How to Toggle ‘Remember My Preferences’ in Windows Backup
- 9 steps
- Needs administrator rights
The “Remember My Preferences” setting in Windows Backup saves your custom backup choices so you do not have to pick them again. It controls whether options like your specific folder selections stick automatically when you run a backup. These steps are written for Windows 11, where the setting sits in the Settings app. Windows 10 organizes its sync and backup options differently, so the screens may not match what is described here.
Windows keeps these choices saved by default to save time during setup. You can check or change this setting directly inside the backup app whenever you want more control over how your files get saved. No restart is needed either way.
Open Settings, go to Accounts, select Windows Backup, then switch Remember my preferences On or Off. The change takes effect immediately with no restart or save step. This setting is for Windows 11 and needs a Microsoft account; a local account or a work or school policy can grey the switch out.
What is Windows Backup?
Windows Backup preserves crucial files, folders, and system configurations in the cloud. Because the data lives in your Microsoft account rather than on the PC, you can restore it on another machine later.
Why Toggle ‘Remember My Preferences’?
Windows backup preferences let your saved choices stick around when you switch computers so you do not have to set up everything again. Turning on this option saves you time by keeping your personal settings in place across your devices without redoing the manual configuration every time.
If you share a PC or want a clean setup on a new machine, you may prefer to turn it off. The steps below show where the switch is.
How to Toggle ‘Remember My Preferences’
You also need to be signed in with a Microsoft account, because Windows Backup stores everything in the cloud. If you use a local account, the Windows Backup page may be missing or its options may not work. On a work or school PC, your organization’s policies can hide the page or grey out the toggle. In that case, ask your IT department.
Step 1Open the Settings App
- Click the Start menu and select Settings, or press Win+I.
- Check that the Settings window opens, with a list of categories down the left side.
Step 2Go to Accounts
- In the Settings window, find the Accounts tab in the left-hand sidebar and click it.
- Check that the right-hand pane now shows your account name and a list of account-related pages.
Step 3Select Windows Backup
- Select Windows Backup to open the cloud synchronization settings.
This page lets Windows Backup save your files and settings securely, so your data is available across multiple devices. If you do not see Windows Backup in the list, check that you are signed in with a Microsoft account and that Windows is up to date.
Step 4Find ‘Remember My Preferences’
- On the Windows Backup page, look for the toggle labeled Remember my preferences.
- If you only see a heading, expand that section to reveal the toggle and the list of what it covers.
Step 5Toggle the Switch
- Click the switch next to Remember my preferences to turn it On or Off.
- Check that the switch now shows the state you chose. Changes take effect immediately, so you do not need to restart or click a save button.
To undo the change, click the same switch again. If the switch is greyed out, the cause is usually a work or school policy or a local account.
What Gets Backed Up?
Enabling Remember my preferences makes Windows back up and sync these settings:
- Accessibility settings
- Accounts and passwords
- Personalization options (wallpaper, colors)
- Language preferences
- Other Windows settings
Restoration and Troubleshooting
New PCs apply these backed-up preferences automatically during setup, skipping the need for manual reconfiguration. This happens when you sign in with the same Microsoft account and choose to restore from a backup during the first-run setup.
Summary
The Remember my preferences feature in Windows Backup maintains consistent settings across any computer you use. Leave it on if you want a new PC to feel familiar from the first sign-in. Turn it off if you would rather start fresh or keep your settings separate on each device.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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