Windows Backup & Restore (Preview) — Simplify Device Recovery with Intune

Modern endpoint management is not only about securing devices but also ensuring business continuity when users switch or replace their Windows devices. Microsoft recently introduced Windows Backup & Restore (preview), a feature designed to improve the user experience during enrollment by allowing users to restore their settings, apps, and preferences from a backup created on another Windows device.

When combined with Microsoft Intune, this feature streamlines provisioning scenarios, reduces IT intervention, and helps end-users return to productivity faster.

This feature does not include data backup, it includes backup of installed apps, settings, and Windows preferences.

Prerequisites

• Microsoft M365 Business Premium licence or above (E3, E5…etc.)
• Windows 11, version 22H2 or later
• Devices must be Azure AD joined or Hybrid Azure AD joined
• Backup must be enabled in Settings Catalog in Intune

Key Benefits

• Seamless User Experience: Users can choose to restore apps, personalization, and system settings from a previously enrolled device.
• Reduced IT Overhead: Eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration or app deployment assistance.
• Faster Device Provisioning: During Autopilot or enrollment, end-users can quickly restore their environment.

Configure Windows Backup & Restore from Intune

Step 1 – Enable the Restore Page in Intune Enrollment page

This setting defines whether users will see the restore page when setting up a new device.

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center
2. Navigate to:
   Devices → Enrollment → Windows → Windows Backup and Restore (preview)
3. Under Show restore page, set the value to On
4. Click Save

This ensures that during device setup, users are prompted to restore from an existing backup.

Step 2 – Configure Windows Backup Policy in Intune

Enabling the restore page alone is not enough. You must configure a Windows Backup policy to define what data and settings are backed up.

1. In the Intune admin center, go to:
   Devices → Configuration profiles → Create profile
2. Select:
   • Platform : Windows 10 and later
   • Profile type : Settings catalog

• Give a name to your Policy then click Next

1. Search for Windows Backup in the catalog.
2. Configure the following backup options:
   • App list backup → Enabled (saves installed apps from Microsoft Store and Intune Company Portal)
   • Personalization backup → Enabled (saves taskbar, Start menu, and system preferences)
   • Settings backup → Enabled (restores system settings such as Wi-Fi, language, etc.)

1. Assign the policy to specific group or All Users as your company needs.

1. Review → Create.

User Experience

After Intune policy is applied, you can see from this windows that all Apps and preferences are backuped :

After a Windows reset or Autopilot, you can restore all your apps and preferences from this windows :

Best Practices

• Pilot First : Test with a small group of users before rolling out to production.
• Combine with Autopilot : Deliver a near “zero-touch” experience with Windows Autopilot + Backup Restore.
• Educate End-Users : Provide guidance so users know what to expect during the setup experience.
• Monitor Reports : Track backup/restore adoption using Intune reporting to validate success rates.

Known issues

• This feature isn’t supported in Government cloud or 21Vianet.
• This feature doesn’t work for shared or userless devices.
• The restore feature isn’t supported with the following provisioning methods :
  • Hybrid Azure AD Join
  • Workplace Join
  • Self-deployment mode
  • Windows Autopilot for pre-provisioned devices
  • Windows Autopilot reset flow
  • Manual enrollment through the Windows Settings app
  • Enrollment via Group Policy
  • Enrollment via Configuration Manager co-management

Conclusion

Windows Backup & Restore in Intune is a powerful feature that enhances user productivity, reduces IT support requests, and ensures smoother device transitions. By enabling the restore page and configuring backup policies in Intune, organizations can deliver a modern, cloud-based recovery experience for Windows devices.

As this feature is still in preview, keep monitoring Microsoft’s documentation and release notes for changes before deploying it at scale.

Read more

• Enable Windows Backup for Organizations in Microsoft Intune – Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn
• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-and-restore-with-windows-backup-87a81f8a-78fa-456e-b521-ac0560e32338
• Windows Backup for Organizations is now available – Windows IT Pro Blog

Thanks