all your device preferences, remember apps and settings, and store all your personal files in OneDrive. The Windows Backup app combines all these options in one store in the form of a single app. So users will easily choose what to backup without opening the Settings app.
After you back up all the necessary files and settings, you can restore them using the OOBE experience page. It appears after you sign in to your Microsoft account during the installation or reset of your Windows computer..
How to use a backup application for Windows
The Windows Backup app was previously available on Canary and Dev Insider channels. But now it's also available for Beta. You must update to internal version 22631.2262 to access the Windows Backup app if your computer is enrolled in the Dev channel. Just check and install the latest Windows update on your computer.
To get started, you must sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account. If you're currently using a local account, convert your local account to a Microsoft Windows account before you continue.
You also need to sync OneDrive to work on your computer. Learn how to link OneDrive to your Microsoft account for more information.
You can check the status of all these features in the Backup section of the Settings app. Once you're done, follow these steps:
1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu. Type Windows Backup and press Enter to start the application.
2. You will see 4 options: Folders, Apps, Settings and Credentials.
3. Click on the arrow icon next to the Folders option. Enable the conversion of all folders that you want to select for backup.
4. You can then select the type of settings, credentials, and apps to backup using the remaining options listed in the app.
5. Finally, click the Backup button to start the process. It will take some time for all files and settings to load.
6. Click the "Close" button to exit the application.
The backup process is complete. When you reset your computer or install Windows on a new computer, you can import this backup at the same time. The setup page will ask you to sign in to your account during Windows 11 installation.
After logging in, you will see the option to recover data from your old computer. If you use your Microsoft account on other computers and have enabled backup, you'll also see the option to restore data from those devices. Complete device setup and then log on to your computer
You'll see all the icons of pinned apps in the Start menu and taskbar, and you can click on the icons to restore the app. Windows will direct you to the official website to download and install apps that are not available in the Microsoft Store. You can also restore all store apps by launching the Microsoft Store app and selecting the Restore All option.
Compare the Windows Backup app with previous backup options
The Windows Backup app relies on cloud storage to store all your data. It's best to access files via OneDrive and restore all your personal settings and apps.
Older backup options don't provide this feature. You can create a complete system image and back up all files, but this requires a separate external hard drive.
Similarly, a file history is great for backing up personal files and maintaining multiple versions of files. However, you won't be able to restore apps and settings using File History. Therefore, the cloud backup method is a great way to back up all your files, settings, and preferences on a regular basis.
However, you may have to upgrade to paid OneDrive if your personal files take up too much space. Another thing to note is that restoring Microsoft Store apps is very easy, but all third-party software will still be missing from the image. After restoring the data, you will have to install all these apps manually.