How to get started with the Windows Backup app on Windows 11 version 23H2
Windows 11 has a new backup application, and here’s how to configure it to back up and restore all of your stuff.
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As part of theWindows 11 2023 Update (23H2), Microsoft is introducing the “Windows Backup” app. The idea is to make available another way to help users protect their data in the cloud while at the same time helping developers increase customer retention when switching devices by making it easier for users to restore their applications.
The Windows Backup app is available through the Start menu, and it allows you to configure a backup for your files, settings, credentials, and apps to yourOneDriveaccount. Although the app is new, the ability to back up your data to the cloud is not, since users have been able to access these features from the “Windows Backup” page in the Settings app for a long time.
In fact, if you already have the features turned on in the Settings app, in the Windows Backup app, they will be labeled as “Backed up.”
Thishow-to guidewill teach you the steps to get started with the new Windows Backup app rolling out with Windows 11 version 23H2.
How to configure new backup app on Windows 11
To back up your files, settings, apps, and credentials from Windows 11 to the cloud, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the system will upload your profile folders to your OneDrive account in the root folder, where you can access your files anytime from anywhere.
The Windows Backup will also create an inventory of your applications, including those from the Microsoft Store and those you installed outside the Store (such as legacy Win32 apps). This process will also record their places in the Start menu and Taskbar.
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It’s interesting to note that from the app, you can only choose to back up the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, while from the Settings app, you can choose to upload the Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders.
How to restore data from backup on Windows 11
Unlike traditional backup solutions, the Windows Backup app is not meant to perform a complete system restoration. The app doesn’t even have an interface to restore a specific file, setting, app, or credential. Instead, you would access your files directly from OneDrive, and for everything else, you only have the option to restore them during the initial setup process.
To restore your data created with the Windows Backup app during the Out-of-box Experience, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the system will complete the setup, restoring your files, settings, credentials, and apps in the new installation.
Once on the desktop, the files will be available through Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, but from the OneDrive location through File Explorer. The apps will appear in the Start and the same location in the Taskbar, but they won’t be installed on the computer. Instead, when you click the app, Windows 11 will install it on demand from the Microsoft Store. In the case of non-Microsoft Store apps, when trying to open an app, you’ll be directed to the website where you can download the installer.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
