Windows settings backup policy is becoming a new default

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 MDM solutions. Rollout schedule 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.  Impact on 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 isn’t enabled by default. Users can still turn off backup through the Windows Backup app or Windows settings page. Action required 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 […]

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