Windows Backup Explained: What It Backs Up to OneDrive, Setup Steps and Restoring on a New PC
Note: Some future links on this site may be affiliate links. We never claim hands-on testing; guides are researched from the public sources listed in each article.
How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of Microsoft Support's Back up and restore with Windows Backup article (Windows 11 and Windows 10), checked October 29, 2026.
Windows Backup is the built-in app for backing up your files, settings and app list to your Microsoft account and OneDrive. Its main job is making a new or reset PC feel like your old one.
Before you start: two limits
- It needs a personal Microsoft account. Microsoft says the app is focused on consumer devices. Work or school accounts won't work. If you use a local account, go to Settings → Accounts → Your info → Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
- Free OneDrive storage is 5 GB. Folder backup syncs your folders to OneDrive, so large photo or video libraries can need more storage (sold separately).
Set it up
- Start → type backup → open Windows Backup.
- Expand Folders and switch on the ones you want: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music.
- Choose settings to remember:
- Installed apps
- Accessibility
- Accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords
- Personalization (needs OneDrive space)
- Language preferences and dictionary
- Other Windows settings
- Select Back up.
To check or change it later, go to Settings → Accounts → Windows backup. If OneDrive shows an error, you may not be signed in or may be out of storage.
Restore on a new PC
During setup, sign in with the same Microsoft account. Windows detects your backup and offers to restore it (More options lets you pick between PCs).
- App pins return where you left them. Store apps reinstall when you select the pin. Other apps link to their download page.
- Files are available any time by signing in to OneDrive.
- Edge favorites and settings come back through Edge's own sync.
Is this enough on its own?
Folder backup is really sync: if you delete or overwrite a file, OneDrive mirrors the change. For a home office, keep at least one separate copy too, such as an external drive, following the 3-2-1 rule.
Still on Windows 10? Microsoft notes that free security updates ended October 14, 2025. See Windows 10 end-of-support options. On a Mac, see Time Machine.