How to Back up and restore with Windows Backup in Windows 11

What Happens When You Back Up?

Windows Backup copies your important files, like photos and documents, and your settings, such as wallpaper and Wi-Fi passwords, to a safe place.

Step 1Get Your Microsoft Account All Set

Using Windows Backup to save your files and settings to the cloud relies on your Microsoft account.

Here’s how to check or switch to a Microsoft account:

1. Open ⚙️ the Settings app. You can do this by clicking the ⊞ Start button and then selecting the gear icon, or by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. In ⚙️ the Settings window, click on Accounts in the left-hand sidebar.
3. Select Your info from the main Accounts panel.
4. Look for an option that says “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.” If you see this, click it and follow the prompts. You’ll need your Microsoft account email and password.

Step 2Back Up Your Most Important Folders

Windows Backup makes it simple to back up your most important folders by syncing them to OneDrive, keeping your files safe.

Let’s get those folders protected:

1. Click the ⊞ Start button.
2. Type “Windows Backup” into 🔍 the search bar and select Windows Backup from the results.
3. In the Windows Backup app, you’ll see a section for Folders. Click to expand it.
4. You’ll see a list of common user folders: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. For each folder you want to back up, simply toggle the switch next to it to the On position.

Step 3Saving Your Settings and Preferences

Windows Backup settings let you save preferences like your wallpaper and 📶 Wi-Fi passwords, so a new computer feels familiar right away.

Here are the kinds of settings you can back up:

• Installed apps: Windows can remember which apps you had installed, making it quicker to set up a new machine.
• Accessibility settings: This includes things like your display settings, text size, and other options that make your PC easier to use.
• Accounts, 📶 Wi-Fi network and passwords: Your saved 📶 Wi-Fi networks and passwords can be backed up.
• Personalization: This is where the magic happens for your look and feel! It includes your wallpaper, accent colors, themes, and the layout of your ⊞ Start menu.
• Language preferences and dictionary: Your chosen language settings and any custom words you’ve added to your dictionary.
• Other ⚙️ Windows settings: This can include a range of other system settings that help tailor Windows to your liking.

To back these up:

1. In the Windows Backup app (or via Settings > Accounts > Windows backup), find the section for Settings.
2. Expand each category of settings you want to back up.
3. Toggle the switch to On for each setting you wish to protect.
4. Once you’ve selected all the folders and settings you want to back up, click the Back up now button. Windows will then start the process of saving everything to your Microsoft account.

Step 4Sit Back and Relax – You’re All Set!

Once setup is complete, your files and settings are safely backed up and accessible from any computer by signing in with your Microsoft account.

You can check the status of your backup anytime by opening the Windows Backup app or by going to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. The app shows the current state of your backup and what’s been protected.

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/back-up-and-restore-with-windows-backup

Summary

This guide explained how to use Windows Backup in Windows 11 to protect your files and settings by syncing them to OneDrive using your Microsoft account.