**Microsoft** has announced a significant change in the default behavior of its Windows settings backup and restore tool. Starting with **Windows 11, version 26H2**, the feature will be enabled by default on **Microsoft Entra**-joined or **Microsoft Entra** hybrid-joined enterprise systems. ### Evolving the Enterprise Backup Tool Previously known as **Windows Backup for Organizations**, this tool plays a crucial role in backing up and restoring enterprise users' Windows settings. This is particularly valuable after a device reset, replacement, upgrade, or reimaging, streamlining the user setup process. Unveiled at the **Microsoft Ignite** conference in November 2024 as an opt-in feature, the tool reached public preview in May 2025 and general availability in August 2025. Until now, IT administrators had to explicitly enable it by configuring backup and restore policy settings after installing the September 2025 Windows Monthly Cumulative Update on Entra-joined devices. ### Default-On for Enhanced Resilience "Starting with Windows 11, version 26H2, the default behavior of the Windows settings backup policy will shift from disabled to enabled," Microsoft stated in a message center update. This change is designed to improve device resilience and user continuity. It's important to note that this default-on behavior applies only to eligible devices where administrators haven't explicitly configured the policy. Explicit enablement or disablement settings will always take precedence. ### Scope and Control This default-on behavior will be limited to devices running **Windows 11 26H2** in regions not regulated by the **EU Digital Markets Act (DMA)**, and not in sovereign or restricted cloud environments. Furthermore, it only applies when the backup policy hasn't been explicitly configured by an administrator. IT administrators will retain full control over the backup policy via mobile device management (MDM) solutions. Admins can explicitly disable the backup policy through **Microsoft Intune** or Group Policy, overriding the default setting. While the backup policy will be default-on, the restore behavior will not. Users will still require explicit administrator configuration to restore Windows devices, ensuring a controlled recovery process. ### Early Validation and Rollout **Microsoft** product manager **Miranda Leschke** confirmed, "You can validate the experience early. The default-on behavior is available with Windows 11, version 26H2 in Windows Insider Program Experimental channel starting July 2026." The broad effect for eligible devices will commence with the general availability of **Windows 11, version 26H2** later this year. Devices initially running **Windows 11, version 26H1** will receive the same default-on treatment with their subsequent feature update.