Summary
- Microsoft is releasing PowerShell scripts to view, export, and delete Windows settings backup data and device profiles.
- The scripts are intended for authorized IT, helpdesk, security, and compliance administrators and require appropriate Microsoft 365 admin permissions and admin consent.
- This provides a simpler alternative to using Microsoft Graph beta APIs for Windows settings backup governance, retention, export, and deletion scenarios.
- Deleting a user’s backup data is permanent and irreversible, so procedures and approvals should be reviewed before use.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1458268
Primary Service: Windows
Admin Impact: Medium
User Impact: Low
Release Start: 20 Aug 2026
Release End: 20 Aug 2026
Last Modified: August 21, 2026
Category: Message Center
Tags: New feature, Admin impact
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: Windows
History
8/20/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
You can now use PowerShell scripts to manage Windows settings backup data and profiles. View and export backup data and device profiles or delete a user’s backup data for governance, retention, and support scenarios. Note: Deleting a user’s backup data is permanent and irreversible. The scripts provide a simpler alternative to working directly with Microsoft Graph beta APIs.
The scripts are intended for authorized IT, helpdesk, security, and compliance administrators. Appropriate Microsoft 365 administrator permissions and admin consent are required.
Rollout schedule
The scripts are already available on GitHub and the PowerShell Gallery.
Impact on your organization
Windows settings backup and restore (formerly known as Windows Backup for Organizations) is an enterprise-grade feature designed to streamline device transitions by securely deleting backup data or profiles or preserving user settings and Microsoft Store app configurations. The scripts provide a simpler alternative to working directly with Microsoft Graph beta APIs.
Action required/recommendations
Before using the scripts, review your organization’s backup governance, retention, export, and deletion procedures. Access the scripts on GitHub or using the PowerShell Gallery.
Compliance considerations
The scripts can export and delete organizational backup information. Before using them, review administrator permissions, consent, data handling, retention, deletion, audit, and least-privilege requirements as appropriate for your organization.