How to Configure Windows Backup for Organizations with Intune
Windows Backup for Organizations is Microsoft’s new cloud-based solution that saves user settings, Microsoft Store app data, and Start menu layouts across Windows devices. It helps IT admins simplify device migrations, upgrades, and re-provisioning by automatically restoring user environments when users sign in to a new device.
🧩 What Windows Backup for Organizations Does
Windows Backup ensures that personalization settings, installed Microsoft Store apps, and pinned layouts follow users wherever they sign in.
It backs up:
- System and personalization settings (language, wallpaper, keyboard layouts, theme, accessibility).
- Microsoft Store apps and layout preferences.
- Start menu and pinned taskbar apps for consistent experiences across devices.
⚠️ Note: It does not back up files or folders. For documents and files, configure OneDrive Known Folder Move (KFM) to sync Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.
This combination—Windows Backup + OneDrive KFM—provides complete user experience continuity for modern, cloud-first organizations.
⚙️ Prerequisites
Before configuring Windows Backup in Intune, ensure the following requirements are met.
✅ Device and Join Type
- Microsoft Entra Join (Azure AD) → Required for both backup and restore.
- Hybrid Join → Can back up but cannot restore.
✅ OS Version
- Windows 10: Version 22H2 (Build 19045.6216 or higher).
- Windows 11: Versions 22H2, 23H2, or 24H2 supported.
- Restore support: Requires Windows 11 build 22621.3958+.
✅ Service Requirements
- Microsoft Intune Service Release: Must be 2508 or later (August 2025 or newer).
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Configure Windows Backup in Intune
Follow these steps to enable Windows Backup across your managed Windows devices.
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(Insert screenshot of Intune Admin Center → Devices → Configuration profiles → Create profile)
Step 1: Open Intune Admin Center
Go to Devices > Configuration profiles > Create profile.
Step 2: Configure Profile Settings
- Platform: Windows 10 and later
- Profile Type: Settings catalog
Step 3: Search and Configure Backup Setting
- In the Settings Catalog, search for “Windows Backup.”
- Navigate to:
Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Sync your settings - Set Enable Windows Backup to Enabled.
Step 4: Assign the Profile
- Assign the configuration to the required device or user groups.
- Save and deploy.
Once applied, devices begin syncing user settings and app data to Microsoft’s backup service automatically.
🌐 Enable Restore Tenant-Wide
To allow users to restore their settings during setup (OOBE):
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(Insert screenshot of Intune Admin Center → Devices > Enrollment > Windows Backup and Restore → Show restore page toggle)
- In Intune, go to
Devices > Enrollment > Windows Backup and Restore. - Turn Show restore page On.
This enables a Restore from Backup prompt during device enrollment (Autopilot or Device Preparation).
The restore page only appears if backup data exists for that user in the cloud.
💻 End-User Experience
When a user sets up a new or reset device:
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(Insert screenshot of “Restore from Backup” page during Windows 11 OOBE)
- During OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience), they see a “Restore from Backup” page.
- They can choose an existing backup or start fresh.
- Once setup completes, Windows automatically restores:
- Store apps and layouts.
- System and personalization settings.
- Accessibility and regional preferences.
Restoration happens silently in the background—users can work right away while settings continue syncing.
🎯 Why Organizations Should Enable This
Windows Backup for Organizations brings several practical benefits:
1. Simplifies Device Migrations
Moves settings to new hardware or Windows 11 upgrades seamlessly.
2. Reduces IT Workload
No more manual transfers or troubleshooting lost settings.
3. Improves User Productivity
Users get their familiar layout and settings instantly.
4. Supports Cloud-First Management
Works hand-in-hand with Entra Join and Intune device policies.
5. Replaces Legacy Tools
Eliminates USMT (User State Migration Tool) when combined with OneDrive KFM.
✅ Summary
Windows Backup for Organizations with Intune is a modern, cloud-native way to protect and restore user settings and app data. It streamlines migrations, reduces downtime, and improves user satisfaction—all without additional tools.
Formula:
Windows Backup + Intune + OneDrive KFM = Seamless device setup experience.
