Summary
Starting with Windows 11 version 26H2 (second half of 2026), the Windows settings backup policy will default to enabled on eligible devices unless explicitly configured otherwise. Restore remains admin-controlled and off by default. Organizations should review and configure backup and restore policies as needed before deployment.
Microsoft Message
Starting with Windows 11, version 26H2, the default behavior of the Windows settings backup policy will shift from disabled to enabled. Default-on applies only to eligible devices and only when you haven’t explicitly set the policy. Explicit enablement and disablement settings are always honored. Restore behavior is unchanged: it remains admin-controlled and isn’t enabled by default.
This change makes backup a baseline resilience capability, so you can restore users’ apps, settings, and Microsoft Store app list easier after a device reset, replacement, or upgrade. You keep full control through Microsoft Intune, Group Policy, or other device management solutions.
When this will happen
- This change is currently available for preview via Windows Insider Program (Experimental channel).
- The default-on behavior takes effect when Windows 11, version 26H2 reaches general availability in the second half of 2026.
- Devices originally running Windows 11, version 26H1 will receive the same default-on treatment starting with the following feature update.
How this will affect your organization
Default-on applies only to devices that meet all of the following criteria:
- Running Windows 11, version 26H2 or later
- In countries or regions not regulated by the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA)
- With the backup policy in a Not Configured state under Windows settings backup and restore
Devices with an explicitly configured backup policy—enabled or disabled—are unaffected. Restore behavior remains admin-controlled and is not enabled by default. Users can still turn off backup through the Windows Backup app or Windows settings page.
What to do to prepare
Review your current backup policy state ahead of Windows 11, version 26H2 deployment and decide your intended behavior:
- To use backup (recommended): No action required. The default takes effect for eligible devices.
- To opt out: Explicitly disable the backup policy through Microsoft Intune, Group Policy, or your mobile device management (MDM) provider. If you explicitly disable the policy, your setting takes precedence over the default.
- To enable the restore behavior: Configure the restore policy separately. Default-on for backup doesn’t enable the restore behavior.
No action is required if your organization is in a DMA region, in a sovereign or restricted cloud environment, or if you have already explicitly configured the backup policy.
Additional information:
- Windows Message center announcement (MC1418203)
- Windows settings backup becoming a new resilience baseline
- Windows Backup for Organizations overview (Microsoft Learn)
- How to configure backup and restore policies in Microsoft Intune
- Windows Insider BlogWindows
- Insider release notes