Exciting news! Windows Backup for Organizations is expanding to include a new restore experience at first sign-in. In early 2026, Windows 11 users will be able to restore their Windows settings and Microsoft Store apps at the very first sign-in. Even on Microsoft Entra hybrid joined, multi-user setups, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Learn more and sign up to preview it today.
What's new in Windows Backup for Organizations?
Windows Backup for Organizations enables you to streamline your transition to the latest version of Windows by securely preserving Windows settings, the list of installed Microsoft Store apps, and Start menu pins. Whether part of a device refresh strategy or migration away from Windows 10 (now out of support), Windows Backup for Organizations is all about helping get users productive faster after a reset or reimage.
A new first sign-in restore experience (currently in private preview) is part of our ongoing commitment to resilience and productivity. Users signed in with a Microsoft Entra ID on eligible devices get a “second chance” to restore their environment if they missed the option during the out-of-box experience (OOBE).
Note: If users deliberately choose to skip the restore opportunity during OOBE, their preference will be respected.
With first sign-in restore, your users get back to work faster, with their preferred settings and Microsoft Store app list ready to go.
Key benefits of offering restore at first sign-in
You've already been able to help keep users productive when moving to a new PC or restoring after an incident—at scale. With a first sign-in restore experience, you benefit from:
- Broader coverage: Safely restore more devices, including Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, multi-user setups, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs.
- Same seamless experience: Restore Windows settings and the Microsoft Store app list at first sign-in, as you would during OOBE, minimizing downtime and accelerating productivity.
- Continued focus on user-centric recovery: Even if users miss the opportunity to restore during OOBE by accident or due to a technical issue, they can still get their personalized environment at first sign-in. No more starting from scratch.
Learn more and help shape what's next
If you're new to Windows Backup for Organizations, you can familiarize yourself with this feature by reading the following articles:
Look out for this new capability in early 2026. In the meantime, if you're interested in testing it early, consider joining the private preview! Complete an interest form, which can also be accessed by scanning the QR code below. The form and the opportunity to sign up will remain open through Friday, February 13, 2026.
To be eligible for the preview you need to be part of the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program and have a signed non-disclosure agreement (NDA). If you're not a current member of the program, sign up today.
We're excited to bring you this expansion. Your feedback continues to be invaluable as we shape the future of Windows Backup for Organizations and roll out exciting new features. Thank you for partnering with us to make Windows even better!
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