MC1217951 – Windows Backup for Organizations expands to first sign-in restore

Product:

Entra, Windows, Windows 365

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Preview the expanded Windows Backup for Organizations experience! In early 2026, if users miss the restore option during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) by accident or due to a technical issue, they can still restore at first sign-in. Windows Backup for Organizations helps preserve Windows settings, the list of installed Microsoft Store apps, and the Start menu pins. And now, even more devices can take advantage of this capability, including Microsoft Entra hybrid joined, multi-user setups, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs.

When will this happen:
The opportunity to sign up for private preview is open now and until February 13, 2026.
First sign-in restore will become generally available in early 2026.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2026-01-15

updated:
2026-01-15

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
If the change is implemented without proper preparation, users may face difficulties in restoring their settings and applications during the first sign-in, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-backup-for-organizations-expands-to-first-sign-in-restore/4485140

Increased Support Requests
The lack of preparation for the new first sign-in restore feature may result in a surge of support requests from users who encounter issues, overwhelming IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, System Administrators
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-backup-for-organizations-expands-to-first-sign-in-restore/4485140

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're moving into a new house, and you've carefully packed all your belongings into boxes. As you start unpacking, you realize you missed a box with some essential items. In the past, you might have had to go without those items for a while, but now, you have a way to retrieve that box right when you need it, even after you've settled in. This is similar to what the new Windows Backup for Organizations feature offers.

Previously, when setting up a new Windows device, there was a one-time opportunity to restore your settings and apps during the initial setup, known as the out-of-box experience (OOBE). If you missed this chance, you had to manually set everything up again. With the upcoming update, even if you miss this initial restore option, you can still restore your settings and apps the first time you sign in. This is like finding that missing box of essentials right when you need it, ensuring a smoother transition to your new setup.

This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations using various setups, such as Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, multi-user environments, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. It helps ensure that employees can quickly get back to work with all their familiar settings and applications, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

The opportunity to preview this feature is available now, with general availability expected in early 2026. Organizations interested in testing this feature can sign up for the private preview, provided they are part of the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program. This ensures that they can provide feedback and be among the first to benefit from this enhanced backup and restore capability.