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Windows Backup

Built-in backup and recovery for Windows

As of 30 August 2026, Windows Backup is free to use. Windows Backup provides built-in data protection for Windows 10 and 11. Softwr lists it under Backup. Windows Backup is made by Microsoft Corporation, launched in 1975, available on Windows.

Overview

What Windows Backup does

Windows Backup provides built-in data protection for Windows 10 and 11. It includes File History for continuous file backup, system image backup, and integration with OneDrive for cloud backup of important folders.

What people use it for

  • Moving folders, settings and app list to a new Windows PC
  • Basic personal file backup for a Windows home user

The honest half

Where it falls short

Concrete and checkable, so you can decide whether any of them matter to you. This is the half of a review a vendor will not write about Windows Backup.

  • Folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
  • It requires signing in with a Microsoft account rather than a local Windows account
  • Personalization preferences are not backed up if OneDrive storage is insufficient
  • OneDrive folder syncing through Windows Backup is not available for work or school accounts, and Windows does not remember apps for those accounts
  • Device settings sync for a work or school account only if the organization allows it

Cross-shopped

What people choose instead of Windows Backup

Each pairing was judged by two reviewers asking whether a buyer would genuinely weigh the two against each other. The ones that failed were deleted rather than published.

Pricing

What Windows Backup costs

Taken from the vendor's own pricing page. Prices move, so check before you buy.

Built-in

Free

  • File History
  • System image
  • OneDrive sync

Capabilities

Features

  • File History

  • System image backup

  • OneDrive integration

  • System restore points

  • Reset this PC

  • Recovery drive

  • OneDrive

    Integration with OneDrive

  • Windows Server

    Integration with Windows Server

  • Network shares

    Integration with Network shares

  • Windows support

    Available on windows

Answered, with sources

Questions people ask

Each answer names the page it came from, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.

How much cloud storage do I get with Windows Backup?

Your Microsoft account includes 5 GB of free OneDrive cloud storage. "More storage is available to purchase if you need it" for users requiring additional capacity.

Source
What types of Microsoft accounts are supported by Windows Backup?

Windows Backup works exclusively with personal Microsoft accounts (such as those ending in @outlook.com or @live.com). The service explicitly does not support work or school accounts at this time.

Source
Can I restore my backup to a different PC?

Yes. When setting up a new device, simply sign in with the same Microsoft account used to create the original backup. "If you have more than one PC backed up, you can select More options and select the backup you wish to restore from."

Source
How do I delete my backed-up data if I no longer want it stored?

Visit your Microsoft Account Devices page, locate the Cloud synced settings section at the bottom, and select 'Clear stored settings' to delete previously backed-up data from your account.

Source
Which folders and settings can I choose to back up?

You can selectively back up Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders, plus settings including apps, accessibility, accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, personalization, and language preferences.

Source

Behind it

Who makes Windows Backup

Company
Microsoft Corporation
Based in
Redmond, Washington
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    Free, then $70/yr5 researched notes

Softwr does not host reviews and shows no star rating for Windows Backup, because a rating we did not collect is not ours to publish. What is here is the pricing and platform detail from the vendor’s own pages, limitations we could state concretely, and alternatives a reviewer confirmed people weigh against it. Tell us if any of it is wrong.

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