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

What Happens When You Back Up?

Windows Backup copies core files, like photos and documents, alongside preferences such as wallpaper and Wi-Fi 📶 passwords to a secure location.

Step 1Get Your Microsoft Account All Set

Cloud storage through Windows Backup requires an active 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 protects core folders by syncing them directly to OneDrive (cloud-based file storage).

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 preserve preferences like wallpaper and Wi-Fi passwords so a replacement computer feels familiar immediately.

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!

Completing the initial setup secures files and settings, allowing access from any computer through Microsoft account credentials.

Backup status checks run anytime via the Windows Backup app or Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. The application details active protection states and secured items.

References:

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

Summary

This guide covered Windows Backup configuration in Windows 11 to safeguard files and settings via OneDrive and a Microsoft account.